"Conducting SUG Election is the Easiest Task I Can Have" — LASUSTECH Dean Speaks in Exclusive Interview

“Conducting the SUG Election is the Easiest Task I Can Have" — LASUSTECH Dean Speaks in Exclusive Interview

By Habeeb Ibrahim

Dr. Ademola Aderogba, the Dean of Students' Affairs at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), has described the upcoming Student Union Government (SUG) elections as “the easiest task I can have.”

In an exclusive interview, he opened up about the preparations for the elections, the current role of the interim Legislative Students’ Consultative Assembly (LSCA), and addressed the rising tide of misinformation among students, stressing the importance of clarity and informed engagement in university matters.

In a no-holds-barred interview, Dr. Aderogba addressed what he described as "falsehoods spread by students who are misinformed or driven by selfish interests," while affirming that preparations are underway for proper student leadership structures to take form.

LSCA Was a Temporary Measure, Not a Replacement for SUG

Clarifying the status of the current student leadership, he said the LSCA was never designed to replace a democratically elected Students’ Union Government.

“They’ve done well. Let’s give it to them. They are the first set,” he said. “You can't compare them with students from a polytechnic background who already had the experience from ND through to HND2. These ones are just starting.”

Dr. Aderogba explained that the LSCA was introduced to fill a gap temporarily, especially since LASUSTECH transitioned from a polytechnic to a university. He admitted, however, that balancing leadership with academic demands affected the activeness of some LSCA members.

“Academics must come first. Some of them couldn’t keep up. I can't put pressure on them when their studies are at stake,” he said. “That’s why we are planning training for them and other student leaders including departmental presidents, governors, even journalists next semester.”

SUG Elections: A Matter of When, Not If

On the hot topic of SUG elections, Dr. Aderogba was unequivocal: there is no ambiguity about the school’s intention to conduct elections.

“Conducting the SUG election is the smallest assignment I can have. It doesn’t stress me. If I can conduct senate, house of reps, and council elections for staff without issue, how would students’ elections be a problem?” he asked confidently.

He emphasized that while the mode of voting (manual or electronic) would be determined by the management, the goal is to ensure a fair, inclusive process.

“If the facilities for e-election are available and reliable, fine. But if not, manual it is. If we insist on electronic voting without proper infrastructure, we’re only inviting crisis.”

He also noted that participation is voluntary and eligibility will be strictly guided by the school’s requirements.

“We’re not forcing anybody. We’ll release information on the elections, but if you don’t meet the criteria, that’s it. The guidelines must be followed. Transparency is key.”

On Rumours: “Students Are Not the Management”

Reacting to circulating rumours that there would be no SUG in LASUSTECH, Dr. Aderogba was visibly surprised.

“This is my first time hearing that kind of thing. It’s not coming from management. Probably some friends or aspirants who couldn’t meet up with requirements are behind such rumours. If someone is not qualified and starts peddling false narratives, does that make it true?” he queried.

He added that while the university values student representation, it is not mandatory.

“There’s nowhere it’s written that a school must have a Students’ Union. If the school finds a good reason why it shouldn’t exist, it won’t. But for now, we are planning one.”

He cautioned students against relying on unverified platforms for information.

“Don't use WhatsApp broadcasts and gossip as your source. Always wait for official communication.”

Will SUG Be Better Than LSCA? “It Depends on the Individual”

Asked whether a proper SUG would outperform the LSCA, Dr. Aderogba said leadership success depends on character and capability, not the structure.

“Whether it's SUG or LSCA, what matters is who’s in charge. Some people want positions to serve. Others want it for personal gain, to create chaos, so the government can negotiate with them. That’s not leadership.”

He drew comparisons with his own experience as a student leader.

“In our time, we protested for reasons: no water, no light, welfare issues. Now some of them just want popularity. The NANS we knew fought real causes. Today, they go to Abuja for conferences and lobbying. For what? They’ve turned into politicians.”

Leadership Is Responsibility, Not a Title

To those eyeing SUG positions, Dr. Aderogba had strong words of advice.

“Nobody is forcing you to contest. You need to ask yourself: do I have the ability to manage people? Can I withstand pressure? Leadership is not a joke. It’s not about bearing the title of president or secretary. You must be ready.”

He added that student leaders must understand their true role.

“There can't be two governments in a system. You are not a parallel government. You're to assist management, just like class reps and departmental associations help HODs.”

The Real Reasons Behind Some School Rules

Dr. Aderogba also addressed complaints from students about certain dress code policies, like restrictions on earrings, bushy hair, and caps.

“Some students don’t understand why we ban some things. It’s not punishment, it’s protection. In the past, students were lured into cultism just by looking ‘rugged.’ Some were assaulted by strangers who came in disguised. We’ve had cases where caps were used to hide identity.”

He said all decisions were based on the safety and wellbeing of the students.

“LASUSTECH is not trying to make life hard. We're trying to prevent dangers. Let’s not wait till something bad happens before we act.”

What Comes Next?

As the current semester continues, Dr. Aderogba assured that groundwork is being laid for training, electoral sensitization, and eventually, a transition to a full student government.

“Election won’t come until towards the end of the semester. That’s how it’s done. After elections, students write exams. Then the handover follows,” he explained.

Until then, students are encouraged to engage meaningfully, verify information, and prepare themselves if they aspire to lead.