"I DIDN'T LOBBY OR ASK FOR IT; IN FACT, I WASN'T EVEN AWARE OF THE APPOINTMENT" – SULE SANI SULE

In recent years, students who strive for good grades often distance themselves from school politics so as not to jeopardize their academic performance. As a result, some students graduate with first-class honors but lack vital skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership strategies. To address this problem, NASSS Editor-in-Chief, Azeez Sulaiman, interviewed Social Sciences Faculty Representative, Sule Sani Sule, after he was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Deputy President of the Senate (NANS) to find out how he attained this position and how it has not affected his academic pursuits.

Nasss Editor-in-chief: Can you tell us about your discipline, academic, and political background?

Sule Sani Sule: My name is Sule Sani Sule, and I am a proud native of Kano State. Currently, I am a final-year Political Science student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. My academic journey has been shaped by a passion for leadership, public service, and youth empowerment, which has guided my efforts both within and outside the university.

My leadership journey began in 2016 when I became the Vice President of the Ambaska Foundation. That same year, I served as the Director of Student Affairs at Yandutse College, where I coordinated student activities and ensured effective academic support systems. In 2018, as President of Minds in the Making, I mentored and inspired young individuals, fostering intellectual growth and community engagement. My tenure as President of the Gama Youth Forum from 2018 to 2019 further allowed me to mobilize youths for impactful community development projects.

Politically, I started at the grassroots, beginning from the ward level and eventually progressing to the national stage. In 2019, I joined the New Media Team of the Shekarau Senatorial Campaign Organization, contributing to the campaign’s digital and strategic communications. During this period, I also served as the Organizing Secretary of the Kano Youth Political Forum (KYPF), playing a significant role in mobilizing young people for political engagement. As Chairman of the KYPF Blueprint Committee, I spearheaded strategic initiatives to address pressing community challenges.

At the university, I have held several leadership roles, starting from my department and faculty. I was elected Faculty Representative, the highest student leadership position in my faculty, and became a member of the Student Representative Council (SRC). This role enabled me to advocate effectively for the welfare and rights of my fellow students. My commitment to student leadership inspired me to contest for the presidency of the SRC, further solidifying my dedication to serving the student body.

Additionally, I have had the privilege of working closely with His Excellency Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State, ex-Minister of Education, and former Nigerian Senator. This invaluable mentorship provided me with exposure to the intricacies of governance and political strategy at the national level.

Merging academics with school politics is a daunting task. As someone who holds many positions and has huge responsibilities in school, how do you navigate these challenges?
Balancing academics with political commitments is no easy feat. It often demands significant sacrifices and extra effort. As a student leader, I receive concerns from students day and night, leaving limited time to focus on my primary assignment—academics.

However, self-awareness and understanding my capabilities have been essential. At times, I only get to study for 15 minutes before an exam, yet, by God’s grace, my results often surpass those of peers who spend much more time studying.

A notable instance was during my tenure as Chair of the Kano State Students Scholarship Committee under the National Association of Kano State Students. Despite studying for just 10 minutes before an exam, I managed to secure a B grade. It’s not an easy balancing act, but with discipline and focus, it is achievable.

How do you view the position given to you?

My recent appointment by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) marks a significant milestone in my activism. I didn’t lobby or ask for it; in fact, I wasn’t even aware of the appointment. I later discovered I was nominated by a comrade at the national level who appreciated my zeal and courage in protecting students' interests.

Wherever I find myself, I strive to effect positive change. At the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), I facilitated a tuition fee waiver for Political Science and International Studies students, amounting to N1,370,000. I also oversaw the renovation of the faculty toilet, which had been a major challenge for students. These achievements were unprecedented in my faculty's history.

As Chairman of the Scholarship Committee under the National Association of Kano State Students, I secured full tuition fees for 659 students—a feat unmatched in the association’s history.

Currently, as Faculty Representative, I have secured 40 student scholarships, despite opposition within faculty politics. This achievement is unparalleled in the history of the Social Science Faculty at Ahmadu Bello University. Additionally, I secured an office for the Faculty Representative, a first in the university's history.

These accomplishments reflect my commitment to creating a meaningful impact. Before concluding my tenure at NANS, I hope to achieve even greater milestones.

What are your long-term goals?

The question of long-term goals weighs heavily on me. Rather than focusing solely on distant aspirations, I am committed to using my current position to positively impact lives. The future is uncertain, and only God knows what lies ahead.

As a Faculty Representative, I know my tenure is temporary. Someone held this position before me, and someone will hold it after me. My focus is to make a difference today, as I may not have the same opportunities tomorrow.

What is your advice for your fellow colleagues who might be intrigued by your political path?

My advice to fellow colleagues interested in political ambitions is to be courageous and ready to accept challenges. Politics can be brutal, and you must be prepared to face obstacles head-on. They should be strong because politics is not for the weak. In fact, they should have a clear understanding of their capabilities and strengths before diving in. Conducting a SWOT analysis can help identify areas where they excel and those that need improvement.

In the same vein, it is essential to maintain independence in politics. View politics as a hobby or an opportunity to help the less privileged, rather than a profit-making activity. Remember, the moment you make politics a job, you risk losing your independence and becoming a "political dog." They should also try to have a business or job that covers their basic needs before joining politics. This will help them maintain independence and avoid being swayed by external influences.