UNN Lifts Ban on Students' Unionism

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has lifted ban on students’ unionism at the Nsukka Campus of the University after nearly three years it was suspended as a result of students violent agitation. Elections have therefore been scheduled to hold into various offices of the Students’ Union Government.

A breakdown of the election time table and guideline signed by the secretary of the University of Nigeria, Electoral Commission, (UNECO) Barrister Innocent Amuzie, indicated that the first phase of the election will be held in different halls of residence, where students are expected to elect their Hall Governors, Deputy Governors, Secretaries, welfare officers, financial secretaries and hall games captains.

According to the time table, collection of nomination papers for the available positions will start on the 27th of November, 2012; names of cleared candidates will be published on the 4th of December, followed by the electioneering campaign and the election on the 5th and 6th of December respectively. Elected officers are billed to be sworn-in on the 12th of December after all appeals and complaints had been treated.

Further, the guideline for the election stated that only candidates with at least cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 in the session immediately preceding the election would be considered while all candidates for the election are expected to submit original copy of an affidavit of non-membership of cult groups.

The second phase of the election, according to the release, would involve elections into the senate, House of Representatives and the Executive Council of the Students’ Union Government. However, the circular indicated that the detailed time table for these elections would be announced in due course.

Inya, Agha E, reporting for SchoolGist.