2013/2014 SUG WEEK: MY OBSERVATION, REACTION AND SUGGESTIONS - CHUKWUEMERIE UDUCHUKWU

The 2013 SUG week made some revelations.
The rate at which many students either boycotted or were unable to
participate in the events showed that there were some critical
weaknesses in the SUG.
During the week, I met so many people at the Garuba Square and lecture
halls reading and relaxing. I asked them why they were not
participating in the event and they told me plainly that they decided
to boycot the event due to the following reasons:
1. They have lost hope in the SUG. Some of them said that their major
problem with the present government is her inability to call the bus
drivers to order. They said that if care is not taken students will
start paying N200 per drop.
2. They were uncomfortable with the timing of the event. It is wrong
to organise such event within exam period and they can't sacrifice
making good results to participate in the SUG week.
3. It is unfair for the event to hold while lectures still hold. Also
some lecturers usually gave quiz without considering the fact that the
students were celebrating their week.
With the above observations, I hereby suggest the following. Below are
also my reactions:
i. The SUG should address the issue of high transport fares because
that is one of the major things students expect from the Union.
ii. The SUG week should be organised before the 3rd week of the second
semester. Organising the event during exams period is not encouraging.
Graduating with good grade is the prime target of every serious
student.
iii. The SUG should meet with the Dean of Sudents' affairs and request
that he should advicelecturers on behalf of the Union on the need to
grant students lectures free week during the SUG week inorder to
encourage all students to participate.
Finally, thanks to all the Executive members of the Students' Union
Government of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka for making the event a
reality.