Funmilola Adediji

Considering the protocol of governance in the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies [NASELS], the association’s  congress plays a pivotal role in representing NASELSites’ interests and promoting the inclusivity of all the financial members of the association. The congress, according to the constitution, possesses the supreme authority of the association, and also has the power to conduct a bye-election in cases of vacant post in the executive council. However, the constitutional requirements for a quorum states that at least four members from each level must be present, excluding members of the press, the Executive, and the legislative councils present.

The primary objective of the quorum is to make sure there is an adequate  inclusivity in the governance of the association, as every constituent/level will be equally represented. The quorum requirement therefore ensures that decisions are made with the participation of a majority of the association members, using a simple majority vote for decision-making.

With reference to the last two congress which held virtually, the first congress was to sort out the approval of the newly reviewed constitution then, while the latter which held June, Tuesday 11, 2024 to attend to the association members that were proposed by Team Innovation and Evolution to occupy the vacant position in the executive council.

However, the last congress presided over by the association’s president, Babatunde Adamson, had in attendance members from 100 level constituency to the 400 level constituency. Despite the fact of this seeming turnout the requirements for a quorum to form was not met. As a result of the crucial status of the need for a congress to hold, the president of the association felt something had to be done. Hence, he modified the quorum, using a simple majority vote of the members in attendance in which 8 out of the fourteen members present supported the continuation of the congress. The main purpose for calling the congress was on matters concerning the vacant political positions in the association, and further need for a bye-election.

The constitutional protocol of a quorum requirements for a congress to commence were compromised, as a result of a low turnout in attendance, putting the president in a tight spot. The major issue that led to the call for a congress was that of the vacant positions in the association. Among these vacant posts are that of the financial secretary, and that of the treasurer, which will be no-brainer, a very cumbersome situation for the executive council to handle. And even at times where the association had an elected financial secretary and an appointed treasurer, there were lots of problems. Already, the president of the association is also talking about inherited funds from the out-gone administration. Hence, owing to the perceived pertinence of the congress to continue, the president had to find ways around the constitution. Although the congress had members from across all levels, the total number of members present were 14 members, pressmen inclusive, which made up about one third of what would have been the quorum. With consents from about 8 members of the fourteen in attendance to progress with the congress, the president progressed with the congress. 

Now, with the rate of NASELSites’ attendance of the congress, this most likely points to one thing, and that is NASELSites subtle apathy regarding the political issues in the association. While some members of NASELS are known for negligence and a carefree attitude towards important decisions regarding the association, perhaps, many are ignorant of the influence they wield as members of the association. However, it is also understandable that there are some NASELSites who are genuinely interested in the administration of the association, but who were unable to attend the congress’ due to unforeseen circumstances such as network issues, low battery, data, timing conflict, and many more considering the afterward excuse that came up. 

Finally, a banner of action needs to be hoisted to many NASELSites to be aware of their relevance as a member of the association. Instead of passivity, a cohesive house needs to be formed. Majority have diminished their influence as members with excuses that they are not properly carried along in the decisions taken in administration. Although this is not the first time the issue of brewing apathy in the association will be discussed, it is beginning to become a menacing issue to having a healthy association. For example, if care is not taken, the modification of the conditions to form a quorum by the president will only serve as a subtle introduction to a collapse of the rule of law. The issue of apathy and passivity is having a no so good impact on the student body of the University of Ibadan as whole. Individual members must begin to develop a sense of responsibility towards the association, as it is also a form country building. Until then, the association will find itself struggling with absurd issues that could have been avoided.