By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)
From a young age, I have been deeply fascinated by politics and dreamed of actively participating in it one day. Growing up in Kano State, I listened to political programs on local FM stations and national media, which nurtured my passion and understanding of the political landscape. This enthusiasm carried over into my academic journey at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where I discovered opportunities to channel my political ambitions.
Upon gaining admission to BUK, even before lectures commenced, I visited the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Secretariat with a friend in his second year. At that time, the SUG President, fondly known as Third Man, led a vibrant administration. Observing the activities at the Secretariat left a lasting impression on me. I resolved that, despite the challenges ahead, I would one day participate in student politics.
However, during my first and second years, the school management suspended SUG elections and replaced the union with a caretaker committee (CTC). To stay involved, I joined my local government students’ association and other student unions, which allowed me to gain valuable experience and insights.
In 2023, during my third year, the school management reinstated SUG elections, and I seized the opportunity to run for the position of SUG Departmental Senator. Around the same time, my department, the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA), was preparing for elections. Since the position of Departmental Senator was part of the SUG elections, MACOSA executives decided to conduct a primary election to streamline the process. The winner of the primary would automatically secure an SUG election form.
I was one of three candidates vying for the position, determined to represent my department in the Students’ Representative Assembly (SRA). Financial challenges posed significant hurdles, but I remained optimistic. My campaign strategy focused on building genuine relationships with students across all levels. From my first year, I had shared resources like past question papers, handouts, and PDFs with my name attached, ensuring I was remembered. Additionally, I provided timely updates about school affairs and assisted newcomers in settling into university life. These efforts resonated with students and garnered their support.
The campaign period was intense. While my opponents distributed campaign materials such as hand fans and handouts, which I couldn’t afford, I relied on the unwavering support of my friends and team members. A close friend, Sa’ad Abubakar, even purchased my election form. My campaign team, including Hajara Abdullahi, Benjamin Jacobson, Umar Farouq, Junaidu Shehu, Abubakar Sadeeq Yahaya, Raheela Usman Buhamas, Sani Labaran and Abdulrauf Abdulrazak Rugu Rugu, worked tirelessly to mobilise voters.
The night before the election, we conducted a face-to-face campaign, visiting hostels such as Sa’adu Zungur (Blocks A, B, and C), Yar’Adua Block, El-Kanemi, Dantata, Dangote, and Ramat. We engaged students directly, explaining our vision and soliciting their support. Influential friends like Al-amin Musa Muhammad, Musa Rabiu and the current MACOSA President, Abbas Ynbs, played pivotal roles in reaching key student areas with contribution of Fateemah Dabo, Anas Abbas, Alhassan Alhassan Gidan Kara, Khadijah MakkahSanda, Anwar Usman, Abdullahi Mohammed Abubakar, Uzair Adam Imam, Sadi Sada, Yusuf Aminu Yusuf and Adamu Muhammad Dan Hajiya.
The election results were a testament to the power of grassroots engagement and genuine relationships. I emerged victorious, securing the automatic ticket to represent my department in the 24th SRA. I initiated projects that strengthened our department’s presence in the university’s political landscape during my tenure.
Encouraged by this success, I later contested for the position of Faculty Senator and won unopposed, representing the Faculty of Communication in the 25th SRA. This journey was made possible through the unwavering support of friends like Abubakar Ibrahim Shehu, the President of the Department of Information and Media Studies, and the contributions of Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Yunusa Alkah of Law and distinguished Senator Ahmad Mijinyawa of Computing.
Reflecting on my journey, I attribute my success in student politics to a genuine commitment to helping others and fostering meaningful relationships by prioritising the needs of my peers, sharing knowledge, and maintaining mutual respect.
This experience has fulfilled my dream of participating in politics and equipped me with valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and perseverance—qualities I intend to carry forward into broader political endeavours.
Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) is a Senator Representing the Faculty of Communication 25th Student Representative Assembly SRA-SUG-BUK.