On Friday, November 21, the Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA) of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held a historic gathering as the Electoral Commission of the newly established PGSA conducted its first official press conference in preparation for the inaugural PGSA election.
The conference, chaired by Sulaimon Suberu Waheed (JEGA), Chairman of the Electoral Commission, included members of the commission, aspirants, observers, representatives from various student bodies, and members of the press. Notable attendees included General Secretary Ajayi Oluwafemi (Fm Castro), Public Relations Officer Quaderi Wahab (Oluwa-Phobia), and Financial Secretary Oyewo Esther.
Electoral Timeline and Process
In his opening address, Waheed outlined the careful processes that have guided the formation of the PGSA and its electoral activities, emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, and student involvement.
He announced that the ban on political activities was officially lifted on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking the commencement of campaign activities and the sale of nomination forms. The initial deadline for form sales was set for Friday, November 6, 2025, but was extended to Monday, November 7, to allow aspirants to meet departmental and faculty verification requirements.
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After the submission of forms, the Electoral Commission held the first round of candidate screenings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Due to the absence of some aspirants, a second screening session took place on Friday, November 21, the same day as the press conference. Waheed noted that this extension aimed to ensure fairness and inclusion for all candidates, highlighting that both virtual and in-person screenings were utilised to accommodate all participants.
Upcoming Manifesto Night and Election Day
Waheed announced that Manifesto and Debate Night, a vital component of the electoral process, will occur on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the PG Lecture Theatre (PGLT). This event will be hosted by the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU, whom the chairman praised for their dedication to promoting campus democracy.
The PGSA Election Day is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Postgraduate College. Voting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. The Electoral Commission urged all postgraduate students to participate actively in ‘shaping the leadership that will protect their academic and welfare interests.’
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Parliamentary Elections and Transition Plans
In addition to the executive elections, the elections for the Postgraduate Parliamentary Council, which will appoint the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, and Chief Whip, are set for Thursday, November 27, 2025, also at the Postgraduate College.
The Commission indicated that details regarding leadership retreats and the official swearing-in ceremony for the elected executives and parliamentary leaders will be announced later due to logistical considerations.
During the Q&A session, journalists inquired about the candidate disqualification criteria and the screening outcomes. Waheed responded that the screening process was still ongoing:
‘We have not completed the screening process to the point of final disqualification. Once it is finished, we will release the official list of cleared candidates for all positions.’ He reiterated that transparency is a fundamental value of the Commission, assuring stakeholders that all candidates meeting the requirements would be cleared.
The Electoral Commission outlined the executive and parliamentary positions being contested, which include: President, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Director of Welfare, Director of Sports, Director of Social Affairs, and Members of the Parliamentary Council (Honourables).
In closing, the Chairman urged all postgraduate students to take an active role in the electoral process, stating: ‘Just as Martin Luther King Jr. emphasised the dignity of responsibility, we must uphold fairness, truth, and collective participation. Democracy thrives when everyone takes part.’