By Olamide Iwala & Precious Orunduyi
Comrade Salami Akeem, popularly known as Ologbon, is the 22nd Students’ Union President of Adekunle Ajasin University and the first AAUASU President in history with a first-class degree. He holds a degree in Library and Information Science. In this interview, he reflects on his journey and the principles that shaped his academic and political success.
When did you first develop the ambition to run for the position of SUG President?
I started nursing this ambition right from my 100-level because I know that commitment transforms vision into reality.
What were the things you did that helped you stay focused on becoming a first-class graduate?
Before you can acquire the topmost peak of your career, you have to start from scratch, and I started with commitment, dedication and determination. Because I know that it is the engine that can definitely bring out the best in me. I already know that one of my major purposes of coming to this school is my academic activities, and I stayed focused while in 100L. Before having the ambition of contesting as the SUG president, I had already made up my mind, and I believed that I would be able to graduate as a first-class student. I took it upon myself to have mentors, and this is part of my advice to junior colleagues.
Whatever you do in your engagement and dedication, you need to get yourself mentors in all facets of life. My colleagues have been the ones serving as mentors to me because we read together.
Were there times you slacked in studying?
There were times I slacked in studying. I am a human, and the position of responsibilities and service is not something you can take lightly. I slacked, especially when I was in the 400L semester, when it was just two to three weeks to the election. Then, I took it upon myself to move from one class to another. My course mates can bear witness that I couldn’t attend classes, but if I couldn’t achieve what I had to achieve within that short period, I wouldn’t be able to achieve it again.
You made history. How do you feel about becoming the first-class graduating SUG President?
I feel fulfilled being the First first-class graduating student. It is not easy. I am the 22nd SUG President, and I did my research. I got to know how difficult it will be to combine academic activities and unionism. Unionism is a service to humanity. It is a service without profit, and you have to be committed to it and ready without being forced. I am encouraging junior ones to prioritise their academics in whatever they do.
Was there a time you felt like giving up everything?
I felt like giving up, not once but many times, especially in politics, because of the pressure coming from opponents and their supporters. I contested alongside 4 contestants, even right in my faculty, I had a female opponent, which is one of the greatest challenges I faced because it is not easy to contest with a lady for the same position. The reason is that of sympathy, and whenever a lady brings up the emotional strength, it can definitely weaken any guy contesting against her, so it becomes a very difficult task.
Let’s talk about your name- OLOGBON. I guess now we know what it means. How did you come about the name?
I have always wanted to represent anything about myself. The name is not just an accident, but what I portray. It is about my image, my contributions to societal policy or discussion. Ologbon is a name that resonates with vision, mission and quality representation. It does not limit my capacity to only politics; it is also extended to academics, and graduating with a first class is evidence of the name.
So, what next? Considering your academic and political career?
In life, you have to see beyond the moment; it is impossible to end my political career as a SUG president because it is just the starting point.
The fire is still in me, the vision, the mission! I have done my best in the level of Student Union Governance, and I will definitely extend it to real political life.
How were you able to balance being the president and being a first-class student?
Anything you do, you need to be prayerful and have mentors; there is no way you can grow outside your mentors. You need knowledge, and by doing that, you are helping yourself to grow better. In all areas of my life, I have mentors, and they are the ones pushing me. Respect your schedule; if you are able to do that, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
Should we say we would see OLOGBON running for HoA, governorship or even Nigeria’s president tomorrow?
Tomorrow belongs to those who believe in it, and tomorrow belongs to God. As a human being, I am optimistic that life is still taking me to greater places.
What is your advice to upcoming SUG presidential contestants?
My advice is very simple and straightforward. I advise that they start as early as possible. Anything you have in mind, pursue it. Like I rightly said, commitment is one of the things that will make you a greater person in life, be focused, and whatever you are doing, don’t be desperate, work towards the necessity. Be prayerful, watch over what you believe in and work on the necessary things to achieve your dreams.
What do you want to say to AAUA students?
AAUA, my school, I want them to know that it can only get better if everyone contributes to the upliftment of the school. It can not get better in a day; it is a gradual process. Ensure you represent the image of the university as a student, don’t destroy the image of the university and work towards the betterment of the institution.
This is the first established institution in Ondo State, and we should definitely represent it well. Academically, in sports and in other things, we are always the best. Just two days ago, we were part of the spelling bee organised by the JCCE Ondo axis, and we won the prize of 300,000. I want you to see AAUA as a place that will add value and morale to you; it is a centre of excellence and a place that builds character.
