Adjei Vows to Foster Transparency and Unity as AUCC’s New SRC President

By Alex Asare

Universities cannot thrive without students, as they largely contribute to the academic enterprise. The role of students taking up active leadership positions in their university communities underscores the belief that, students are capable of steering their affairs by taking a stake in policies and decision-making processes to advocate for their fellows.

The African University College of Communications (AUCC) over 20 years of its existence has seen uniquely diverse student leadership systems which have shaped the direction and development of the school community.

Proposer Ablorde Adjei is the latest to join the league of the AUCC SRC Presidency. The level 400 Strategic Communications student was elected Saturday, where he pulled over 444 votes, representing 59.2% as against his opponent, Abraham Edward Kojo AIdoo who got 306 votes, representing 40.8%.

“Winning the SRC President position for 2023 is an incredible honor from being a former Vice President.  I’m deeply grateful to the students who placed their trust in me,” said the president-elect.

Asked what students should expect from the SRC during his tenure, President Adjei replied:

“They should expect a transparent, accessible, and proactive SRC. We are committed to addressing their concerns, advocating for their needs, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Our priorities include enhancing student services, promoting unity, and creating opportunities for student involvement and development.”

Adjei’s role comes with increased responsibilities on a broader scope. Students expect that having served as Vice President in the preceding regime, he would have gained valuable experience and insights into the SRC process to understand the needs of the student community.

“Now, as the main leader, I’m committed to using these experiences gained, to drive positive change, enhance communication, and implement initiatives that will hopefully address the concerns and aspirations of our students,” promised Adjei.

Adjei’s opponent in the race, Abraham Edward Kojo Aidoo says he has some misgivings about the outcome of the elections.

“I don’t think the voting system was transparent enough, because lots of people couldn’t vote and there were also discrepancies where a chunk of students were disenfranchised. There were situations where some got feedback message ‘as voted’ but in reality, they had not. The flaws of the electronic voting system were many, which must be addressed for future engagements, moving on.”

L300 Strategic Communication student Doris agrees with Aidoo.

“I wish they return to the old fashion way of voting, as some students like me, were disenfranchised by struggling to vote.”

L300 Journalism student Nadia says she did not vote because she believes it is futile.

“The SRC in AUCC is not visibly seen enough to bring about any significant changes.”

Quizzed on what his thoughts on his opponent’s take of the elections, president-elect Adjei said this is not the time for quibbling.

“I have immense respect for my opponent, and I believe the campaign was a testament to the strength of our democratic process. I only saw a healthy competition, and now is the time I extend an olive branch for us to work together for the betterment of our institution.”

Meanwhile, Samuel Nana Yaw Smith Dadzie, the 2022 AUCC  SRC Presidential aspirant is now the newly elected President of the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS). Dadzie is currently a graduate student studying for a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications at AUCC School of Research and Graduate Studies.

“I feel saddled with bigger responsibilities in my new position as the GUPS President, as I have already started working assiduously towards advocating for the academic, social, and the general welfare of all students of the member institutions, and to also lobby attention for government attention to this agenda,” explained the new GUPS president-elect.

“My involvement with GUPS further demonstrates how passionate I am about democratic change which reflects the ideals of this union on non-partisanship, non-sectarianism, and advocating for national development and socio-economic progress.”

The evolution of student leadership is becoming an invaluable resource to the tertiary educational environments and communities it serves, as student leaders are becoming more result-oriented in pushing for desired changes for their university communities.