I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. - Ralph Nader
On the 15th of Mach, 2020, I was elected as the Executive President of the Nigeria Association of Computing Students Kwara State University Chapter (NACOS KWASU) to advance the amazing structure sketched by my predecessor Afolabi Uthman Opaleye, who laid a solid foundation in exposing students to a wide range of opportunities outside the four walls of the university.
The Genesis
I was admitted to Kwara State University in August 2017 to study Computer Science as a major. When I arrived on campus, I discovered that I was automatically a member of a group called NACOSS (Nigeria Association of Computer Science Students), which was later renamed NACOS (Nigeria Association of Computing Students). Numerous innovative events were organized to improve and expose students to technical skills, in which I participated in almost every event; as a result of my availability in every event organized, I developed a bond with the department's Executives. I started to progress technically, but it was slow until I joined the Google Developer Students' Club in school, where I grew at a breakneck pace with the support of my mentors. When I saw that few students in my department were less interested in learning technical skills, I grew dissatisfied and began seeking ways to persuade them of the need of being technically oriented.
I recognized a desire to help other students grow and develop while also giving back to the community, but I couldn't do that if I wasn't in the correct position to do so. I talked to my colleagues about it and was urged to get involved in student governance. When news of the April 2019 elections spread around the department, my colleagues and I applied for several roles. Then I chose to start my new job as the department's Vice President, I did a lot of research and planning because I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
My goal was to ensure that most, if not all, students were aware of the prospects available in the technology business. I won the election and was elected Vice President of the Department with God's help. We were able to train a few students with the support of the Google Developer Students Club by hosting a 12-week Bootcamp for students that culminated in a Hackathon in March 2020.
I was considering running for President in the 2020/2021 academic year, but my CGPA had plummeted due to a lack of time management skills, and I was on the verge of giving up. As a student, I have made plans to focus more on my primary work, but my colleagues have encouraged me to believe that I can do better next academic session with my grade, so we are moving forward.
I received the Presidential Election form, and by God's grace, I was elected President of the Great Nigeria Association of Computing Students KWASU Chapter, which was certainly my biggest win at the time. The date for swearing into office was set, but suddenly the Corona Virus Pandemic struck the Earth's surface, putting the entire globe on lockdown. I needed to use the time off to pick up a few new skills:
Time Management.
Communication Skills.
Leadership Skills.
Teamwork My team had the opportunity to learn about our strengths and limitations during the Coronavirus outbreak, as well as build incredible plans for our administration by looking into difficulties we could tackle. Because the 2019/2020 academic session had not yet been completed, I had considerable time to prepare for the Rain Semester examination. The examination took place and ended somewhere in November 2020, after which we were sworn into office.
The Administration
We returned to duty on the first day of December 2020, despite the fact that the school was closed for the summer. The university began activities in January 2021, but I and several offices were unable to do so since we were required to get industry experience, as is the case in all Tertiary Institutions. Several virtual meetings were held, and my team continued to come up with fantastic ideas, but we ultimately chose to focus on a few significant issues:
Completing the Wi-Fi installation Project.
Skill Acquisition.
Improving our students academically.
Creating a communicable environment between the students and the Executives.
A seat out/Pavilion.
The Achievements
Quite a number of goals were set to be achieved by my team, due to some unforeseen circumstance we were able to achieve a few:
Installation of Wi-Fi for all students of the department.
A 12 week Bootcamp with Hackathon (Internship opportunities were provided for students in advancing their skills in the field of their choice).
Rigorous Academic Tutorial.
Social Activities.
THE ACTIVITIES
As is customary, we celebrated the newly admitted students following their matriculation party. Since our inception, we have worked to improve the social and technical lives of students. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, thus various social events were planned in response to the saying.
We teamed with GOOGLE DEVELOPER STUDENTS CLUB KWASU, led by Adio Mojeed, to reach a huge number of students, as promised, for Bootcamp 2.0. The 12 Week Bootcamp hosted by NACOS KWASU & GDSC received over 200 applications. We reached out to a few companies for sponsorship, including KwaraBuild, Angular Nations, Jobberman, MalHub, Global Accelerex, and Ingressive 4 Good (e.g Internship opportunity for our students, SWAGS, etc). Many strings were pulled alongside virtual meetings with the aforementioned firms were arranged, and by the grace of God, we were sponsored by three (3) firms:
KwaraBuild.
Angular Nations.
Global Accelerex.
The Challenges
On the road to success, challenges and adversity abound, and I agree. Among other things, I was confronted with the following:
Managing the installed Wi-Fi.
Getting the student to recognize the importance of what we're trying to establish.
Being available for both Staff and Students.
Creating a database for the student.
Developing a well-structured website.
Gleeful Ending
As my journey comes to a close on October 1, 2021, Damilola Joseph is sworn in as the new president. I am grateful to NACOS KWASU for providing me with this wonderful chance to serve twice in the Presidency.
Failures.
Majority of my plans were not realized due to few major factors.
I was unable to complete and launch the NACOS WORKSPACE.
We were unable to carry out the HACKATHON for Bootcamp 2.0.
I was unable to launch the database and website for the department.
Special appreciation to those who assisted me in making my journey super amazing.
Prof. K. A. Gbolagade
The father of NACOS KWASU for the constant advice and making sure I am on the right path.
Dr. R. S. Babatunde
The Head of Department for being an amazing mother and always dropping amazing, life-changing pieces of advice.
Mr. Damilola Popoola
The Advisor of the Association for his top-notch support, your brotherly advice was helpful. Thanks for always watching out for me.
To all the Lecturers of the Department of Computer Science, thanks for having my back and supporting my administration.
Jimoh Lawal
My amazing friend and partner, thanks for the financial advice. I appreciate your sense of responsibility and for calling my attention to my mistakes.
Obisesan Oluseye
Indeed you're a gentle soul with the brain, thanks for being truthful with me as well as calling my attention to my mistakes.
Ajijola Ademola
The amiable speaker, thanks for standing up for the students and fighting for their rights.
Zakariyahu Abdu'rafiu
A dude I met in my journey, thanks for your unending support. Thanks for standing in and taking up a couple of responsibilities.
Ogunshina Pelumi
My paranoid friend, I appreciate the check-up. Thanks for making sure I'm mentally and academically stable.
Benjamin Busari
Though you've graduated, you made sure we are doing it right and making the changes by giving NACOSITE the best experience.
Afolabi Uthman
My predecessor, I appreciate your timely advice when things got difficult and tough.
Jekayinoluwa Olabemiwo
The pioneer of GDSC KWASU, your concern about my career growth and timely advice are appreciated.
Adio Mohjeed
The ex-led of GDSC KWASU, your support in advancing our student technically is appreciated.
Adedeji Stephen
The Director of Software, your technical advice in making organizing the 12 weeks Bootcamp 2.0 is appreciated.
Biodun Azeez
Your support in making Bootcamp 2.0 a success is not taken for granted.
Adepoju Faith
My content Creator, you've been so helpful in coming up with amazing content for the association, I appreciate all you do for the association.
Abolarin Ayomide
My super amazing Vice President, I appreciate your selfless service to the community.
Olukotun Abdulwasiu, Falere Raphael, Sanusi Zainab, Ojo Jeremiah, Sanni Muhammed, Ige Oyindamola, Ajao Azeezat, Abubakar Abdulrahman, Oladayo Ifelouwa, Abilawon Joseph, Akinrinade Zainab, Umar Faruq, Bello Mubashir, Adeyemo Adetomiwa, Oyeyipo Opeyemi.
You are all superstars.
The journey came to an end, and I hope my successor has a better outcome than we did.
Thanks for reading this far; I hope you enjoyed my experience narrative and learnt from my journey; I'd appreciate hearing your feedback and don't forget to like it.