By: Barr Alex Ehi Aidaghese
Must the quest for political influence and acceptability always manifest in money rain, thuggery, and gangsterism? What about the goodness and value grounded in meeting voters’ expectations, which is, in fact, priceless?
This essay, in context and scope, is mightier than the truth or falsity of the NANS/Seyi saga. Though motivated by the story, the story did not define the essay; the essay transcends the story. It is about the wisdom entrenched in negotiating from a position of strength when you hold the ace.
In the past two years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has maintained uninterrupted academic activity, and for the first time in over a decade, Nigeria’s university calendar is steadily returning to normal.
Today, a student who gained admission into a four-year programme two years ago can, barring unforeseen circumstances, confidently expect to graduate by May 2027. This stability is thanks to the current administration led by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a significant achievement that has been elusive for years.
In addition, the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND) was established under this administration in 2023. While the initiative is still evolving, it provides financial support for tuition fees and monthly upkeep allowances to eligible students in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational schools. This is an unprecedented development in the recent history of Nigerian higher education.
If this unprecedented progress in the academic sector is not recognised as a strategic advantage — one that could be intelligently leveraged to gain the goodwill of Nigerian students — then it may be time for anyone close to the presidency to reassess their political strategy, starting with a critical review of their advisers and inner circle.
What would I have done differently to secure the endorsement of students and the academic community? A lot, which I won’t be going into here.
In today’s interconnected world, building influence does not require noise or intimidation. If Mr. Seyi Tinubu — or indeed the presidency — sincerely wishes to engage, they know how to reach out directly and meaningfully for the necessary counsel.
Although I have stopped giving free political advice online, suffice it to say that if travelling round Nigerian higher institutions to ensure the realisation of President Tinubu’s dream of NELFUND is all Seyi Tinubu can do for the administration now, it will be enough to secure him a lasting place as a hero in the minds of Nigerians throughout his political career.
In sum, in a society where ideas hold greater weight, he would not need to engage in quid pro quo (though disputed) with anyone to earn enduring goodwill. There is already enough on the table. Money does not always speak; some of us are still guided by wisdom and uphold the virtue of integrity.
