The fresh start of a new beginning is most likely the recurring thought in the minds of any Zikite at the moment; for the freshmen, who are not hesitating to get started with campus life, or the ‘seen it all’ returning students, many of who think the drafters of the academic calendar are rather overzealous. In any case, we all think up unique ways of resuming in style. UI’s ‘BOL’ welcome back to her students gives the idea.
Either way, what runs common in planning the resumption of a new session is most probably the drafting of resolutions. Whether to restate academic goals, outline plans for that eyed political office, or your lofty CTY ideas on securing the choicest fresh female students. For some, however, their resolution sheets are getting crossed out, least among the reasons is not the fact that UI served a hot, chilled breakfast in this harmattan which might have dampened gingered spirits and high hopes. In other cases, some care less about setting goals (even as your new year resolution sheet is already whittling away under the bed of God knows where).
However, the importance of deliberate conscientious planning at the start of a new session cannot be undermined. For freshmen, there is no better to build a strong academic foundation than now. Finishing strong is in many occasion a derivative of starting strong. For stalites who have been rudely awakened to the stark reality of published results, it is not a time to be complacent because your GP wears a broad smile, or to quit your strive for excellence if the reverse is the case. There is nothing to lose in pushing harder or starting again.
Something else resolutions bring to mind are manifestoes. A new administration has been inaugurated and the pontificated promises of scrupulous service to the hall rendered in the frenzy of campaigns are still laid up in the minds of Zikites. While expectations are high on the Morriz led executive council, there are salient lessons to be gleaned from the immediate past administration.
With all sense of candor, the pandemic did a number on the plans of Team Vision, especially as the last session’s first semester was virtually virtual (no pun intended). However, we can still draw lessons from outstanding events; the tardiness of the past executive council and its predecessors concerning the timely change of signatories and its effects on the hall’s finance; the negligence of the erstwhile finance minister; the sins of Saka, instances of disunity within the executive council etc.
Notwithstanding, the present executive council has a lot to live up to from the enviable legacies of their immediate predecessors. It seems redundant to begin a sermon on the need for effective leadership, embracing the virtues of commitment and dedication, and prioritizing the hall’s interest uncompromisingly. Still, the continuous hammering of the blacksmith serves a purpose. Furthermore, resolving for the new session touches on the fledgling legislative house whose peculiar circumstances require a serious learning-on-the-job posture. The judicial arm is not left out in whom there is also considerable interest. With finger-crossed hands and the rapt thoughtfulness of sabinus, Zikites are watching. Welcome back to school!
