By: Stoic & Virtuoso
EXAMINING THE PROMISES
One of Khalusta's most ambitious proposals was the digitalization of hall dues receipts. He identified a critical problem: the frequent loss of physical receipts and the avoidable costs associated with printing them. According to data in his manifesto, around 70% of Zikites reportedly misplaced their receipts. His proposed solution—to use tools like Google Forms and Google Mail for data collection and receipt distribution—appeared to be a simple and cost-effective alternative.
However, a closer examination of his manifesto revealed significant gaps in the plan. There was little detail about how the digital system would be managed or any contingencies for potential challenges, such as email errors, technical issues, or data security risks. These omissions suggested a lack of thorough planning.
Despite these shortcomings, many students were confident that Khalusta’s prior experience as the financial secretary of the Technology and Engineering Students Association (TESA) had equipped him to execute such initiatives effectively. Unfortunately, this confidence has been misplaced. Months into his tenure, the digital receipt system remains unrealized, and physical receipts are still being printed—contradicting his promise and commitment to reducing costs.
While Khalusta might argue that physical receipts were necessary for hostel registration at the start of the semester, this justification does not excuse his failure to implement a parallel digital system. His proposed solution could have coexisted with physical receipts, addressing the inefficiencies and costs he himself identified. By failing to introduce this system, Khalusta has missed an opportunity to modernize financial processes and demonstrate forward-thinking leadership built on adequate planning and execution.
THE BURSARY COMMITTEE: ANOTHER BUNCH OF LIES
Another significant promise in Khalusta’s manifesto was the sustenance and expansion of the bursary committee. This initiative, which had previously provided financial assistance to 14 students, offered much-needed relief to those in need. Khalusta pledged to build on this foundation by increasing the number of beneficiaries and ensuring the program’s continuity.
Unfortunately, the reality has been deeply disappointing. Months after assuming office, there has been no visible effort to sustain the bursary scheme, let alone expand it. No announcements or updates have been made regarding the committee’s activities, leaving many students disillusioned.
Even if financial or administrative constraints made expansion challenging, maintaining the program at its original scale would have been a reasonable expectation. The complete lack of action on this front raises serious concerns about Khalusta’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises.
A BROADER ISSUE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Khalusta’s unfulfilled promises reflect a broader issue of accountability within student leadership. Campaign manifestos should not merely be aspirational documents; they are commitments that leaders must strive to honor. When leaders fail to deliver on their promises, it erodes trust in the system and discourages students from engaging in governance.
While Khalusta’s manifesto contained thoughtful and well-intentioned proposals, his failure to execute even the most practical ones undermines his credibility as a leader. This failure sets a poor precedent for future student leaders and defeats the purpose of his election.
Moving forward, it is imperative that candidates focus on proposing realistic, actionable plans that can be implemented within their resources and tenure. Until then, the residents of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall may remain skeptical of campaign promises, patiently waiting for Khalusta to fulfill the commitments he made when he sought their votes.
