Interview

Exclusive Interview With Sandra Nkiruka, Vice President of The Faculty of the Social Sciences Students Association, UI Ibadan.

By Boluwatife Adeyemo, George Miracle and Adelere Mayokun.

On this edition of exclusives, Fatsssa Press decided to have a chat with the famous vice president of FATSSSA UI, Miss Sandra. She was very open and willing to share, this was one interview we didn’t want to end. Enjoy reading!!!

Can we meet you please?

I am Sandra Nkiruka Eze aka Sandye fox

Kindly introduce yourself Miss Sandra

I am the first child of 4 children. I am a Christian. I am a hybrid😂 My Mum is Yoruba and My Dad is igbo but that makes me IGBO technically. I am from Ebonyi state, Ezzagu North Local Government. I schooled at St George's girls and boys primary school ikoyi Lagos , Wahab Folawiyo high School ikoyi Lagos.

 What’s your favourite childhood memory?

 Staying in the kitchen with my mum to prepare meals for the family 😂

 Tell us a little about your journey through leadership in the past

Errmm I was the Assistant Head Girl in my Senior Secondary School days. Former Miss Geography. Current Miss Elegant Sigma Club Nigeria.

Tell us a little about becoming the vice president, strategy-wise. Particularly with regards to being a geography student, did you have to put in more effort?

Yes ooo more than effort cef + prayers and fasting😂😂 ahhh it wasn't an easy one. I had to go to people of different character and had to learn to know how to respond to them when their questions are posed at me.

Strategy-wise hmm, we had to do permutation with some other departments you know 😂😂 even though not all were still for me, I had to bring in so many skills honestly, my campaign team did a great job also different advice when it seems like we weren't doing enough or getting enough response from potential voters.

I had to seek Counsel from some people who have more experience in the business of politics, I had to eat and dine with some of them, I definitely had to step out of my comfort zone lol.

The best strategy I liked which has always been of help was what I had the ability to help so many people at that time. Not only money wise. Checking up on some people to honestly know how they are doing, looking forward to being mother figure to many 😂, assisting them when I can and able to and some other things. This is one I always enjoy. Although some took it as political or election  agenda 😂

Did it affect your lectures in any way during the periods you were going out of your comfort zone?

In all honesty it did. Cause sometimes I would zoom off in class thinking about Campaign strategy. I failed to balance it actually and most times I get back tired from campaigning I would sleep off, so there was little or no time for rest.

Did it affect your academic performance when results came out?

Surprisingly it did not. When it was time to work, I worked when it was time to study I studied. I found a way to balance both.

 Share your experience so far as the vice president of the faculty, considering the long break during the covid 19 era?

 It has been a rollercoaster journey. During the long break I took time to prepare myself cause this would be my first major political leadership position, I read many leadership books. Few Fatsssaites can testify to that lol, I didn't want to fall short of my expectations and that of others plus my critics lol. I wanted to be different I am a freak for being unique in all I do. I wanted to leave a legacy and I knew none of that would come easy if I cross legs to eat chicken and chips and binge on Netflix 😂.

So the break helped me a lot, it was a time of being honest with myself taking time to relax and understand that I am the number two student of a renowned faculty of a prestigious school, many would look up to me.

If for anything I was glad for the break is I had time to prepare for what task were ahead for me in by the Vice President of the Faculty.

 In terms of my experience so far, I have been learning a lot in this position, it has also exposed me to a lot, i have seen and experienced first hand how it can be to carry our a project and having to face challenges, I kinda of have an idea also of what it feels like to be Yemi Osinbanjo of Nigeria 😂.

But if for anything, I have learnt a lot, i have learnt that there is little to no difference in being the VP of a Federation and being a VP of a faculty. It has same kind of principles but the number of individuals differs.

The skill of making wise decisions, ability to take disappointments here and there and don't get give up, the ability to cry sometimes of need be, the ability to handle stress, and so many others. comes in handy when you occupy a political position.

What are your core values?

Spirituality, Accountability, Competence, Commitment, Efficiency, Determination and Diligence.

Since the university committee are not sure of making the semester virtual or physical , what are the measures that your tenure has put in place for fatsssaites?

Ensure they are aware of classes that would be virtual and in talks to take more classes virtual for the safety of Fatsssaites and the ones that would be physical students are to put on their nose masks and properly sanitize before and after lectures.

What are the pros and cons of being the vice president of the faculty's association?

 I can't take some things with levity😂, I have to be prepared to present or represent at anytime, I can't live life like I don't care because this position has made me a role model to many directly and indirectly.

I have to be a doer of the values I preach. So many task involved, So many things to get done, things that might wear one out at times.

How do you currently maintain the balance between academics and politics? A lot of people would say being a geography student is a full-time job.

 Honestly I will agree with you on that! We tend to do a whole lot being a Geography student. So like stated earlier I ensure to make time for my academics when it's time to study and when it's time to carry out my job as VP I do not hesitate either. Its important I balance both always so as to avoid regrets.

What are your top 3 leisure activities?

Cooking!!, Listening to sermons and spending time alone or with my loved ones.

Aside from geography/academics, what are you passionate about?

Peageantry💃🏻😂

Leave fatsssaites with a few words.

FATSSSAites you all are dynamic people, you all are world shakers and some of you  have started making huge impacts. 

The world isn't ready for FATSSSAites , you all are the bomb!!!

Thank you very much for time Miss. Sandra

Thank you so much for your patience and time.