Exclusive Interview: Mr. OMALE Samuel | OLUKS [President, Nigerian Students Society - EMU]

Who is Samuel Oluks?
I am Samuel Omale  [AKA Olukwu[Oluks], a student of Eastern Mediterranean University[EMU] and in the department of Human Resource Management and presently the Nigerian Students Society president. I'm from Kogi State in Nigeria but was born in Kaduna. Well i like making things happen. I love football which was my field before i became the NSS president. I'm also easy going, just for the records.

What is NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  all about and who are it's members?
NSS (Nigerian Students Society) which was previously known as NSA (Nigerian Students Association) is a body or let's say an organisation that reaches out to Nigerian students in EMU with respect to having a common unified approach on various salient issues. It's basically set up to unite all Nigerians as one family. Of course it's member are all Nigerian students in the school both presently and our Alumnae.

You are the President of NSS (Nigeria Students Society) , what would you say are the biggest achievements and challenges you faced during your present tenure?
I will say that our greatest achievement is the ability to unite all Nigerians by creating more awareness through organisation of student-orientated programs like the National Cinema for all Nigerian students and also tutorial lessons for all courses to help our members. Moreover, we are engaged in social media sensitization and enlightenment campaigns through social media and also reaching out to our alumnae. You can reach us on IG with nss-emu and likewise on Facebook.

Coming to the challenges, I'll like to say that the society is a learning field for everyone. One of our greatest challenge lies on dissemination of information and the most effective means to do that. Another also is the assumption and high expectation of people towards the society not knowing that the society has their limits, especially in terms of financial help and assistance. I want to say that most of this is really a self service and humanitarian gestures by NSS. You end up being in a position everyone tells you their problem and expects you to magically make all the problems go away. It is ridiculous, no scratch that.., preposterous but we try to be accommodating when we can. EMU also offers some financial assistance with regards to students that needs aid.

Would you say that the current leadership of NSS (Nigerian Students Society) have lived up to expectation?
I will be saying a big YES to this. Most of our expectations were reached and even in some cases over-exceeded, irrespective of the usual pitfalls associated with such hopes.

What are the challenges NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  faces this semester and ways to tackle it?
Well, this has been an unusual semester so far, with the ebola reports, rector crises, explosion of students population, new departments, new schools, tragic event(death of Mr. Abrak)God bless his soul, and others. Nevertheless, life must go on. Presently, there is the issue of Accommodation. Most new students are unable to get where to stay. Some due to miss-information and others funds issues as houses and apartments outside the university premises cost an arm and leg. The prices range from $4000 for a 1+1 apartment and $6,000 for a 1+2 or 1+3. To curb this problem, we have embarked on an enlightenment campaign to inform Nigerians wishing to study on the Island on what to expect and how to prepare for it.

with Omotola Jalenda Ekeinde in N Cyprus - Nigerian movie star

Moreover, lack of job opportunities for students that want  to work is a big issue. To curb this , we have decided in meeting with the CEO's of the most functioning firms on the Island and creating a flexible work time for our students so as not to interfere with their studies.

The last but not the least is Starvation. Some of our students here are going hungry without anyone to help them and because of this, we set up what is known as PANTRY PROGRAM. This is a program where the society gather and send food stuffs to students that are unable to feed themselves. As of now, 35 students have benefited from it.

What will be the NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  of tomorrow in your opinion?
NSS of  tomorrow looks promising. It's going to be brighter and more creative, because many talented students are now coming and putting interest and their idea into it. It will be an organised version of our future Nigeria.

In conclusion, what are your final words to members of the Nigerian community in North Cyprus as regards to Students Unionism and their commitment to the NSS (Nigerian Students Society) Dream?

Finally i want to say that now is the right time for all of us to unite. Irrespective of our tribes and social affiliations, we are all one, we need to eradicate the spirit of polarization and embrace constructive active participation. Everyone should come and be part of the society. I urge all Nigerian students to come and contribute their talent, ideas, suggestions, dreams, whatevs. If we enhance and increase our commitment towards this organisation, it's benefits cannot be overemphasized.

On that note, on the 31st of October at EMU BEACH CLUB will be the official Nigerian Night cum 54th Independence Day Celebration with the theme "Education Key to Nation Building" Learn more

I remain, yours truly
Samuel OLUKS.

Thanks to you and remain blessed.

Oluks IG Click here
NSS Facebook Click here
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PS: have something to share or contribute? email scantygela@gmail.com