Farouk Madaka is a Master’s student in Business and Economics Faculty. He hails from Jigawa state but was born and raised in Kano state, Nigeria. Mr. Madaka holds a Bachelor degree in Human Resources at Eastern Mediterranean University. In this exclusive interview with Gundem’s Edith Ifeoma, Mr. Madaka shares his plans and message to Nigerian students in EMU.
Can you share the reason(s) why you entered for the race of this elective position of Nigeria student society (NSS) president with us?
Actually, there are so many reasons but I will just share some of them with you. Amidst all other smaller reasons, the main reason I entered for the race of this elective position is that I am someone who wants to serve and I believe I have a lot of things to offer Nigerian students. Many of us are familiar with the various problems of Nigerians in this island and because I know the problems, I think I can proffer solutions. More importantly and sincerely, I want to serve and protect the interest and rights of Nigerians in this island.
You won in a landslide on the Friday 6th November, 2015 election, what can you attribute your success to?
I will attribute it to hard work and the desire to work and serve people and support the Nigeria students.
Nigerian Students in Emu form a major part of the international student community body, how do you feel being the newly elected president of such a large group?
Actually I feel it is a privilege and a very big honor, I cannot find the right words to describe it. Am very honored to be voted and like I said earlier; I really want to serve the Nigerian students
An indication that orients us of your large follower-ship is your manifesto and now the votes of the people; how did you get an incredibly large follower-ship?
I believe when you are doing something that is right, it will always yield very good results. From the mixture and nature of our cabinet, it comprises of different classes of people. It is a cabinet that was picked not based on sentiment but this based on what you can offer, it is a blend of people with intelligent and people with experience. We cut across various cultural barriers to bring the cabinet of people we believe in and those that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. People saw that in us and I believe that is large follower-ship.
Teamwork might be more than diversification sometimes, what do you make of your team? Do you have a cooperative unit?
Yes, my team is a very great team, I believe in them from our campaigns, they are very objective and amazing. Interestingly, none of them is there for a personal interest, we are there to serve Nigerian students.
You said so many things as regards your plans during your public declaration of intentions. In clear and pithy assertions now, can you tell in details, what your plans are for the Nigeria students at Eastern Mediterranean University and how you plan to execute them?
We have great concrete plans. Like you mentioned about the manifesto; during our manifesto, I declared our plans publicly but this is another medium to re-tighten them. Our plans include tutorials, food bank, sport activities (inter faculty, all Nigeria games). We also plan to female games; to encourage our female Nigeria students to participate. We will also encourage more social activities such as parties, dramas, comedy shows, and we will also organize seminars and conferences where we can invite people to come and share their ideas with us. This time, we are trying to encourage more social activities and in doing so we are also going to introduce religious day celebrations which by the grace of God will start this year’s Christmas celebration. The celebration will include all Nigerians; both Christians and Muslims will share the joy of Christmas. I believe by doing so, our unity will be strengthened. On the flip-side, we will also introduce Sallah day celebration and have everyone join in the celebration too.
What final message do you have for EMU students from Nigeria?
My final message is that every Nigerian student should please view themselves as Nigerian not as Hausa, Fulani, Ibo Yoruba, Muslim or Christian. We are here as Nigerian students, so let’s come together and work as Nigerian students. Our unity should be our strength. By doing so, it will help erase sentiments. My simple analogy is this, if you are in a class and do not understand something, you don’t have to look for a Christian or Muslim, all you look for is someone to help you. If we see ourselves as Nigerians we will be our brother’s keeper and bounding will be strengthen.
By Edith Ifeoma Ajah.
