Innovation on hold: How bureaucracy silenced NSASA's loudest public plan

When Emmanuel Success Oluwasegun popularly known as “West” took office as the Public Relation Officer (P.R.O) of the Nigerian Sociological and Anthropological students’ Association (NSASA) with his promising plans to widen the publicity space, make it more visible and inclusive by establishing a “Whatsapp TV” and what he proudly called the “premier link” what he referred to as a strategy to improve communication and build connection among NSASAITES.

For an office charged with the main responsibility of publicizing the activities of the association through all possible and appropriate media, his plans were so profound and convincing but the vivid line between theory and practicality has always been the bone of contention. Ambition was never his problem; execution was. Between delayed approvals, lack of funds, and the usual campus bureaucracy, West’s plans often remain stuck between draft and delivery.

At the heart of West’s manifesto was NSASA TV, a WhatsApp platform meant to simplify communication and keep students instantly informed. The plan also included a clever monetization model, giving student entrepreneurs and external brands ad space for a token fee, creating a new revenue stream for the association. It was bold, creative, and modern. However, the project never reached full speed. According to him, the TV’s launch suffered delays, funding stalled, and by the time approvals came through, the semester was already leaning toward its end, so the initiative couldn't attain its full potential.

Another part of The Premier Link was a student empowerment plan, training NSASAITES in photography, and content creation. It was the kind of initiative that could have outlived his tenure if properly implemented. Yet, few students can point to any structured session that delivered on that promise. The idea was there, the skill-set was there, but the system and consistency weren’t.

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In addition, ‎West often spoke about the importance of proper tools, smartphones, microphones, tripods, the digital arsenal of a modern P.R.O. He wasn’t wrong. In fact, it’s one of the most practical points in his manifesto. But acquiring them through sponsorships and partnerships proved more difficult than predicted. Without the right equipment, much of his media vision remained a well-designed concept held back by logistics.

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However, the fact that West’s communication tone was professional and creative cannot be overlooked. His ability to draft announcements and design content reflected skill, even when the volume of work didn’t meet the hype. He showed effort in restructuring the association’s online presence and stayed active in related committees across the department which can be evident in how he celebrates NSASAITES with birthday graphics making them feel valued which is really commendable. Some NSASAITES even say they get stunned by his creativity in the video content he puts out. His passion for communication isn’t in question; his execution speed is. With a few

more weeks left in his tenure, according to him “he is still setting things in motion and a lot more can still be achieved within that period”.

Conclusively, West’s tenure as P.R.O may not have fully realized all its ambitions, but it set a new tone for what student leadership could aspire to; visionary, media-savvy, and deeply connected to the student body. Though suffered systemic challenges, his effort and plans were revolutionary, a quintessence of a mind willing to lead a change. His administration can serve as a source of inspiration for the coming administration.