Transparency downloaded: Boluwatife's 80% mission

Makinde Boluwatife, a 400-level student of the Department of Sociology, who currently serves as the Financial Secretary of the Nigerian Sociology and Anthropology Students Association (NSASA). Boluwatife took office with a clear vision to ensure that the association’s financial affairs are managed with utmost transparency, accuracy, and accountability.

Upon assuming the position, he made three key promises aimed at strengthening NSASA’s financial structure. According to him, he has achieved about 80% of his goals, with notable accomplishments such as introducing an online receipt system and maintaining thorough financial documentation.

Boluwatife explained that all transactions under his administration are “available on demand,” and receipts were issued for every payment this was designed to enhance accountability within the NSASA executive Council. One of his standout initiatives was the creation of a google form for uploading proof of payment, which he said helped improve record-keeping and accessibility.

However, reactions from students suggest that the system, while innovative, was not without challenges. After speaking to some students, they said they encountered delays in receiving their receipts. A 100-level student shared that she waited nearly a week before getting hers, but after contacting her assistant course representative and reaching out to Boluwatife directly, she received it within 24 hours.

Another student recounted her frustration at having to go all the way to the Independence Hall from The Faculty of The Social Sciences to get her receipt stamped. “I was so annoyed,” she said, adding that the financial secretary’s reason was that he was at Independence Hall at the time, which was the only place she could meet him to complete the process.

A 400 level student, who has had experience with previous financial secretaries stated that his tenure has to be one of the best, mostly because of the introduction of digitalized payment of dues.

Other students, however, had smoother experiences. Some reported receiving their digital receipts within a day, suggesting that the delays were not consistent across the board.

Responding to these claims, Boluwatife said “That would have been as a result of network problems. Sometimes, after we mail the receipts to them, it takes a while for it to deliver. I remember personally sending some of them via DMs. It was an issue beyond our control.”

Despite these occasional setbacks, Boluwatife maintains that he has achieved most of what he set out to do. Reflecting on his time in office, he said his primary goal as Financial Secretary was “to have an association that is financially transparent, accessible, and prudent.”

Although,he made mention of one thing he wasn't able to achieve during his tenure.Boluwatife said that this was the proposed plan in His manifesto to “have a platform in which I could send financial tips to members of the association, but unfortunately i couldn't achieve it “. This was the remaining 20% of his plans that wasn’t achieved and he looks forward to doing it before he leaves office. So let’s expect one more initiative from the financial secretary, unless he is just all talk and no action.

When asked about difficulties he encountered in office, he said “difficulty in mobilizing students to attend events or participate in events but i hope it gets better. in short apathy on the part of the students”. he feels this issue can be resolved together that is both the executive body and the students need to work hand in hand , this isn't an issue that just one party can solve,”it has to be both parties”.

When assessing his performance, students across different levels described him as “approachable” and “organized.” Many acknowledged his efforts to digitalize the financial system, an innovation not commonly seen in departmental associations. According to a 300-level student, “Boluwatife’s method of issuing receipts online made things easier for us”.

However, Boluwatife’s administration also highlights the importance of consistency and follow-through in service delivery. While many students benefited from his new systems, others faced delays and communication issues that slightly affected their confidence in the process.

Overall, Boluwatife’s performance demonstrates the growing awareness among student leaders of the need for financial integrity and modernization. Boluwatife’s believes the legacy he is leaving behind as the Financial Secretary is a “financially accountable and stable association”. Bolwatife wants Sociology students to remember his service as a “transparent and drama free one”. As he rounds off his tenure, his achievements and the lessons from his challenges will likely shape how future financial secretaries approach transparency, accountability, and innovations within NSASA.