The University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) finds itself grappling with a significant leadership vacuum within its student body due to the failure of the 2023/2024 Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to conduct elections and transfer power to a new administration. This absence of a functioning SRC has created a governance gap, hindering effective representation and coordination of student activities. In response to this critical situation, the university’s management, as announced by Dean of Students Dr. Rhodalene Amartey, has taken decisive action to address the issue and ensure the continuity of student representation. The proposed solution involves the formation of an interim committee to manage student affairs until a new UniMAC constitution is adopted and a properly constituted SRC is elected. This interim body will serve as a temporary bridge, filling the leadership void and facilitating the smooth operation of student-related matters.
The root of the problem lies in the deeply flawed 2024/2025 SRC elections. Disputes and controversies plagued the electoral process, ultimately leading to a complete deadlock. Allegations of electoral malpractice cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the proceedings, while a lack of consensus among the candidates further exacerbated the situation. Procedural errors also contributed to the overall failure, leaving the election results inconclusive and the university without a legitimate student representative body for an extended period. This prolonged absence of student leadership has raised serious concerns about the effective management and coordination of student activities and the representation of student interests within the university’s governance structure.
The decision to establish an interim committee underscores the university management’s recognition of the urgency and importance of resolving the leadership crisis. This temporary body will assume the responsibilities of the SRC, ensuring that students have a voice and that their needs are addressed during this transitional period. The committee’s primary mandate will be to oversee student affairs and provide leadership until a new UniMAC constitution is ratified and a properly elected SRC is in place. This interim arrangement aims to restore stability and functionality to student governance, allowing for the continued operation of student activities and the representation of student interests within the university community.
The creation of the interim committee is not intended to be a permanent solution but rather a crucial step towards establishing a fully functional and democratically elected SRC. The ultimate goal remains the adoption of a revised UniMAC constitution that addresses the shortcomings and ambiguities that contributed to the failed elections. This new constitution will provide a clear and robust framework for future student elections, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the process. Once the revised constitution is in place, new SRC elections will be held, allowing the student body to elect their representatives and restore a fully functioning student government.
The university management, through the Dean of Students, has assured the student body that the process for nominating and electing members to the interim committee will be transparent and inclusive. Details regarding the selection process will be communicated to students in the near future, providing clarity on the criteria and procedures for participation. This open communication is essential to build trust and ensure that the interim committee genuinely represents the diverse interests of the student population. The formation of the committee marks a critical step towards restoring effective student governance and addressing the leadership vacuum that has hampered the representation and coordination of student activities.
The interim committee’s success will depend on the active participation and cooperation of the entire student body. Students are encouraged to engage in the process, contribute their perspectives, and support the committee’s efforts to navigate this transitional period. By working collaboratively, the university community can ensure that the interim committee effectively fulfills its mandate and paves the way for a fully functioning and democratically elected SRC. This collective effort will contribute to a more stable and representative student government, capable of effectively advocating for student interests and fostering a vibrant and engaged campus community. The establishment of the interim committee represents a crucial step in addressing the current leadership vacuum and ensuring the continuity of student representation at UniMAC.
