By: Deborah Adeyemi
The Congress remains the supreme decision-making body in the Constitution of the Renewable Natural Resources Students’ Association (RENARSA). Even after the constitutional amendment that took place last year, the principles and responsibilities attached to Congress remained unchanged.
Congress can be defined as a formal gathering of members of an organization where important issues are discussed, decisions are made, and members have the opportunity to engage with their representatives.
In an association like RENARSA, Congress serves as a major platform for communication between the Executive Council and students. It promotes transparency, accountability, and ensures that members are informed about the activities, plans, and decisions of the association.
The last recorded Congress held at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources was during the tenure of Team Ascension, under the leadership of Oyeniyi Israel as the RENARSA President.
However, throughout the tenure of Team Providence which was presided by Oyebanji Israel no Congress was conducted despite its importance and its clear recognition in the association’s constitutional framework.
Now, as the first semester of Team Frontier, led by Gift Oluwapelumi as the RENARSA President, comes to an end, it is concerning that a Congress has still not been held. This situation raises important questions about adherence to the constitution and the commitment of leadership to fulfilling its responsibilities.
According to the RENARSA Constitution, Article VI, Section I, Point I, it is clearly stated that: “There shall be at least two Congresses per semester by the Executive Council and such shall be presided over by the President”.
This constitutional provision is not dependent on whether there are urgent matters to address or not. Congress is not only meant for times of crisis; it is a mandatory structure created to ensure proper communication, accountability, and participation of members in the affairs of the association.
The purpose of Congress extends beyond discussing challenges;it provides students with the opportunity to receive updates, ask questions, express opinions, make contributions, and interact directly with their representatives. When Congress is not held, the connection between the leadership and the students becomes limited, reducing the opportunity for transparency and collective participation.
A constitution serves as the foundation upon which an association operates;It guides the actions of the Executive Council, Legislative body, and the entire student community. Ignoring constitutional responsibilities weakens the principles of good governance and raises concerns about whether the association is still operating within the democratic structure established by its members.Leadership is not only about making decisions; it is also about respecting the systems and processes put in place to represent the interests of the people. Therefore, the continuous absence of Congress calls for reflection and a reminder that constitutional responsibilities must be upheld.
Leadership within any association is measured not only by the decisions made but also by the ability to respect and follow the structures established by the constitution. Congress remains an essential part of RENARSA’s governance system, and maintaining it reflects a commitment to accountability, inclusiveness, and proper representation.
As members of the association, students deserve an avenue where they can be carried along in the affairs of their association and have their voices heard. Upholding constitutional responsibilities is necessary to preserve trust and ensure that RENARSA continues to operate on the principles of transparency and democracy.
RENARSA PRESS UI 