Our Dear Constituition

In the year 2024, I was privileged to assume the role of Assistant to the Secretary-General of the Plateau Law Students Association (PLALAWSA) for the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Chapter. This opportunity came at a critical time for the association — a time when one could confidently say that the organization was operating in near dormancy due to a legacy of poor leadership. Such situations often arise when aspirants go to the polls unopposed, where the absence of competitive elections leads to a lack of accountability and innovation. Yet, this was only the tip of the iceberg.

As I began my duties, I quickly realized a deeper systemic problem: the complete lack of a functioning constitution. For over a year, PLALAWSA operated without a constitution it could rely on — a foundational document meant to guide its structure, policies, and operations. This was a profound challenge for an association that should serve as the model of governance for budding law students. However, I soon discovered that the issue was not just about having a constitution. It was also about ensuring that the constitution was preserved, made accessible to every member, and, most importantly, that it was written in a way that members could understand, relate to, and apply in practice.

Upon reading the existing LSS Constitution, I realized another sobering truth: the principles enshrined within it had failed to stand the test of time. This was evident from the perpetual reliance on ad hoc Constitution Amendment Committees, formed year after year, to address the same issues repeatedly. Ideally, we should have a Faculty Senate — a representative body comprising delegates from each class — to consistently review and reform the constitution to adapt to the changing dynamics of the association and its environment. Yet, this mechanism remained either dormant or poorly utilized, leaving LSS’s governance perpetually reactive rather than proactive.

A deeper issue became clear when I considered access and awareness. Out of every ten law students, only about five even possessed an updated copy of the constitution. Shockingly, less than three had actually read it. This raised critical questions about the foundation of our association: What are we doing as leaders and members if the very lifeblood of our association — our constitution — remains neglected? This oversight is particularly troubling when we consider the importance of involving freshers, the lifeblood and future of LSS. Without instilling in them an understanding and appreciation of the constitution, we risk perpetuating a cycle of ignorance, disinterest, and inefficiency in governance.

The Need for Change: Awareness and Engagement There is a dire need to prioritize awareness, education, and engagement surrounding our constitution. This involves not only distributing copies to every member of the association but also creating initiatives to ensure members actively read, understand, and engage with it. Workshops, orientation programs for freshers, and interactive sessions on the constitution should be institutionalized. These steps will help demystify the document and foster a culture of active participation and constitutional literacy among members.

By building this awareness, we can create a foundation for better dialogue and advocacy initiatives. Students who understand their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms available for governance are better equipped to hold leaders accountable and contribute meaningfully to the association. Moreover, a well-informed student body will reduce the persistent need for drastic constitutional amendments, enabling the Faculty Senate to focus on forward-looking reforms rather than reactive fixes.

Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger LSS If we fail to emphasize the constitution’s importance, we are essentially shooting ourselves in the leg, year after year. As law students who aspire to practice and uphold the law in society, it is a contradiction to neglect the foundational principles and governance structure of our own association. This neglect weakens our ability to lead, advocate, and represent ourselves effectively.

Therefore, it is essential that we not only strengthen the constitution but also build a system where it is continuously reviewed, widely understood, and deeply respected. This calls for collaboration between the leadership, the Faculty Senate, and the general congress to ensure that our governing principles are not only timeless but also accessible and adaptable. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a legacy of effective governance and leadership for LSS, ensuring that future generations of law students inherit an association they can be proud of and trust.