Opinion: The Need to be Active as an Administrator.

 YB~Eyes

 'All administrators are leaders, but not all leaders are administrators' I can remember clearly that the above statement was uttered by Dr. R. A. Akinseye, that first lecture I had with my lect

urer on Theory of Administration. Presently, she is the Head of Department; Public administration from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. I can say that was my first lesson I have learnt in Public administration department as a new student, then in ND. Interpretation of the statement make me believe that, every persons in a position of authority, in whatever way, are leaders, but the administrators amidst ordinary leaders are those who can supply, apply and engage in the good qualities of the theories of Public administration.

It is not far fetched, if I use the Executive President of the National Association of Public administration Students, The Polytechnic Ibadan a.an illustration. Comrade Adeyemo Emmanuel, popularly known as Mr Optimism, is also a student of the department, HND 2 level. It shows the picture of administration inside the department where we are thought how to administer. The NAPADS which consists of the executive and legislative councils, as well as the press council which serve as an editorial board. This students' association is now expected to exercise their governing power in the interest of every students of public administration. Student as well are expected to support and submit themselves to be an active follower of the association. With the above illustration, you can agree with me that truly, academics learning transcends the realm of class attendance and examination. It is necessary for students to attend class and write exam at the end of semester, but I can say learning is beyond that, some activities need to be attached.

Advanced Oxford Learner's Dictionary defined an" administrator" as a person responsible for carrying out the administration of a business or organization. For better understanding, an administrator is a leader with quality. Democratic elected ruler is always expected to rule in the interest of the public. In this context, I am not analysing or comparing a particular theory of administration with the administration of the Departmental associations as illustrated. Since, administration involves all functions of management, using the abbreviation POSCORBD. Planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, reporting, budgeting, and directing are the major functions of management in any organization. As a person in charge to rule, elected or selected, shall rule according to the constitutional provisions.  Now, why do you need to be active as an administrator?

Whenever we have a leader or leaders in any settings, there is existence of followers. As a student of public administration, you should be able to regonise your class either as a leader or a follower in practice. Meanwhile, duties and responsibilities assigned to each classes (leaders and followers) need to be carried out accordingly. As the head of the department association at the executive council as well as the legislative council, it is expected of such persons carry out all the administrative functions to ensure himself or herself and fellow students of the department enjoy their staying on campus as well as a member of the department of Public administration. How do you make yourself an active member and follower of the department association?

At any level, you belong to as a student of public administration, you should be able to get informed, contribute your opinion or suggestions, that's why we have suggestions box. Meanwhile, it's obvious that each classes have at least a representative as a member of the legislative arm of the association (NAPADS legislative council), they are usually refers to as the student's representative council. Through these various channels, students should be able to contribute their own qouta to the development of the department association. Leaders are nothing without followers. I mean, without the activeness of the students at the department towards the development of the department association, we cannot achievement goal. I rest my pen.