12/08/2026
150 Votes, 28-Vote Margin: Ibrahim Yusroh Emerges Vice President of LAWSAN-UDUS
By Sulaiman Saheed
When the results of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Chapter election were announced on August 8, 2026, Ibrahim Yusroh had more than a victory to celebrate.
With 150 votes, Yusroh defeated her closest rival, Safiyyah Matazu, who polled 122 votes, winning by a margin of 28 votes in an election held at the common room of Private and Business Law, Faculty of Law.
The victory, which made Yusroh the first Yoruba to emerge as Vice President of the Faculty of Law, was the culmination of weeks of campaigning, consultations, personal engagement and what she described as prayers, sacrifices and support from people who believed in her ambition and potentials.
Reflecting on the moment when the result was announced, Yusroh said she was overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions and gratitude.
"It was a moment of joy, relief and reflection because I knew how much effort, prayers, sacrifices and support had gone into the process."
For her, the victory was not simply a personal achievement but a win that came with responsibility to serve the students who entrusted her with their votes.
Yusroh said her decision to contest was driven by a desire to contribute to students’ welfare and become a leader who listens to their concerns and agitations.
She said her interest in student leadership grew from observing the challenges faced by students and becoming increasingly interested in representation and student affairs.
"I wanted to be in a position where I could listen to students, represent their interests and help create an environment where everyone feels heard and carried along."
She added that the position also offered her an opportunity to develop personally and professionally.
"I also saw the office as an opportunity to learn, serve and grow as a young law student."
Yusroh said her ambition to become Vice President did not emerge suddenly. She initially declared her intention to contest for the office of Treasurer before reconsidering her decision after consultations and reflection.
"I initially declared my intention for the office of Treasurer, but after careful reflection and consultation with prayers, I redeclared."
According to her, increased interaction with fellow students further strengthened her desire to seek office.
"Eventually, I realised that I didn't just want to observe from the sidelines; I wanted to contribute positively and meaningfully to the growth of LAWSAN."
"I Crossed the Bridges One After Another"
The campaign was not without its difficulties. Yusroh said she faced campaign pressure, competition and uncertainty but deliberately chose not to allow those challenges to distract her from her objectives.
"I questioned whether things would go as planned. But I learned to remain focused on my message rather than being distracted by the challenges around me."
She said her support system, consistency and faith helped her navigate the difficult moments.
"I relied heavily on my support system, stayed consistent with my campaign and, most importantly, kept praying and believing in the process."
When asked by Digest Press Correspondent on whether she considered her victory a case of breaking barriers, Yusroh offered a different perspective.
"I wouldn't say I broke the bridges; I crossed them one after another," she said smiling.
Beyond Background and Reputation
The election also brought her up against a candidate whose family name, she said, was already well known within the faculty and the entire university environment.
Yusroh said her opponent was the daughter of a reputable lecturer who was also the former Dean of the Faculty of Law, a background that she believed generated considerable attention during the campaign.
"When people ask me about who my opponent was and I tell them, they will be like, Ahhhh, Dean's daughter?"
Rather than allowing the comparison to define her campaign, Yusroh said she focused on convincing students through her own capacity, character and vision.
"My victory taught me that when people believe in your capacity and character, where you're from doesn't have to define your chances."
For Yusroh, consistency and personal engagement were central to her campaign strategy.
She said she deliberately went beyond conventional campaign methods such as flyers and online publicity by engaging students directly and listening to their concerns.
"I distributed a Law Student Pocket Guide which contains legal maxims, relevant cases and some useful information."
This pocket guide bears my picture on the front page as part of my campaign tool, and it's the first of its kind in the history of the Faculty of Law.
She said she also reached out to students through social media and maintained direct conversations with them throughout the campaign.
According to her, the people around her also played an important role in the campaign.
"I also surrounded myself with people who believed in the vision and were willing to support me. Most importantly, I tried to remain authentic rather than pretending to be someone I wasn't'."
With the election now concluded, Yusroh expressed appreciation to the students, friends, supporters and well-wishers who contributed to her campaign.
"To everyone, every vote, every campaign message, every prayer, every conversation and every person who stood by me contributed to this victory."
She said the responsibility ahead was greater than the celebration of winning the election.
"I may be the person whose name was on the ballot, but this victory belongs to everyone who believed in the vision, and I promise that I won't take their trust for granted."
For Yusroh, the election may have ended, but the responsibility that came with it has only begun.
"Now that the election is over, the real work begins, and I hope to make them proud by showing positive outcomes."
