The Constitution of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) serves as the highest governing document of the Association. It establishes the principles, objectives, organizational structure, powers, responsibilities, rights, and procedures that guide every activity of GHISA.
Every registered member, elected officer, appointed committee, and affiliated body of the Association is expected to uphold, respect, and operate in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. It promotes transparency, accountability, fairness, unity, democratic leadership, and responsible governance throughout the Association.
This Constitution reflects the collective vision of GHISA to build a united community of students committed to academic excellence, leadership development, community service, and sustainable progress for Gujba Local Government Area.
The Constitution is organized into articles that define the identity, objectives, governance, administration, and operational procedures of the Association. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with every article to better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the principles that guide GHISA.
Name, Status and Identity of the Association.
Vision, Mission, Aims and Objectives.
Membership, Registration and Eligibility.
Rights, Duties and Responsibilities of Members.
Organizational Structure and Executive Council.
Elections, Appointment and Tenure of Office.
Meetings, Committees and Decision-Making.
Finance, Assets and Accountability.
Discipline, Ethics and Dispute Resolution.
Constitutional Amendment and Interpretation.
The name of this Association shall be the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association, hereinafter referred to as GHISA.
GHISA shall be a non-political, non-profit, student-centered, and community-oriented Association established to unite students of Gujba Local Government Area who are pursuing education in recognized higher institutions within Nigeria and abroad.
The official headquarters of the Association shall be situated within Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria, or at any other location approved by the National Executive Council in the interest of the Association.
English shall be the official language of the Association for all meetings, correspondence, records, publications, and official communications.
The Association shall adopt and uphold a motto that reflects its commitment to academic excellence, unity, leadership, integrity, and community development.
The official logo, colours, and other approved symbols of GHISA shall serve as the recognized identity of the Association and shall not be altered or used for personal, political, or commercial purposes without authorization from the National Executive Council.
The vision of GHISA shall be to build a united community of academically outstanding, morally responsible, innovative, and visionary students who contribute positively to the development of Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria, and humanity at large.
The mission of GHISA shall be to promote academic excellence, leadership development, student welfare, community service, innovation, mentorship, and mutual cooperation among students of Gujba Local Government Area studying in recognized higher institutions.
In pursuing its objectives, GHISA shall be guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, excellence, respect for diversity, democratic participation, and service to humanity.
Membership of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall be open to every bona fide indigene of Gujba Local Government Area who has gained admission into a recognized institution of higher learning within or outside the Federal Republic of Nigeria and satisfies the registration requirements prescribed by the Association.
Every applicant seeking membership shall complete the official GHISA registration process and provide accurate personal and academic information together with supporting documents as may be required by the Association.
Such documents may include, but shall not be limited to:
Every registration application shall be verified by the appropriate officers or committees appointed by the Association before membership approval is granted.
The Association reserves the right to approve, defer, or reject any application where false information, misrepresentation, or insufficient documentation is discovered.
Every duly registered member shall be entitled to enjoy the rights and privileges provided under this Constitution, including participation in approved programmes, educational opportunities, meetings, elections, and other activities of the Association, subject to the provisions of this Constitution.
Membership may cease through voluntary resignation, graduation where alumni registration is declined, disciplinary action, submission of fraudulent information, conduct that brings the Association into disrepute, or any other circumstance determined in accordance with this Constitution.
Every registered member of GHISA shall enjoy the following rights, subject to the provisions of this Constitution:
Every member shall:
Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects honesty, discipline, responsibility, respect, and good character both within and outside the Association.
No member shall engage in any activity capable of bringing GHISA into disrepute or creating unnecessary division among members.
Members shall pay all approved registration fees, subscriptions, levies, or other financial obligations as may be determined by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the National Executive Council.
No financial obligation shall be imposed arbitrarily or without due approval in accordance with this Constitution.
Every member shall safeguard confidential information, official records, digital platforms, and the reputation of GHISA. Members shall refrain from spreading false information, impersonation, unauthorized use of the Association's name, logo, or official communication channels.
Any member found guilty of misconduct, violation of this Constitution, financial misconduct, fraud, examination malpractice involving the Association, cyber abuse, harassment, or any act prejudicial to the objectives of GHISA may have certain rights or privileges suspended pending investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with this Constitution.
The Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall operate through a democratic organizational structure consisting of the General Assembly, the National Executive Council (NEC), Standing Committees, Ad-hoc Committees, Patrons, Advisers, Alumni Members, and other bodies created in accordance with this Constitution.
The General Assembly shall be the supreme decision-making body of the Association and shall consist of all duly registered members of GHISA.
Decisions of the General Assembly shall take precedence over decisions of any committee or executive body where applicable under this Constitution.
The day-to-day administration of the Association shall be vested in the National Executive Council (NEC), which shall implement decisions of the General Assembly and ensure the effective management of the affairs of GHISA.
The National Executive Council shall consist of the following officers:
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of GHISA and shall:
The National Executive Council may establish Standing Committees to assist in carrying out the objectives of the Association. Such committees shall report directly to the National Executive Council.
Temporary committees may be constituted whenever the need arises to perform specific assignments. Such committees shall automatically dissolve upon completion of their assignments unless otherwise directed by the National Executive Council.
The Association may appoint distinguished individuals of proven integrity and good character as Patrons or Advisers to provide guidance, mentorship, and support. Such persons shall not interfere with the democratic administration of the Association.
All elective offices of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall be filled through a free, fair, transparent, credible, and democratic election conducted in accordance with this Constitution and the Electoral Guidelines approved by the Association.
A member shall be qualified to contest for any elective office provided that he or she:
An independent Electoral Committee shall be constituted by the National Executive Council and approved by the General Assembly to organize, supervise, and declare the results of elections conducted by the Association.
Members of the Electoral Committee shall remain neutral and shall not contest for any elective office during the election they supervise.
Elections may be conducted through physical voting, electronic voting, or any other transparent method approved by the General Assembly, provided that the process is free, secure, verifiable, and accessible to eligible members.
Every elected Executive Officer shall serve for a tenure of one (1) academic session unless otherwise amended by this Constitution.
No Executive Officer shall remain in office beyond the expiration of the constitutional tenure except where a temporary extension is approved by the General Assembly due to exceptional circumstances.
Where an elective office becomes vacant through resignation, death, removal, incapacity, or any other lawful reason, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
Where necessary, a by-election or appointment in an acting capacity may be conducted pending the next general election.
Every elected or appointed Executive Officer shall take an oath to faithfully discharge the duties of office, uphold this Constitution, protect the interests of members, and promote the objectives of GHISA before assuming official responsibilities.
An Executive Officer may be removed from office on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial mismanagement, persistent negligence of duty, violation of this Constitution, or any conduct capable of bringing the Association into disrepute.
Such removal shall only take effect after due investigation and approval by not less than two-thirds (2/3) of members present at a duly constituted General Assembly.
The General Assembly shall be the highest decision-making gathering of the Association and shall convene at least once every academic session. Additional meetings may be convened whenever necessary in the interest of GHISA.
The National Executive Council (NEC) shall meet regularly to deliberate on matters concerning the administration, programmes, finances, welfare, and development of the Association.
Emergency meetings may be called by the President or upon the written request of not less than one-third (1/3) of the Executive Council members.
Adequate notice shall be given before every official meeting. Notice may be communicated through letters, electronic mail, SMS, the official GHISA website, social media platforms, or any officially approved communication channel.
No meeting of the General Assembly or the National Executive Council shall validly transact business unless a quorum is present.
The President shall preside over meetings of the General Assembly and the National Executive Council.
In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside. Where both are absent, members present shall elect one among themselves to chair that meeting.
The Secretary General shall record accurate minutes of all official meetings and maintain them as permanent records of the Association.
Minutes shall be confirmed at the next appropriate meeting before becoming official records.
Decisions of the Association shall ordinarily be reached through consensus. Where consensus cannot be achieved, decisions shall be determined by a simple majority vote of members present and eligible to vote.
In the event of a tie, the presiding officer shall exercise a casting vote.
Special meetings may be convened to consider urgent matters affecting the Association.
No matter outside the purpose for which the meeting was convened shall be discussed unless approved by the majority of members present.
Where physical meetings are impracticable, the Association may conduct meetings through approved online platforms. Decisions reached during such meetings shall have the same legal effect as decisions reached during physical meetings, provided proper records are maintained.
The funds of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall be derived from lawful sources, including but not limited to:
All funds belonging to the Association shall be kept in officially approved bank account(s) opened in the name of GHISA.
Personal bank accounts shall not be used to receive, manage, or store Association funds except where expressly authorized by the National Executive Council for temporary operational reasons.
The Treasurer shall maintain proper records of all income and expenditure, while the Financial Secretary shall keep supporting financial documentation and prepare periodic financial reports.
All financial transactions shall be properly documented and supported by receipts, invoices, payment vouchers, or other relevant evidence.
The National Executive Council shall prepare an annual or programme-based budget for approval before major expenditures are incurred.
Association funds shall only be utilized for activities that promote the objectives and welfare of GHISA.
The Auditor shall periodically examine the financial records of the Association and submit an independent audit report to the National Executive Council and the General Assembly.
Where necessary, the Association may appoint an independent external auditor to review its financial records.
Every Executive Officer entrusted with the management of Association funds or property shall be accountable to the members of GHISA.
Financial reports shall be presented periodically to the General Assembly to promote openness, transparency, and responsible financial management.
All movable and immovable properties acquired by GHISA shall remain the property of the Association and shall be managed solely for the benefit of its members.
No member or Executive Officer shall claim ownership of any Association asset or dispose of such property without due authorization.
Any person found guilty of embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation of funds, forgery, unauthorized expenditure, or any other form of financial misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary measures, restitution where applicable, removal from office, and any lawful action deemed necessary by the Association.
Every member and officer of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, respect, discipline, fairness, and responsibility in all matters relating to the Association.
Members shall avoid actions capable of bringing the Association into disrepute or undermining its objectives, unity, or reputation.
The following shall constitute misconduct under this Constitution:
No member shall be subjected to disciplinary action without being informed of the allegation and given a fair opportunity to respond.
Where necessary, the National Executive Council may establish a Disciplinary Committee to investigate complaints and make recommendations before any final decision is taken.
Depending on the gravity of the offence, disciplinary measures may include:
Any member dissatisfied with a disciplinary decision shall have the right to appeal to the General Assembly within the period prescribed by the National Executive Council.
The decision of the General Assembly on such an appeal shall be final, unless otherwise provided by this Constitution.
The Association shall encourage dialogue, mediation, and peaceful settlement of disputes among members before resorting to disciplinary proceedings.
Internal disagreements shall, as far as practicable, be resolved within the constitutional organs of GHISA in a manner that preserves unity and mutual respect.
Every member shall cooperate in protecting the interests, property, records, digital platforms, and reputation of GHISA. Any deliberate attempt to damage or unlawfully interfere with these assets shall constitute a serious breach of this Constitution.
This Constitution shall be the supreme governing document of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA). Every policy, regulation, guideline, committee, decision, or activity of the Association shall conform to its provisions.
This Constitution may be amended whenever the need arises to improve the governance, administration, or effectiveness of the Association.
Any proposal for amendment shall be submitted in writing to the National Executive Council and communicated to members before it is presented to the General Assembly for consideration.
An amendment shall become effective only after receiving the approval of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of members present and eligible to vote at a duly constituted General Assembly.
The National Executive Council shall have the authority to provide provisional interpretations of this Constitution where ambiguity exists.
Where such interpretation is disputed, the matter shall be referred to the General Assembly, whose decision shall be final.
Any issue not expressly covered by this Constitution shall be determined in good faith by the National Executive Council, subject to subsequent approval by the General Assembly and consistent with the aims and objectives of GHISA.
The Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA) shall not be dissolved except upon the approval of at least three-quarters (3/4) of all registered members present at a specially convened General Assembly called solely for that purpose.
In the event of dissolution, all lawful liabilities shall first be settled, after which any remaining assets shall be transferred to an educational, charitable, or community development institution approved by the General Assembly.
This Constitution shall come into force immediately upon its adoption by the General Assembly of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association and shall remain in force until lawfully amended or replaced in accordance with its provisions.
This Constitution is hereby adopted as the supreme governing document of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA). It shall guide the administration, activities, leadership, and membership of the Association and shall remain binding upon all members until lawfully amended in accordance with its provisions.
We, the duly recognized members of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association (GHISA), acting in the collective interest of the Association, hereby adopt this Constitution as the official framework for the governance, administration, and advancement of GHISA.
Every member and officer of the Association shall uphold, respect, and faithfully implement the provisions contained herein in the pursuit of unity, academic excellence, responsible leadership, transparency, accountability, and community development.
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This Constitution shall remain the official governing document of the Gujba Higher Institution Students Association until amended in accordance with Article X of this Constitution.