Habeeb Ibrahim and Sheriff Oshuniran
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC) Lagos Axis, hosted an Inter-Campus Debate and Security Summit on August 21, 2024, at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu.
The event, themed "A Nexus Between Building Blocks of Leadership and Cloud Nine Governance," brought together ten prominent tertiary institutions across Lagos State, including LASU, UNILAG, LASUSTECH, YABATECH, and others.
The summit kicked off with a warm welcome from the Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Professor Olumuyiwa Omotola Odusanya, who commended NANS for organizing such a timely event.
“We rejoice with NANS for organizing this meeting. Students own not only today but tomorrow. If you do not remember anything I have said, remember I said, even today, we say students are leaders of tomorrow. No! The leadership starts today,” he emphasized, urging students to embrace their roles as the future leaders of the nation.
Mr. Fayoade Adegoke, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, delivered a thought-provoking speech that resonated with the audience. He highlighted the pivotal role of youths in shaping the nation’s economy and security landscape.
"Youths are the driving force of the economy and the nation at large," Mr. Adegoke asserted, encouraging students to remain vigilant and proactive in their communities.
The summit also featured a stirring address by Comrade Alimi Lekan Idris, Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos Axis. He underscored the importance of leadership that transcends traditional roles, focusing on integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the common good.
“Leadership today extends beyond traditional roles. It's about influence, vision, and the ability to unite people towards shared goals. As we engage in discussions over the coming days, I encourage everyone to think about how we can contribute to this vision,” he said.
The debates that followed were nothing short of exhilarating, with representatives from institutions such as LASU, UNILAG, LASUSTECH, and YABATECH showcasing their oratory prowess and critical thinking skills.
The intellectual exchange not only fostered a deeper understanding of leadership and governance but also highlighted the innovative potential within Nigeria's student community.
Expressing his gratitude for being part of the event, Barrister Moyo Ogunlewe, Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, remarked on the insightful discussions that shed light on Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Addressing this issue at the grassroots level holds great potential. Through well-targeted interventions, communities can work towards enhancing safety, reducing crime, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for their esteemed residents,” he noted.
The summit was graced by other dignitaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule Akibu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic Secondary Education, and the Senior Special Assistat on Student Union Affairs, Honourable Kappo Samuel olawale, who all lauded the organizers for their dedication to promoting student engagement in critical national issues.
The event concluded with a vibrant exchange of ideas, leaving participants inspired and motivated to take actionable steps towards better governance and security in Nigeria.
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