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The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has said the future of governance must begin on campus, with students taking responsibility for leadership and service today.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the NAOSS National Leadership Summit convened by the National Vice President of NAOSS, Gbolahan Lawal, held on Wednesday, October 7, at the NLC State Secretariat, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The summit, themed “The Future of Governance Begins on Campus,” brought together students, student leaders, professionals and stakeholders to deliberate on leadership, governance, civic responsibility and the role of young people in building a better society.
Speaking at the summit, the Convener and National Vice President, NAOSS, Gbolahan Lawal, said the gathering was designed to reorient students towards value-driven leadership and practical service within and beyond the campus.
Speakers at the event included Senator Salisu Shuaib (APC – Ogun Central), represented by his SA on Student Engagement, Mr. Bamgbose Tomiwa; Olukoyejo Morenikeji Koye, Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Parliament Southwest Caucus; Amb. Habeeb Whyte, Esq., Managing Director, Prince Adesina Olalekan Foundation; Comrade Bunmi Adigun, Secretary, NUJ Ogun State Chapter; Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Secretary-General, NANS; Comrade Amb. Okereafor Bestman, President, Progressive Students Movement; Mr. Olawale Osoba, Founder, GrowthIntelAfrica; Hon. Olamide Lawal, SA on Youth to the Ogun State Governor, among others.
According to the communiqué, the presence of these distinguished personalities and stakeholders further demonstrated the importance of student leadership and the collective responsibility of stakeholders in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
It noted that participants emphasised that true leadership is not defined by position or title, but by the problems one can identify, the solutions provided and the impact made.
It added that the school environment provides a critical platform for young people to learn and practise leadership, and encouraged honesty, responsibility, accountability, active listening and service as essential qualities.
The communiqué reads in part, “Participants were reminded that leadership can be demonstrated even within the school environment. A student who identifies and solves a problem, speaks up for others, brings people together for a common purpose, or contributes positively to the welfare of fellow students is already demonstrating leadership.
“The summit therefore encouraged young people to embrace honesty, responsibility, respect, active listening, continuous learning, accountability, and service to others as essential qualities of effective leadership.
“The summit further highlighted the school environment as an important platform for young people to learn, practise, and develop leadership skills. Every responsibility, regardless of its size or status, was described as an opportunity to serve, learn, create value, and contribute to positive change.
“Participants were also reminded that several prominent Nigerians, including Comrade Sunday Asefon, had backgrounds in student leadership before taking on broader responsibilities in society. Their experiences demonstrate how leadership skills developed through serving fellow students can become valuable in serving communities and the nation at large.”
The summit further resolved that students must move beyond pursuit of titles to focus on creating value and solving community problems.
In his closing remarks, Lawal affirmed that students are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today and partners in progress for a greater Ogun State and Nigeria.
