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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Council has commended Ogun Central senator, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu’s interventions within the student constituency and across the senatorial district.
The commendation came when the NANS Ogun JCC, in collaboration with representatives of NANS National, NANS stakeholders and sister student bodies, on Thursday held a high-level leadership engagement with the senator.
Details of the meeting was conveyed in a Friday statement jointly signed by NANS Ogun JCC Chairman, Comrade Faruq Olabode and General Secretary, Comrade Ogooluwakiitan Ojo.
According to the statement, the engagement focused on strengthening the relationship between student leadership and political stakeholders, with discussions centered on education, youth development, student welfare, technology, digital innovation, infrastructure and effective representation within the Gateway State.
Speaking during the meeting, Olabode, alongside the council’s leadership and participating student stakeholders, highlighted several projects facilitated by the senator which he described as tangible contributions to education, technological development, infrastructure and the socioeconomic wellbeing of students and constituents.
“These include the facilitation of the first permanent structure at the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, the provision of a solar-powered digital learning centre at Ansarudeen Grammar School in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, and the ongoing construction of a community ICT laboratory at Methodist High School, Arigbajo in Ewekoro Local Government Area,” the statement reads in part.
The NANS Ogun JCC also noted the payment of JAMB registration fees for over 1,000 students in Ogun Central, the facilitation of ICT training for 161 teachers on the use of technology for teaching and learning, and the rehabilitation of the Camp–FUNAAB Road, which it said addressed a significant infrastructure need affecting movement and access within the educational community.
The council noted that these interventions demonstrate the importance of public representatives investing in education, technology, infrastructure and opportunities for young people.
The council stressed that responsible student leadership extends beyond criticism and agitation and must also recognize individuals and institutions whose interventions positively affect the educational and socioeconomic wellbeing of students.
In recognition of his contributions, the council honoured the Senator Salisu with an Honorary Outstanding Leadership Award.
The council explained that the award was presented in recognition of his visionary leadership, exceptional commitment and outstanding contributions to the advancement of technology, Information and Communication Technology, digital innovation and cybersecurity in Ogun State.
The council noted that his interventions in digital education, ICT infrastructure, teacher capacity development and technology-driven initiatives reflect the importance of digital innovation in shaping the future of Ogun State and its younger generation.
NANS Ogun JCC said the recognition reflects the student constituency’s appreciation for leadership that translates vision into practical interventions capable of creating opportunities for students and young people.
“During the engagement, NANS Ogun JCC and participating student stakeholders also formally communicated their position ahead of the forthcoming senatorial election.
“Following an assessment of the Senator’s record of engagement with the student constituency, his educational interventions, technology and ICT initiatives, infrastructure projects and other forms of support, the student leadership declared him its preferred candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District,” the statement further reads.
The council stated that the position reflects its recognition of the Senator’s demonstrated engagement with students and constituents, as well as the interventions recorded across the district.
NANS Ogun JCC however reaffirmed its commitment to responsible, principled and constructive participation in the democratic process.
“As part of the engagement, the Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC presented a request for mobility support for the student constituency, aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the association and enabling the council to effectively reach students, stakeholders and institutions across Ogun Central and other parts of the State.
“The council emphasized that adequate mobility remains essential to effective student representation, particularly for an organization whose leadership routinely moves across institutions and communities in the discharge of its responsibilities,” the statement also reads.
Responding, the senator expressed commitment to further supporting the student constituency.
Among the commitments highlighted was the provision of solar-powered street lights to tertiary institutions across Ogun Central, an initiative expected to contribute to improved visibility, safety and a more conducive learning environment for students.
He also expressed commitment towards the provision of mobility support to the student constituency, which would enhance the ability of student leadership to effectively engage institutions and communities and respond to issues affecting students.
NANS Ogun JCC said it appreciated these commitments and looks forward to continued engagement towards their effective implementation.
The student leadership also expressed appreciation for the appointment of Comrade
Tomiwa Bamgboshe, a former Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC, as Special Assistant on Students’ Matters to the senator.
“The appointment was received with commendation by the student leadership, which described the consideration given to a former leader of the Council as an encouraging development capable of creating another channel through which students’ concerns can be communicated and addressed.
“NANS Ogun JCC believes that the inclusion of individuals with strong backgrounds in student leadership in public service positions can contribute meaningfully to bridging the gap between students and government when such appointments are utilized to advance genuine student interests.
“The council reiterated that student leadership must remain responsive, principled and constructive in its dealings with government, elected representatives, political stakeholders and other relevant institutions.
“It said today’s engagement represents an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and establish a more effective framework for addressing issues affecting students across Ogun State.
“NANS Ogun JCC appreciated the Senator for granting the student leadership the opportunity for direct engagement, for the interventions already recorded, and for the commitments made towards further supporting the student constituency.
“The Council said it looks forward to continued constructive interaction with the Senator and other stakeholders in the interest of students, educational development, youth empowerment, technological advancement and the broader development of Ogun State.
“NANS Ogun JCC reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare, educational advancement, technological development, accountable representation and strategic engagement with all stakeholders whose actions and policies affect the lives and future of Nigerian students,” the statement equally reads.
