Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on University of Ibadan (UI) students to actively participate in politics and governance. He made this appeal on September 22 at the Honourable Odidiomo Students' Legislative Summit held at the university's International Conference Centre. The summit, organized by the UI Students' Representative Council (SRC), aimed to discuss political participation, legislative responsibilities, public service, and leadership.
Ajadi, contesting the Oyo Central senatorial seat in the 2027 general election, emphasized that young Nigerians must engage in democratic processes to influence governance. He noted that students should not distance themselves from politics while expecting changes in governance quality. According to Ajadi, politics is a platform for engaging government and shaping society's direction. He encouraged students to participate in politics, stressing that it is essential for changing the bad narrative and contributing to Nigeria's development.
The summit, themed "The Service Paradigm: Transforming Mindsets for Service-Driven Leadership in Nigeria," brought together students, public officials, and stakeholders for discussions on leadership and public service. Ajadi emerged as the APM candidate for Oyo Central following the party's consensus primary held on May 28 in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. He highlighted that political participation should not be seen solely as a route to elective office but as an opportunity for young people to understand governance and contribute ideas.
Ajadi stressed that good governance is a result of responsible political participation. He argued that when people with good intentions participate in politics, they can contribute ideas, influence policies, and work towards delivering democratic dividends to the people. He encouraged students to regard themselves as stakeholders in Nigeria's political future rather than remaining detached from political decision-making processes.
Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, also spoke at the summit, urging students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing. As the APM candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District and chairman of the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, Olajide emphasized the importance of digital skills in today's labour market.
The organization of the summit attracted disagreement within the university's student leadership, with University of Ibadan Students' Union President Temidayo Sewanu Adeboye dissociating the Students' Union from the event. Despite this, the summit proceeded with students, political representatives, and invited participants in attendance. The programme aimed to expose students to discussions around legislative practice, leadership, and public service.
Ajadi's call for youth participation in politics comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election. Both Ajadi and Olajide are seeking Senate seats on the APM platform. Ajadi believes that greater youth participation should extend beyond voting to understanding political institutions, joining public conversations, and contributing to policy and leadership decisions.
Key points
- Olufemi Ajadi urges UI students to participate actively in politics and governance.
- Ajadi emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in democratic processes.
- The summit aimed to discuss leadership, technology, and legislative responsibilities.
