Student leaders across Oyo State have expressed appreciation for the education, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and leadership initiatives of Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, the Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). A delegation of student leaders, led by Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola, National Financial Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), met with Olajide in Ibadan to discuss issues affecting students, education, and youth development.
The student leaders commended Olajide for facilitating Digital Learning Centres in secondary schools, including African Church Grammar School, Apata; Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Odo-Ona, Apata; Army Barracks Grammar School, Eleyele; and Ibadan Boys High School. These centres aim to expand access to technology-driven education and equip students with digital skills relevant to the modern economy.
The student leaders also highlighted a digital literacy training and empowerment programme facilitated by Olajide in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The programme, which trained 210 youths, provided digital skills training aimed at improving their capacity to participate in the technology-driven economy. Beneficiaries received practical training and support to improve their access to digital work and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The student leaders applauded Olajide's support for student leadership development, civic education, and legislative exposure, particularly through the Odidiomo Students' Legislative Summit. They noted that the lawmaker's ₦50 million commitment towards the summit provided additional support for a platform through which students could gain practical exposure to legislative processes, public service, democratic participation, and leadership.
The delegation acknowledged the broader areas of youth development associated with Olajide's interventions, including digital literacy, ICT education, technology and innovation, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, leadership development, mentorship, legislative education, access to learning opportunities, and preparation for participation in the digital economy. These areas are particularly relevant to students and young graduates navigating an economy where technological competence, practical skills, and entrepreneurial capacity increasingly influence educational and employment opportunities.
The student leaders stressed that interventions which combine education with practical skills development can help young people move from academic learning to meaningful participation in the wider economy. They also emphasised the importance of sustained interaction between public representatives and organised student structures, noting that students should not only be beneficiaries of public policies but also have opportunities to communicate their concerns, contribute ideas, and participate constructively in conversations concerning education, youth development, technology, and the future of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The student leaders expressed their support for Olajide's continued public service and political aspirations, stating that they are prepared to mobilise themselves and work collectively towards the success of his mandate. They pledged to support his aspirations through lawful, peaceful, and organised engagement, while encouraging students and young people to take an active interest in leadership, governance, and the democratic process.
Key points
- Student leaders commend Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide's initiatives for youth empowerment and education.
- Olajide's programmes aim to equip students with digital skills and prepare them for the modern economy.
- Student leaders pledge to support Olajide's continued public service and political aspirations.
