Student leaders across Oyo State have commended the interventions and youth-focused initiatives of Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide (Odidiomo), particularly in the areas of education, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, leadership development and opportunities for young Nigerians.
The commendation followed a strategic engagement with the lawmaker in Ibadan, where representatives of major organised student structures in Oyo State and the Southwest interacted with him on issues affecting students, education and youth development. The delegation was led by *Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola*, National Financial Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), alongside *Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf (TOYYEM)*, General Secretary, NANS Southwest Zone D; *Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdul-Azeez (Industry)*, Chairman, NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State; *Comrade Ezekiel Oluwaseyi Agboola*, Chairman, National Association of University Students (NAUS); *Comrade Muftau Ahmed*, National President, Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU); *Comrade Giwa Olawale,* National President, Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union (FIBSU); *Comrade Oniosun Moses*, (Coordinator, Omi tuntun 3.0 Students Army) Oyo State Chapter, amongst other student leaders.
During the engagement, the student leaders acknowledged a number of interventions associated with Hon. Olajide which they said have direct relevance to the educational and developmental needs of young people. Particular attention was drawn to his facilitation of Digital Learning Centres in secondary schools in Oyo State, 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, as part of efforts to expand access to technology-driven education and equip students with digital skills required for the modern economy. They also highlighted the digital literacy training and empowerment programme facilitated in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through which 210 youths participated in digital-skills training designed to improve their capacity to participate in the technology-driven economy. Reports on the programme stated that beneficiaries received practical training and support intended to improve access to digital work and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The student leaders further applauded Hon. Olajide’s support for student leadership development, civic education and legislative exposure, particularly through the Odidiomo Students’ Legislative Summit, which was organised in his honour. They noted that his reported *₦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 student representatives said initiatives of this nature are important because they allow young Nigerians to understand governance beyond the classroom and prepare themselves for future responsibilities in public service, business, academia and other sectors of national life.
The delegation also 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. According to the student leaders, these areas are particularly relevant to students and young graduates navigating an economy in which technological competence, practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity increasingly influence educational and employment opportunities. They 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.
Speaking during the engagement, the student representatives said the significance of these interventions extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries because they create opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge, develop practical competencies and become more active participants in the emerging digital and knowledge 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 should 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 also used the opportunity to express their support for Hon. 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. According to the student representatives, their position is informed by the interventions and engagements discussed during the meeting and their desire to see effective representation and youth-focused development sustained.
While speaking during the engagement, Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola also expressed appreciation to *Hon. Seun Fakorede*, Director-General, Youth Mobilisation and Strategy, Odidiomo Campaign Organisation, and *Hon. Victor Olojede*, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Oyo State on Students’ Affairs, for their continued engagement with and attention to the student and youth constituency. He acknowledged their roles in fostering communication between student structures, youth stakeholders and relevant leadership, and expressed appreciation for their efforts towards ensuring that the concerns, aspirations and interests of young people remain part of ongoing conversations around leadership and development in Oyo State.
The student leaders expressed appreciation to Hon. Olajide for receiving the delegation and for the opportunity to engage directly on matters affecting the student community. They said the interaction reinforced the value of maintaining an open and constructive relationship between elected representatives and organised student leadership, particularly around education, digital inclusion, skills development, youth empowerment, leadership capacity building and economic opportunities. They reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement with government institutions, elected representatives, educational authorities, private-sector stakeholders and development partners, while encouraging the continuation of initiatives capable of expanding opportunities for Nigerian students and young people.
The student leaders therefore commended Hon. Olajide for the interventions discussed during the engagement and expressed their expectation that continued collaboration between public representatives and organised student structures would contribute to deeper attention to the needs and aspirations of young Nigerians in Oyo State. They stressed that sustained investment in education, digital skills, leadership development and youth empowerment remains important to preparing students for the responsibilities and opportunities of the future.
*Signed:*
*Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola*
National Financial Secretary
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
*Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf (TOYYEM)*
General Secretary
NANS Southwest Zone D
*Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdul-Azeez (Industry)*
Chairman
NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State
*Comrade Ezekiel Oluwaseyi Agboola*
Chairman
National Association of University Students (NAUS), Oyo State Chapter
*Comrade Muftau Ahmed*
National President
Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU)
*Comrade Giwa Olawale*
National President Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union (FIBSU)
*Comrade Oniosun Moses* (Coordinator, Omi tuntun 3.0 Students Army)
