VC COUNSELS STUDENTS AS OOU HOSTS MENTORSHIP SUMMIT
The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has charged Nigerian students to rededicate themselves to the growth and development of the country, saying all hands must be on deck towards building a better nation and improving the quality of life.
Speaking at the Students Mentorship Summit organised by the office of the Public Relations Officer, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the OGD Hall, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor urged the youths to be more patriotic as well as uphold the values of hard work and civic responsibility.
Prof. Agboola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin, told the participants to have faith in the country and contribute their quota towards taking it to greater heights. Rather than thinking of migrating abroad in search of greener pastures, he said the youths should join hands with the authorities and takemore active interest in building their country.
“At a time that people are thinking of how to leave the country and japa, I am happy that you are thinking of how to make life better and ensure that this country becomes more comfortable for all. I commend NANS and look forward to more progressive programmes for our youths from the umbrella body of students,” he remarked.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the University would continue to provide conducive environment for students to excel in their academic pursuit and also encourage various development initiatives to make the institution’s products highly competitive and globally relevant.
In his speech, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, challenged students to be active participants in the process of nation-building. He restated the commitment of the government to ensuring that the education system equips students with the skills andknowledge necessary to drive innovation and progress in the society.
“Innovation is key to solving complex problems and driving progress in our society. As students, you must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to think creatively, develop innovative solutions and apply them in practical ways,” said the commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Secondary and Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Olubunmi Oso.
On his part, the NANS National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said the summit with the theme, “Every Role, Every Voice: Advancing Nigeria through Innovation, Citizenship and Collective Responsibility,” was designed as a platform to ignite fresh ideas, inspire leadership, and deepen the culture of innovation, responsibility, and patriotism among Nigerian students.
According to the NANS leader, building a better Nigeria is not the duty of government alone, but a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every student and youth.
“At NANS,” Oladoja said, “our vision goes beyond agitation. It includes reorientation, empowerment, mentorship, and nation-building.
“This summit stands as a testimony to that renewed direction. We are determined to prepare our members not just to demand change, but to become the change our nation desperately needs. We believe that through mentorship, we can bridge the gap between leadership and followership; between experience and aspiration,” he submitted. Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener and NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, said the millions of Nigerian students whose dreams, struggles and voices echo in every corner remained the hope of the country’s future. He explained that the summit was aimed at empowering the participants to be actively involved in salvaging the nation.
Ajasa said, “In this era of uncertainty and global transformation, we must move beyond passive citizenship. Every student must see themselves as a nation builder, not a mere bystander. This summit urges us to embrace three powerful mandates: innovation, citizenship and collective responsibility.”
“When students rise, a nation rises. When we innovate, Nigeria transforms. When we unite in purpose, the impossible becomes possible. Let us ignite a spirit of citizen leadership that cannot be extinguished by apathy, poverty and politics.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Authority Chief Executive of Nigerian Midstream and DownstreamPetroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, charged Nigerian students to think boldly and not limit themselves, stressing that the country requires broad-minded thinkers who will assume leadership roles and take it to new heights.
The keynote speaker, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs Department, Mr. George Ene-Ita, said collaboration with Nigerian students was necessary to break new grounds.
He said, “Around the world, innovation is redefining the way we produce, distribute, and consume energy. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. And this is why we at the Authority are committed to working closely with you, the students. We want to tap into your creativity, your fresh ideas, and your courage to challenge the status quo.
“Let me be clear, collaboration with Nigerian students is not a token gesture. It is a necessity. Whether through research partnerships, internships, mentorship, or platforms for dialogue like this one, webelieve that you must be part of the conversation. Because when we talk about energy transition, cleaner fuels, or building resilient infrastructure, it is your generation that will implement and live through these decisions.”
“So, as you continue your studies, I encourage you to think boldly. Do not limit yourselves to what already exists, imagine what it could be. Nigeria needs engineers, economists, scientists, communicators, innovators, liberal artists and broad-minded thinkers who will assume leadership roles and take our sector to new heights.”
Also, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, whose address was delivered by the Director, Ogun State Directorate, Mrs. Oyebisi Andu, urged the participants to let the summit mark a turning point from idealism to responsibility, and from conversation to commitment.
“If you believe Nigeria should be a country that values truth, let your voice speak truth with courage. If you want a country where integrity prevails, let your daily conduct reflect honesty. If you dream of a united Nigeria, let your relationships reflect unity across ethnic and religious lines,” Issa-Onilu posited.