Disturbed by the heightened economic challenges in Nigeria, students in tertiary institutions are actively engaging in discussions on the state of the nation and the way forward.
Recently, students from various universities, including the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology Akure, and Tai Solarin University of Education, Sagamu, gathered to debate the future of governance, leadership, and administration in Nigeria.
Organized by Yiaga Africa in collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Commission, NUC, and supported by Open Society Foundation, the event provided a platform for students to discuss their concerns and aspirations for the country.
With the theme: “My Nigeria, Our Nigerian Debate,” students expressed their disappointment and frustration with the current state of affairs but remained optimistic about the future.
Blessing Obasi, a student from Tai Solarin University of Education, said: “I’m not happy with the government’s performance over the last nine years, but I believe Nigeria can be better.”
She emphasized the importance of persistence, saying, “we will keep lending our voices until things turn around for the better.”
Osunsakin Samuel, a student of Federal University of the Technology, Akure, adopted a neutral stance, urging students to maintain a positive mindset and take governance issues seriously. He emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on active participation of young people in governance.
Addressing participants at the event , Anthonia Onda, a senior programme officer at Yiaga Africa, asserted that the forum was apt for young people to discuss issues around politics, governance across board, leadership and administration as it affects youths most.
“This is to make young people understand that they are involved in the affairs of government. As they discuss topical issues that affect them, they must know that life after elections is paramount. Governance is more important than just casting votes. There are more beyond elections. Youths should begin to think about innovative ways to improve the process,” she urged.
Mark Amaza, senior communications officer at Yiaga, emphasized the importance of capacity and preparedness for leadership, stressing that the “change” Nigerians expect starts from individual efforts.
“The debate is about giving the Nigeria youths platform to discuss issues of governance/ Politics and leadership at top at it affects them most. We want them to know what is really involved, so they can properly prepare themselves. It’s not all about money, but capacity to deliver best results.
“You can see one of the issues debated here is whether election petitions should be concluded before a government is sworn-in or not. Other things looked into are: governance, democracy, politics, citizenship and national values. There are a whole lot of real issues for serious discourse, only if we all do our bids.”
Yiaga Africa urged political parties to ensure a level playing field for all participants, criticizing the exorbitant prices of interest forms for aspirants.
