The Dean of Students of the University of Ibadan, Professor Demola Lewis has urged student leaders in the university to learn to collaborate effectively with the university management rather than portray themselves as activists.
He gave this charge on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, at a training programme for members of the Student Union Executive Committee, members of the Students Representative Council, Hall Chairpersons and Faculty Presidents organized by the Career Development and Counselling Centre (CDCC) of the university.
Professor Lewis reiterated that student leadership is both a privilege and an opportunity to evolve as a valuable leader beyond the university, saying an opportunity to sharpen leadership skills should not be taken for granted.
He added that engagement with management requires skill sets that make student leadership effective and respected, stressing that activism may generate a lot of activities, but it takes collaboration to press home demands effectively and fulfil mandate.
The Dean reassured the students of the constant openness of the University management to diplomatic and decorous discussions, saying that the importance of training students for leadership development cannot be overemphasized as the trainings are not merely for today, but to equip them for tomorrow.
He encouraged the student leaders to participate actively in the training and make it a robust engagement with the facilitators so they can achieve total development.
The Director of CDCC, Professor Adebayo Oluwole, CPCN, MPoPAN, restated that leadership within the university environment is a privilege, a responsibility, and above all, a call to service.
He said that as the premier university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan stands as a beacon of excellence, producing graduates who lead transformative change within and beyond the nation, describing UI student leaders as strategic influencers that shape not just academic engagement but campus well-being, student governance, and national future direction.
Professor Oluwole explained that the training was designed to empower participants with key competencies in effective and responsible governance, mental health advocacy and resilience building, prevention of drug abuse and promotion of healthy living, strengthening of peer relationships and supporting networks, and creating a lasting and sustainable impact on campus.
He disclosed that the theme of the training was: “Empowering Student Leaders for Effective Governance, Mental Health Awareness, Drug Abuse Prevention, and Sustainable Impact.”
The director appreciated the visionary leadership of the VC and acknowledged his unwavering support for the Centre to consistently strengthen its mission and programmes.
He explained that the skills and values that the participants cultivate today will define the quality of their service and the legacy they will leave behind.
He, therefore, encouraged participants to engage fully, learn deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and translate the insights gained at the training into impactful actions across their halls, faculties, and constituencies.
The training sessions were facilitated by professionals;
● Professor Jubril Abdulmalik, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine represented by Dr Alero Adegbolagun, University Health Services: “Student Leadership and Mental Health Advocacy: Building Resilient and Supportive Campuses.”
● Commander Joe-Fadile Olayinka, NDLEA Commandant, Oyo State Command represented by Sup. of Narcotics Sogbe A. Olufesobi: “Drug Abuse Dangers and Prevention: The Role of Student Leadership in Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.”
● Professor Demola Lewis, Dean of Students: “From Representation to Inclusion: Enhancing Participatory Governance in Student Leadership at UI”
● Dr. Olukemi Akinyemi, Coordinator, UI Youth Friendly Centre: “Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships and Peer Support for Optimal Academic Achievement.”
