A prominent academic is calling on Nigerian university students to move beyond online commentary and actively participate in the country’s political processes. Professor Akanbi Ilupeju, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, emphasized that young people must become active agents of change rather than passive observers of decisions that will shape their future.
Professor Ilupeju made this appeal during a press briefing held in conjunction with the League for Social Justice, ahead of a public symposium titled “Voice of Justice: Youth, Democracy and the Future of Nigeria.” The symposium, scheduled to take place at the university’s Julius Berger Hall, aims to galvanize youth involvement in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
The Danger of Apathy
Professor Ilupeju warned that the prevailing political apathy among young Nigerians poses a significant threat to the consolidation of democratic principles. He urged students to adopt a more proactive approach to political engagement, moving beyond mere online criticism.
Practical Steps for Political Engagement
The Dean outlined several concrete steps that students can take to become more involved in the political process:
- Engage in Policy Discussions: Students should actively participate in discussions about policy and demand opportunities to engage directly with elected officials in public forums.
- Join Political Parties: Instead of simply criticizing political parties from the sidelines, young people should join them and work to effect change from within.
- Infiltrate the System: Professor Ilupeju encouraged students to become involved at the grassroots level, seeking positions as ward, local government, and state executives to influence the selection of candidates and shape party platforms.
- Advocate for Reform: Students should be vocal advocates for reforms that strengthen democracy and justice, holding elected officials accountable for their promises.
- Mentor Future Leaders: He also stressed the importance of mentoring the next generation of young leaders entering the political arena.
Demanding Electoral Transparency
Professor Ilupeju also emphasized the need for a transparent and fully digitized electoral process to ensure public confidence in election outcomes. He stressed the importance of protecting the independence of the judiciary as a vital check on executive power, essential for a functioning democracy.
Unity and Collaboration
He cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be divided or manipulated by politicians. He urged youth groups from across different geopolitical zones to collaborate on projects and share ideas for building a more progressive Nigeria.
The Power of Youth
Professor Ilupeju underscored the importance of youth participation in electoral processes, public discourse, and decision-making, arguing that democracy cannot flourish if the voices of young people, who constitute the country’s largest demographic, remain unheard. He warned that political withdrawal by young people only reinforces the status quo.
A Call to Action
Professor Ilupeju asserted that young Nigerians possess the numbers, education, digital skills, and moral conviction necessary to transform the country. He urged them not to wait for permission or a perfect system, stating that they are, in fact, the system.
He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging young people to channel their determination and let their voices be heard, ensuring that the echoes of the past do not drown out the promise of the future. He emphasized that the future of Nigeria is not a gift to be received but a destiny to be seized through active participation, one vote and one reform at a time.
Symposium Details
The symposium, “Youth, Civic Space and the Future of Nigeria: A Dialogue on Democracy, Civic Freedoms, Activism and National Transformation,” will feature panel discussions and provide a platform for students to share their perspectives on Nigeria’s future.
Bridging Academia and Activism
Dr. LaBode Obanor, Convener of the League for Social Justice, represented by Haliat Agbadu, explained that the event is designed to bridge the gap between academia and civic activism. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford a silent generation and that equipping young Nigerians with platforms for expression is crucial for strengthening the foundations of democracy.
The forum will also facilitate networking across faculties and produce a communiqué with recommendations for policymakers on enhancing youth participation in governance. Presentations by university leadership and LSJ executives, creative showcases by UNILAG students, and youth-centered discussions on justice, governance, and civic participation will also be featured.
Aims of the Symposium
The symposium aims to:
- Increase awareness and engagement among students on civic issues.
- Reaffirm the central role of young Nigerians in shaping national discourse.
- Foster dialogue between scholars, activists, policymakers, and students on the future of democratic institutions.
The conference will bring together university officials, civil society actors, student debate teams, and spoken-word performers, with discussions focusing on youth engagement, justice, governance, and national transformation.
