The atmosphere at Redeemer’s University Students’ Association was charged with enthusiasm and intellectual engagement on Wednesday as student leaders, policymakers, and undergraduates gathered for the 2026 Legislative Summit organised by the RUNSA Legislative Council at Redeemer’s University.
The summit, which drew participation from students across different departments and faculties, was designed to expose young people to the realities of governance, legislative responsibilities, and the importance of active citizenship in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during the event, representatives of top lawmakers in Osun State urged students not to distance themselves from political participation, noting that the future of leadership in Nigeria rests heavily on the younger generation. The summit featured notable political figures including Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, who was represented at the programme, alongside Hon. Kasope Ajibade Abolarin, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi, and Hon. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Speaker, representatives emphasised that democratic growth can only be sustained when young people become informed participants in governance rather than passive observers. Students were encouraged to understand legislative processes, public accountability, and policymaking from an early stage.
Hon. Kasope Ajibade Abolarin, while addressing participants, stressed the importance of youth inclusion in governance and decision-making. According to him, “Leadership is not something young people should prepare for after school alone. The process starts now, with conversations like this, with participation, and with understanding how government truly works.”
Also speaking, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi urged students to embrace innovation and intellectual courage, noting that the nation needs visionary young leaders capable of combining education with practical governance experience. He added that students must learn to use their voices constructively to influence positive change in society.
Hon. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye, in his address, spoke extensively on youth development and representation, stating that Nigerian students possess enormous potential to transform communities if given the right opportunities and orientation. He described civic engagement as a responsibility rather than a choice.
Correspondents of The Nigeria Education News, who were live at the summit, conducted random interviews with several students present at the event. Many of them described the programme as enlightening and timely, especially at a period when concerns about youth apathy in governance continue to grow across the country.
A 300-level Political Science student, Esther Adebayo, said the summit helped her understand the practical realities of legislative duties beyond what is taught in classrooms. “Most students only hear about lawmakers during elections or controversies, but today we learned how policies are debated and how governance directly affects us as citizens,” she said.
Another student, Daniel Ogunleye of the Department of Mass Communication, noted that the interaction with lawmakers gave students a rare opportunity to connect academic learning with real governance experiences. “We must not wait until graduation before understanding governance. This summit has shown us that young people can contribute meaningfully even while in school,” he told The Nigeria Education News.
Several attendees also commended the RUNSA Legislative Council for organising what many described as one of the most intellectually engaging student programmes on campus this session. Students applauded the interactive nature of the discussions and the openness of the invited lawmakers in responding to questions relating to youth representation, governance accountability, and leadership ethics.
Beyond speeches and panel discussions, the summit also served as a networking platform where students interacted directly with policymakers and student leaders on issues affecting Nigerian youths, education, innovation, and democratic participation.
Organisers of the programme reiterated that the summit aligns with the broader vision of Redeemer’s University to raise responsible leaders capable of driving social transformation within and beyond Nigeria’s educational sector.
As the programme came to an end, many students expressed optimism that such engagements would continue on campus, insisting that leadership development and civic education remain essential for building a generation of informed, responsible, and visionary Nigerians.
