Students and education stakeholders gathered in Lagos for the EKÒ Legislative Conference 5.0, an initiative of the National Union of Lagos State Students, with a renewed focus on the role of education in shaping leadership, lawmaking, and cultural preservation.
The Nigeria Education News, which attended the conference, observed that the event moved beyond rhetoric, positioning students as active participants in discussions that connect classroom learning with governance and societal development.
With the theme, “Eko As Legacy: Lawmaking, Leadership, and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage,” the conference explored how education can serve as a bridge between tradition and modern governance. Speakers emphasised that institutions of learning must not only produce graduates but also nurture citizens who understand policy, culture, and civic responsibility.
A major highlight of the engagement was the emphasis on lawmaking as a knowledge-driven process. Participants noted that students, particularly those in social sciences, law, and humanities, must be exposed early to policy conversations, as legislation directly impacts education systems, youth development, and national growth.
Discussions also centred on leadership development within educational spaces. Speakers challenged students to see leadership as a responsibility shaped by values such as discipline, accountability, and service, rather than titles. They stressed that universities and student bodies remain critical training grounds for future leaders.
The conference further underscored the role of education in preserving cultural identity. In a rapidly globalising world, participants warned that young people risk losing touch with indigenous values if cultural education is not intentionally embedded in learning systems. They highlighted Lagos’ cultural heritage as a vital resource that must be protected through both formal and informal education.
Traditional rulers, policymakers, and youth advocates present at the event reinforced the need for collaboration between cultural institutions and modern educational frameworks. This, they said, would ensure that students are grounded in both academic knowledge and cultural awareness.
For many attendees, the conference served as a practical learning experience, exposing students to real-world policy dialogue and expanding their understanding of governance beyond textbooks.
As Lagos continues to evolve, stakeholders at the conference agreed that the sustainability of its growth will depend largely on how well its education system prepares young people to lead, legislate, and preserve the identity captured in the idea of “Eko.”
