Support for student leadership and youth development received a major boost as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Adedeji Olajide, pledged ₦50 million towards the University of Ibadan Students’ Legislative Summit, while reaffirming his commitment to mentoring young people across Oyo State.
Olajide made the pledge on Wednesday during his induction into the University of Ibadan Students’ Union at Adeoyo Ring Road, Ibadan.
The lawmaker, who is the Allied Peoples Movement’s candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 election, commended the unity and developmental strides within the student body, noting that greater progress would be achieved if students received the right mentorship and guidance.
Describing his induction as both an honour and a responsibility, Olajide said he was prepared to commit his resources to equipping students in Oyo State, particularly those at the University of Ibadan, for future leadership and career opportunities.
“My new role will be to help you restore values and discipline. I also want to advise you all to remain focused and avoid distractions on campus. On the Students’ Legislative Summit, I will support you with the sum of ₦50 million,” he said.
The lawmaker, popularly known as Odidiomo, said the induction would strengthen networking opportunities among students while highlighting the importance of digital literacy for young Nigerians.
He recalled donating 20 laptops to the Oyo State Youth Parliament through the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, explaining that the initiative was aimed at narrowing the digital divide among youths.
“The digital gap in our society is so wide that we need to start aggressively closing it. I am going to launch a digital centre very soon, and I want you all to be part of it. Whoever participates will also be enrolled in a training programme that I will personally facilitate,” he added.
Olajide also urged the newly inaugurated members of the Oyo State Youth Parliament to remain focused, dedicated and united as they prepare for future leadership responsibilities.
Speaking during the event, the Speaker of the University of Ibadan Students’ Legislative Council, John Oludele, said the induction was in recognition of Olajide’s longstanding contributions to youth and student development.
He likened the honour to the honorary citizenship previously conferred on Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, noting that the recognition would encourage the lawmaker and other public-spirited individuals to continue investing in students.
“That is why we deem it fit to induct him into the University of Ibadan Students’ Union because this is a huge commitment to the development of students. He has a history of developing youths across the state,” Oludele said.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the University Students’ Union Representative Council Legislative Summit, Oluwagbemileke Ajayi, called on governments at all levels to address infrastructural deficits in higher institutions.
She stressed the need for improved hostels, libraries, classrooms, ICT facilities and mentorship programmes to provide students with a more conducive learning environment.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana, also commended Olajide for his continued investment in youth empowerment and development across the state.
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