*LASU VC HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT WELFARE, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AT CAMPUS CAPTAINS' INAUGURATION*
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi *BADEJO*, FCASSON, FAPROCON, MNAE, has called for student-centred governance and stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to address the challenges confronting young Nigerians, particularly in education, transportation, employment and skills development.
Professor *BADEJO* made this call while delivering her address at the inauguration of Campus Captains and Campus-Based Structures, organised by the Lagos State Campaign Council of the PBAT-KOH Campaign, Contact and Mobilisation (Tertiary Education), at the Aderemi Makanjuola Hall, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026.
Drawing from her professional background as a counsellor, the Vice-Chancellor observed that the concerns of Nigerian students extend beyond academic activities to include transportation costs, tuition fees, feeding, access to electricity and data, as well as uncertainties surrounding life after graduation. She noted that students experience governance not necessarily through the different tiers of government but through the practical impact of policies on their ability to access education, remain in school and secure meaningful opportunities after graduation.
On the role of infrastructure in improving students' academic experiences, the Vice-Chancellor cited the Lagos Blue and Red Rail Lines as examples of development initiatives facilitated through Federal-State collaboration. She particularly highlighted the development of the Red Line along the Federal Government's rail corridor and referenced Dr Kadri Obafemi HAMZAT's manifesto commitment to extending the Blue Line to Okokomaiko, noting the potential benefits for students commuting from that axis.
Speaking on access to tertiary education, she recalled that although legislation providing for student loans had existed in Nigeria for years, the schemes remained largely unfunded, leaving many students without the financial support they needed. She noted that the situation changed following President Bola Ahmed *TINUBU's* (PBAT) signing of the student loan law and the commencement of disbursements by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
According to the Vice-Chancellor, She explained that the interest-free loan, with repayment commencing only after beneficiaries have graduated and secured employment, illustrates how Federal Government interventions can complement the efforts of State-owned institutions. She also acknowledged the importance of State bursaries and scholarship schemes in supporting students.
On the transition from university education to employment, Professor BADEJO emphasised that obtaining a degree alone does not guarantee economic opportunities, stressing the need for an enabling environment that allows young people to become productive members of society.
She highlighted proposals contained in Dr *HAMZAT's* Lagos Promise, particularly those relating to graduate internship placements, technical skills development, support for small businesses, youth participation in public service and the application of digital technology to governance. She noted that such interventions could strengthen opportunities for young graduates and equip them with relevant skills for the evolving world of work.
The Vice-Chancellor also drew attention to proposed sports development initiatives aimed at positioning sports as an instrument of youth empowerment and community development. These include the rehabilitation of existing stadia, provision of accessible sporting facilities across neighbourhoods and grassroots competitions, alongside the KeepFit Lagos initiative. She observed that such interventions could create pathways for young talents through sporting careers and scholarships while promoting healthier communities.
Beyond economic empowerment, Professor *BADEJO* underscored the importance of youth participation in democratic governance. She encouraged eligible young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), familiarise themselves with their polling units and actively exercise their civic responsibilities.
Addressing the Campus Captains, Professor *BADEJO* urged them to discharge their responsibilities with maturity, courtesy and respect for differing political opinions. She encouraged them to engage fellow students through constructive conversations and factual information, shun violence and remain committed to their academic pursuits, stressing the importance of responsible leadership and peaceful engagement within the university community.
The programme featured goodwill messages from heads of tertiary institutions across Lagos State, alongside contributions from student leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Moshood *MAYEGUN*, who represented the State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius *OJELABI*; Hon. Rasaq *AJALA*, who represented the Director-General of the PBAT/KOH Campaign Council, Senator Musiliu *OBANIKORO*; the Deputy Governorship Aspirant in Lagos State, Princess Damilola Sonayon *JAMES*; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani *SULE*; the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji *OGUNLENDE*; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Mr Adeniran *KASALI*. Other APC leaders, distinguished guests and Campus Captains drawn from tertiary institutions across the State were also in attendance.
The event climaxed with the formal inauguration of the Campus Captains and the presentation of appointment letters to the appointees. The vote of thanks was delivered by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM.
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