By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, has urged students of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, to pursue academic excellence for their personal growth and the advancement of society.

He made this charge while delivering the keynote address at the first-ever Legislative Summit of the College, organised by the Students Senatorial Council.

Oyewusi, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Sanitation, Oluwapelumi Peters, called on the students to see themselves as the future leaders on whom the nation depends.

He encouraged them to embrace their roles as problem-solvers and to remain observant of their environment in order to identify and tackle societal challenges.

Commending the Students Senatorial Council for successfully organising the inaugural Legislative Summit, the Deputy Speaker urged the student leaders to ensure honest and equitable representation of their peers.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Comrade Aderoju Oladejo Bashiru, advised students to prioritise dialogue over violence when resolving disputes.

He emphasised that peaceful discussions are far more effective in achieving lasting resolutions and urged the Students Senatorial Council to maintain open communication with College Management.

Declaring the summit open, the Provost of the College, Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, expressed his delight at the establishment of the Students Senatorial Council.

He described the Council as a welcome development that will help communicate students’ yearnings and aspirations to the school administration.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting student welfare and promoting academic excellence.

In her welcome address, the President of the Senate, Senator Sofiat Ogundele, commended the school management, led by the Provost, for fostering an environment where students are free to express themselves.

She assured that the Students Senatorial Council will ensure fair and unbiased representation of all students, leveraging constructive dialogue with the administration to address concerns related to welfare and academic progress.

The three-day Legislative Summit featured a visit to the Osun State House of Assembly, where members of the Students Senatorial Council witnessed a plenary session in the hallowed chambers.

The grand finale brought together student union bodies from across the country, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS).