Don’t just tweet, join politics, UNILAG dean urges students

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Prof Akanbi Ilupeju. Photo: Facebook

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The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Prof Akanbi Ilupeju, has urged Nigerian undergraduates to move beyond social media commentary and take deliberate steps toward political participation, insisting that young people must not remain spectators in decisions shaping the country’s future.

Ilupeju made the call during a press briefing jointly organised by the Faculty of Arts and the League for Social Justice ahead of a public symposium titled “Voice of Justice: Youth, Democracy and the Future of Nigeria,” scheduled for today at the university’s Julius Berger Hall.

He warned that the persistent political apathy among young people posed a threat to the consolidation of democracy.

Ilupeju said, “Don’t just tweet; join policy discussions; demand public forums with your elected officials. Join a party instead of simply criticising political parties from the outside. Infiltrate them; go to the grassroots; become the ward, local government and state executives who choose candidates. Change the system from the inside out.”

He also charged students to be the loudest advocates for reforms that strengthen democracy and justice.

“Track the promises of elected officials; hold them accountable; and mentor the next wave of young leaders entering politics.

“We must demand a transparent and fully digitised electoral process that removes any doubt about the true mandate of the people. A true democracy cannot exist without a fearless judiciary. We must protect its independence as a check on executive power,” he said.

The dean further warned that young people must not allow themselves to be divided or manipulated by politicians, urging youth groups across geopolitical zones to collaborate on projects and share ideas for a progressive Nigeria.

He said the symposium was conceived to strengthen civic consciousness on campus and ensure young Nigerians understand the power they wield in influencing public policy and governance.

According to him, democracy cannot thrive if the voices of young people, who make up the country’s largest demographic, remain absent from electoral participation, public discourse and decision-making.

“If the youth withdraw from politics, they reinforce the very system they criticise,” he added. “A blank space on the ballot sheet is a vote for the status quo.”

Ilupeju said young Nigerians have the numbers, education, digital tools and moral conviction to transform the country.

“Do not wait for permission. Do not wait for a perfect system. You are the system.

“Let the fire in your belly not be the fire of anger but the furnace of determination.

“Let your voice—the Voice of Justice—be so clear, so loud and so consistent that the echoes of the past can no longer drown out the melody of the future.

“The future of Nigeria is not a gift that will be handed to you; it is a destiny you must seize, day by day, vote by vote, reform by reform. Rise, speak out, and let the world hear the true Voice of Justice coming from the youth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Today’s symposium will feature panel discussions on the theme “Youth, Civic Space and the Future of Nigeria: A Dialogue on Democracy, Civic Freedoms, Activism and National Transformation.”

Dr LaBode Obanor, Convener of the League for Social Justice, said the event was designed to provide a platform for students to share their perspectives on Nigeria’s future.

Obanor, represented by Haliat Agbadu, added that students would engage in conversations on democracy, civic freedoms, activism and nation-building.

Obanor said the partnership was designed to bridge the gap between academia and civic activism.

“Nigeria cannot afford a silent generation. By equipping young Nigerians with platforms for expression, we deepen the roots of democracy,” he reiterated.

He added that the forum would also help build networks across faculties and produce a communiqué with recommendations for policymakers on strengthening youth participation in governance.

He said the symposium would also feature presentations by university leadership and LSJ executives, creative showcases by UNILAG students, and youth-centred discussions on justice, governance and civic participation.

“We also identify key challenges and opportunities for youth engagement in civic activities. We expect to achieve increased awareness and engagement among students on civic issues,” Obanor said.

“Together, UNILAG and LSJ affirm that justice is not an abstract concept but must be taught, discussed, practised and lived. By equipping young Nigerians with platforms for expression, we deepen the roots of democracy.”

He added that the symposium would enable students to express ideas through spoken word, debate and creative performances.

Obanor said the forum aims to reaffirm the central role of young Nigerians in shaping national discourse, bridge the gap between academia and civic engagement and foster dialogue between scholars, activists, policymakers and students on the future of democratic institutions.

The conference will feature university officials, civil society actors, student debate teams and spoken-word performers, with discussions centred on youth engagement, justice, governance and national transformation.

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