Pardon expelled student leaders as Youngest law maker commended NOUN management for resuscitating student Unionism at the University

Emmanuel David

Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, representing Owode/ Onire Constituency in the Kwara state house Assembly has made a passionate appeal to the management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to pardon it expelled student leaders and issue them their certificates.

Shittu’s appeal followed the establishment of a student welfare board by NOUN management under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters.

The newly created board is tasked with addressing the needs and overall wellbeing of students, marking a major milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance the student experience.

In a groundbreaking decision, one of the board’s first major actions was the formal recognition and adoption of the Congress of NOUN Students (CONS), a national student association founded at the Ilorin study centre.

The move has been met with widespread praise from prominent alumni, including Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker and former Senate President of CONS.

In a statement, Hon. Shittu described the development as a “remarkable step forward” and credited CONS for shaping her leadership journey.

“I am proud to associate with this forward-looking initiative,” she said.

“When I was invited to the school after my victory at the poll in 2023, I shared with the university the impact of CONS in training and shaping my perception about leadership. I encouraged them to see CONS as their baby that ought to be embraced rather than cast aside. It is gratifying to see this vision materialise.”

Hon. Shittu also recognised the contribution of CONS’s founding leader, Ambassador Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who is currently the executive director of the peacebuilding think tank Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro).

She applauded the dedication of the current CONS leadership under Comrade Newland, as well as the efforts of previous leaders including Lurd Bouch, Comrade Shakirudeen, Comrade Tijani, and Comrade Pelumi for sustaining the organization over the years.

“Their capacity for leadership, organizational strength, discipline, and persistence have kept the Congress alive and relevant. It is a testament to the strength of student leadership at NOUN,” she added.

In addition to commending the adoption of CONS, Hon. Shittu made a passionate appeal to the university management to pardon expelled CONS leaders and issue them their certificates, describing them as “heroes whose selfless sacrifices and commitment to the betterment of NOUN have inspired countless students.”

“This is an opportunity to heal from past misgivings and forge a united path forward. Honoring them will set the foundation for a new beginning, where collective progress and unity will define the future of our great institution,” she concluded.