Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged students of the University of Ibadan (UI) to participate actively in politics, arguing that young Nigerians need to become more involved in democratic processes if they want to influence governance.

Ajadi spoke on Tuesday, September 22, at the Honourable Odidiomo Students’ Legislative Summit held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.

The two-day summit, organised by the University of Ibadan Students’ Representative Council (SRC), had the theme, “The Service Paradigm: Transforming Mindsets for Service-Driven Leadership in Nigeria.”

It brought together students, public officials and other stakeholders for discussions around political participation, legislative responsibilities, public service and leadership.

Ajadi, who is contesting the Oyo Central senatorial seat in the 2027 general election, said young Nigerians should not distance themselves from politics while expecting changes in the quality of governance.

“Students should participate actively in politics because politics is the avenue through which we engage government and influence the direction of our society,” he said.

“If we want to change the bad narrative, we must be ready to participate and contribute our own quota to the development of Nigeria.”

Ajadi emerged as the APM candidate for Oyo Central following the party’s consensus primary held on May 28 in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He told the students that political participation should not be regarded solely as a route to elective office, arguing that involvement in democratic processes could provide young people with opportunities to understand governance and contribute ideas.

“Good governance is one of the results of responsible political participation,” Ajadi said.

“When people with good intentions participate in politics, they have the opportunity to contribute ideas, influence policies and work towards delivering meaningful democratic dividends to the people.”

He encouraged students to regard themselves as stakeholders in Nigeria’s political future rather than remaining detached from the processes through which political decisions are made.

Also speaking at the summit, Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, urged students to develop skills in emerging technologies.

Olajide currently represents Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is the APM candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 election.

The federal lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, encouraged students to develop knowledge in areas including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing.

He argued that technological developments were changing education, employment, business and governance, making digital skills increasingly relevant to young Nigerians preparing for the labour market.

Olajide also commended the Students’ Representative Council for creating a platform for students to engage with legislative processes and public leadership.

The summit was named in his honour.

Its organisation, however, attracted disagreement within the university’s student leadership.

University of Ibadan Students’ Union President Temidayo Sewanu Adeboye issued a statement ahead of the event dissociating the Students’ Union from the summit and advising students against participation.

Campus reports nevertheless showed that the summit proceeded at the International Conference Centre on September 22, with students, political representatives and other invited participants in attendance.

The programme formed part of efforts by the SRC to expose students to discussions around legislative practice, leadership and public service.

Ajadi used his appearance to argue that young Nigerians could not afford to regard politics as an activity reserved exclusively for professional politicians.

His comments come as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, in which both Ajadi and Olajide are seeking seats in the Senate on the APM platform.

For Ajadi, greater youth participation should extend beyond voting during elections to understanding political institutions, joining public conversations and contributing to the processes through which policies and leadership decisions are shaped.

The summit continued with discussions around leadership, technology, legislative responsibilities and the role of young Nigerians in national development.