NANS Southwest Demands immediate Inclusion of Student Leaders in Oyo Youth Summit 2025, Reminds Youth Commissioner of Gov. Makinde’s Pro-Student Legacy

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone (Zone D), under the office of the Zonal Treasurer, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde (Toyyem), has expressed deep disappointment in the Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Oyo State, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, over the deliberate sidelining of student representatives in the build-up to the 2025 Oyo State Youth Summit.

This was contained in a statement signed by Comr. Ojetola Babatunde (Toyyem), the Zonal Treasurer of NANS Southwest (Zone D) and made available to newsmen on Saturday.

According to the statement, the exclusion of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone leadership, led by Zonal Treasurer Comrade Ojetola Babatunde (Toyyem), is particularly disheartening. 

This is surprising given that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is renowned for his student-friendly policies and unwavering support for students at all levels of education.

The statement read: “As preparations advance for the summit themed “Unlocking Youth Potential: Addressing Needs, Fulfilling Dreams” slated for April 29th and 30th, it is regrettable that the Commissioner has consistently engaged with various youth groups while deliberately excluding student unions and leaders who represent over 70% of the youth demographic in Oyo State.

This exclusion is particularly disheartening given that the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, is widely known and celebrated as a student-friendly governor, whose love and support for students across all levels of education have been both visible and impactful. It is therefore surprising and unacceptable that such marginalization of student voices is taking place under his administration.

We urge Hon. Wasilat Adegoke to realign with the inclusive spirit of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde by ensuring that students are duly represented and involved in youth-oriented initiatives, especially one as significant as the Youth Summit 2025.

NANS Southwest stands firmly for student inclusion, engagement, and empowerment and will not tolerate any attempt to undermine our relevance or contributions to youth development in the region.