Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Social Development to the Lagos State Governor, Ambassador Biliaminu Oba, has urged student leaders to embrace diplomacy and strategic engagement in their dealings with school management and government authorities.
Speaking during a virtual leadership webinar hosted by LASUSTECH student, Bisiriyu Hassan Taiwo, and themed “Balancing Academics with Unionism,” Oba warned against the growing culture of confrontation among student leaders.
“Student leaders are not anti-government; they are partners in progress,” he said. “You cannot lead with rebellion and expect long-term results. Negotiation, communication, and planning are what define quality leadership.”
He cautioned student leaders against overstepping boundaries, urging them to earn respect through credibility and vision rather than noise.
“If you want to be taken seriously, you must be credible, visible, and intellectually sound. You must have the courage to speak the truth and the wisdom to choose the right time to speak it.”
Drawing from his own background as a former unionist and Lagos Youth Council Chairman, Oba advised student leaders to always uphold integrity and transparency in financial dealings.
“Don’t be the kind of leader who collects one million naira behind closed doors and tells comrades it was five hundred thousand. You will lose trust, and trust is everything in leadership.”
He also highlighted the danger of relying solely on public appearances or social media for leadership validation.
“Symposiums won’t save anyone. Mentorship will. If you don’t have responsible mentors, you will fail. Look for those who have done it right — they will show you the way.”
He charged student leaders to find balance between activism and academics by being self-aware, prioritizing mental health, and not taking on more than they can handle.
“There is no point being a comrade without a certificate. Multitask, be smart, and remember that your primary assignment is to graduate.”
The webinar, which drew dozens of student participants across Lagos State universities, aimed to equip young leaders with tools to manage academic responsibilities effectively while serving in student unions.
