Nigerian students have been challenged on the need to make themselves relevant and be outstanding in whatever position they may find themselves in order to take their rightful position in the leadership of the society This was the crux of submissions by various speakers at the Leadership Training Programme organised by the University of Ilorin Students' Union last Tuesday (November 10, 2015), tagged "Redefining Student Leadership in the 21st Century." The event, which took place at the University Auditorium, dwelt extensively on issues affecting the Nigerian youth and particularly their participation in the governance of the country.

Welcoming participants to the training programme, the Students' Union President, Mr. Idris Alao, noted that much was expected from youths in Africa given the projection that the African youth will make up one-quarter of the world's population in the year 2025 and half of the world's population by 2040. In the light of this, he pointed out that "this is a call to action for all of us to bring and effect the much-needed change on our fatherland ahead of 2040." According to the Students' Union President, "The complexities inherent in the world we live today had occasioned lots of changes in different aspects of our lives; from politics, to the economy, infrastructural development, social welfare and capacity building; all have assumed more dynamism in this century".

Alao pointed out that "the art of leadership has equally embraced those dynamics, and as such, leadership has become an art to learn and a profession to join", adding that "within the context of student leadership; one can say it has gone beyond the conventional cliché of "aluta. Leadership is far beyond having an ordinary ambition to hold a political office. One thing that is central to leadership is the zeal to effect "change" and not just ordinary change but "positive change." In his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs and Chairman of the event, Prof. O.A. Omotesho, stressed that leadership is very crucial to the success of any organisation or institution.

While enjoining the students to tap into the benefits of the programme, Prof. Omotesho observed that leadership is a very knotty issue in Nigeria, saying the personality of President Muhammadu Buhari alone "has changed a lot of ways; and the fear of the President is like the beginning of wisdom." Among the resource persons at the training programme were the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji; the CEO of D-Positive Image Consult, Mr. Nasir Abdulqadri; the CEO of Streetgist App, Mr. Toyeeb Godo; CEO of Coins Communication Consult; Mr. Mustapha Muh'd Jamiu and the CEO of Heroes World Foundation, Mr. Mike Oladipo, among other distinguished youth leaders and entrepreneurs.

In his presentation, entitled "Aloha Unionism: Strategising for Effective Conflict Management", Dr. Adedimeji, who highlighted some hallmarks guiding leadership, said leadership is about love and leading by example. "It is love that will propel you to want to lead others; that is when you think of giving and not receiving. If you don't love the people, you do not have any business leading them", he remarked, adding that "if you are not disciplined, you cannot be a leader." He listed other basic principles to include, taking action, discipline, excellence, responsibility, service and sacrifice, honesty, integrity and planning.

The CPSS Director, who also advanced some conflict management tips, explained that conflict is inevitable in interpersonal relationships. Distinguishing Aloha Unionism from Aluta, Dr Adedimeji said, the University of Ilorin Students' Union is making a profound ideological statement, through Aloha Unionism, which is built on the principles of perfection, love for the students and the University and peace, which is not negotiable. He described this brand of unionism as one that is progressive, constructive and positive, maintaining that "no longer will unionism be destructive and counterproductive as was witnessed last in this University in 2004..."

The CEO of D-Positive Image Consult, Mr. Abdulqadri, in his submissions, said that leadership is about responsibility and service, noting that the youth had important roles to play in the society. He frowned at the proposed N5,000 monthly subvention for unemployed youths by the present administration, describing it as a palliative measure to further disempower unemployed youths who were likely to depend continuously on the aid without tasking the perception of their responsibilities towards themselves, the society and the nation.

On his part, the CEO of Streetgist App, Mr. Godo, enjoined the participants to constantly challenge the status quo and think outside the box. The Spain-based Unilorin alumnus, who emphasised the importance of reading and access to information in order to achieve excellence, explained that the reason why many remain unsuccessful is "because they do not have access to great information." He announced his plans to donate some books to students of the University.

Panelists at the event included the former Ag. Head, Computer Science Department, Dr. R. G. Jimoh, a former Unilorin Students' Union President, Dr Alex Akanmu of the Faculty of Education and Dr Badmus of the Faculty of Agriculture.