In its continuous commitment to nurturing responsible and visionary leaders, Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State, successfully concluded a four-day intensive training programme for the incoming members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) ahead of the new academic session. Themed “Leading with Purpose: Building Vision, Integrity, and Service in Student Leadership,” the programme was designed to equip student leaders with practical skills, values, and knowledge essential for effective representation, stewardship, and community impact within the university.

Day 1: Understanding Leadership and Shared Vision

The opening day featured insightful sessions facilitated by distinguished personalities.

• Prof. Adebola Aderibigbe, an accomplished Professor of Communication Studies from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), addressed the typology of university students: the good, the bad, and the ugly. He also dissected TAU’s vision, mission, and core values, linking them to the expectations of student leadership. He stressed the importance of patience, collaboration, and genuine connection with students. His highly interactive session engaged the participants in thought-provoking discussions.

• The outgoing SRC President, Comrade Adebola Agboola, guided the executives through crafting a shared vision, mission, and core values. He emphasized that value-driven leadership is the foundation for building balanced and inclusive goals for the student body.

Day 2: Leading with Impact in Roles, Finance, and Sustainable Projects

The second day focused on roles, responsibilities, financial prudence, and community-driven initiatives.

• The Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye, clarified the duties and responsibilities of SRC executives, emphasizing the significance of accountability in each role.

• Mrs. Racheal Afolabi, the University Bursar, delivered a comprehensive lecture on financial management, covering budgeting, cashflow, record-keeping, transparency, and audits.

• Mr. Emmanuel Atama, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria, introduced the concept of Student Cooperative Societies, highlighting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and cooperative ethics as tools for collective growth.

• Mrs. Temitope Ayoola, Deputy Dean of Student Care Services, rounded off the day with a session on community-led projects, stressing the importance of impact, sustainability, and legacy in student leadership.

Day 3: Building the Bridge Between Students and School

The third day centered on the SRC’s vital role as a link between the student body and university management.

• Comrade Oluwafisayomi Omolayo, outgoing SRC General Secretary, trained members on agenda setting, timekeeping, minute-taking, and inclusive participation, emphasizing accuracy in record-keeping as a hallmark of effective governance.

• In a special highlight, the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, shared his inspiring life story and vision for empowering the younger generation. He urged student leaders to serve as true bridges between students and management, become problem-solvers, and reflect on the legacy they would leave at the university.

• The Acting Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Bamidele Rasak, further engaged the SRC on understanding school rules and policies, stressing their role in policy awareness, compliance, and fostering collaboration in rule enforcement.

Day 4: Stewardship and Responsibility in Action

The final day of the training, themed “Stewardship and Students Conduct: Responsibility in Action,” reinforced standards of conduct and responsible stewardship of resources.

• Mrs. Blessing Falope, Student Care Officer (West Campus), opened with a session on responsibility and standards of student conduct, delving into respect, punctuality, and behavior that uphold TAU’s values.

• Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, Director of Physical Planning and Development, emphasized the proper use and management of school facilities and equipment, urging students to protect university resources.

• An engaging case study session followed, where SRC members interacted directly with porters, cafeteria staff, and transport personnel to better understand their roles and challenges.

• The outgoing SRC Welfare Officer, Comrade Ogunsanya Albert, closed the training with a lecture on creating a culture of care and concern for student well-being, and responsible use of resources.

A New Era of Student Leadership

The four-day training was not only enlightening but also transformative for the incoming SRC members. With knowledge spanning leadership values, financial stewardship, policy awareness, community impact, and resource management, the council is now well-prepared to serve as responsible voices of the student body in the new academic session.

The University Management expressed confidence that the training has laid a solid foundation for visionary leadership, reinforcing TAU’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also socially responsible and ethically grounded.