Promote Justice, Varsity Don Tells Ex-Student Activists Now In Government

A university don, Prof. Ochugudu Achoda Ipuele, has challenged former student activists now in public offices to practise what they fought for during their days on campus.

Ipuele asserted that 40% of the current members of the National Assembly and State Assemblies were once student activists.

These statistics, according to him, underscored the historic role of student movements in shaping Nigeria’s political direction.

Ipuele, who is the security coordinator of Benue State University, spoke at the Leadership Summit held in honour of Chief William Deiyan Towah in Abuja.

He explained that the figure reflects a generation of leaders who, as students, were once the loudest voices for justice, equity and accountability—and must now rise to the responsibility of selfless and people-centred leadership.

The don reminded the audience that many of today’s lawmakers once sat in crowded lecture halls, led campus protests, negotiated with authorities and confronted injustice head-on.

“About 40 percent of those in public office today were student activists before. They fought for better systems. They demanded fairness. They stood on principles. That is why the future of Nigerian students remains bright,” he said.

But Ipuele stressed that the statistic is not a matter for celebration alone—it is a call to duty and challenged these former activists—now senators, lawmakers, commissioners and political leaders—to honour the values they once championed.

“If you fought for justice as students, you must not promote injustice as leaders.

If you demanded accountability, then you must practise transparency now,” he declared.

Addressing an audience of academics, diplomats, technocrats and students, he described student activism as more than a youthful phase—it is a moral foundation.

“Those who once held placards and risked suspension for the common good”, he said, “must now champion education without seeking personal gain, protect student welfare as they once demanded protection, stand firm against corruption instead of being swallowed by it, legislate boldly for youth empowerment, innovation and inclusion,” he noted.

Lamenting that some leaders have become silent, compromised or disconnected from the communities they once defended, Prof. Ipuele urged the 40% ex-activist lawmakers to reclaim their courage, resist political pressure and lead with integrity.

“Nigeria is not lacking leaders; we are lacking conviction. Those who stood for what was right in their youth must stand even stronger today,” he said.

He also challenged today’s students to see themselves as the next generation of responsible actors—ready to fill the void where older leaders fail.

“The future is bright because new voices are rising. But when it becomes your turn, do not abandon the values that raised you,” he advised.

The fusion of yesterday’s activism, today’s leadership and tomorrow’s hope formed the backbone of the celebration in honour of Dr. William Deiyan Towah—whose life, Prof. Ipuele noted, demonstrates that service is the highest form of leadership.

Towah, a recipient of the Liberian Presidential Award, in his acceptance speech, reminded Nigerian students that they remain the wind of change.

The NANS Leadership Summit and ICON Magazine launched in his honour reaffirmed a central truth: student activism has been—and continues to be—one of the most powerful forces shaping Nigeria’s leadership landscape.