Investing in the leadership development and active citizenship of Nigeria’s younger population is pivotal to creating a nation with a shared purpose that inspires sustainable development. NGYouthSDGs’ tailor-made programs for young people across Nigeria aim to build a network of socially conscious young leaders willing to work to improve their communities, states, and the nation.
Nigeria, with a median age of 18 years, is not only the most populous Black country in the world but also one of the youngest. According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, 60-70% of Nigerians are under 30. This demographic represents both challenges and opportunities for fostering sustainable development.
Recognizing this, the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, hosted a transformative workshop titled Bridging the Gap: Inspiring a New Generation. Designed to empower student leaders from various departments within the Faculty of Arts, the workshop equipped participants with the skills and mindset needed to bridge leadership gaps, foster capacity building, and drive sustainable impact.
The event brought together esteemed faculty members, including the Dean, Professor M.A. Ilupeju, and the Sub-Dean, Dr. Ogunjewo Henry B., alongside student leaders, class representatives, and faculty executives. The agenda featured a capacity-building session, an interactive leadership and change-making discussion, a video documentary showcase, and networking opportunities with students and partners.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Opening Remarks
The workshop commenced with an engaging interaction between the audience and the MCs, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day. Ms. Opeyemi Ogundeji, the programmes manager of NGYouthSDGs, introduced NGYouthSDGs, highlighting its commitment to education, leadership development, civic participation, employment, and livelihood. Following this, Mr Adekanye Ibukunoluwa, President of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA), introduced FASA UNILAG and emphasized the significance of student leadership and the purpose of the workshop. Other partners, Tecno Mobile and My Balance App, were acknowledged for their participation and support.
- Keynote Speech by the Dean
Professor M. Akanbi Ilupeju, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, delivered an inspiring keynote address that resonated with the audience. He emphasized the importance of innovation and courage, urging student leaders to embrace new ideas and learn from mistakes as part of their growth. He particularly encouraged female students to step up and break stereotypes, reinforcing the need for gender inclusivity in leadership spaces. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of academic excellence, advising students to maintain strong academic performance while balancing leadership responsibilities.
Lastly, he called for professionalism in student leadership, discouraging the spread of rumors and emphasizing the values of constructive communication, boldness and hard work.
- Capacity Building Session: A Changemaker’s Journey, Building With Impact in Mind
This session was facilitated by Ms. Opeyemi Ogundeji, NGYouthSDGs’ programmes manager. She took participants on a reflective journey into what it means to be a changemaker. In her session, she included a role-play activity where students reflected on their engagement with their peers with great leadership potential but who faced challenges, such as punctuality. Through guided discussions, they practiced providing constructive feedback, enhancing their communication and leadership skills.
Participants were introduced to the 4S Model for Change-makers:
- Spark – Identifying personal motivation;
- Step – Taking the first action;
- Statement – Defining an impact goal; and
- Shape – Continuously refining one’s approach.
The session further highlighted how changemakers take intentional actions to solve social, economic, and environmental challenges. She also spoke about the various categories of changemakers such as the Advocates, Entrepreneurs, Shapers, Mobilizers, Influencers and Supporters stressing the importance of leveraging one’s unique identity, giving and receiving feedback effectively, and using an impact measurement model consisting of planning, measuring, assessing, reviewing, and reporting.
- Partner Presentations
Representatives from Tecno Mobile and My Balance App took the stage to share insights on youth empowerment and technological advancements. Tecno Mobile discussed how technology can be harnessed to create opportunities for young people, while My Balance App highlighted the importance of financial literacy and well-being for student leaders navigating their academic and leadership journeys.
- Speak Up Stand Out (SUSO) Documentary Screening and Reflective Discussions
The session, facilitated by Ms. Oluwabukunmi Obadeyi, NGYouthSDGs’ Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager featured a thought-provoking documentary that sparked reflections on youth engagement in leadership and social responsibility. The Speak Up Stand Out (SUSO) documentary’s themes prompted critical questions from participants, leading to insightful discussions on the role of young people in shaping their communities. Many students shared their perspectives on leadership, drawing connections between the film’s message and their own experiences within the Faculty of Arts.
- Closing & Networking
As the event drew to a close, the final remarks from the moderators emphasized that leadership is a lifelong journey. Student leaders were encouraged to take ownership of their roles and build meaningful networks for future collaborations. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as students exchanged contacts, engaged in conversations with faculty members, and discussed potential partnerships for future initiatives.
IMPACT
- Quantitative Impact
- The workshop successfully brought together over 81 student leaders from all departments within the Faculty of Arts, demonstrating NGYouthSDGs’ commitment to inclusive leadership development.
- High levels of engagement in role-play and feedback exercises reinforced the organization’s emphasis on education and skill-building.
- Additionally, three strategic partnerships with FASA UNILAG, Tecno Mobile, and A Balance App ensured access to valuable resources and opportunities, strengthening the network’s vision of collaborative youth development.
- Qualitative Impact
- Beyond numbers, the workshop left a lasting impression on participants. Many student leaders redefined their perception of leadership, understanding it as an action-driven role rather than a mere title.
- The event empowered female attendees, instilling confidence in them to assert their voices in leadership spaces – a testament to NGYouthSDGs’ advocacy for gender equality and inclusive governance.
- Moreover, the Dean’s emphasis on open communication fostered a stronger faculty-student relationship, aligning with NGYouthSDGs’ mission of promoting meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes.
- The workshop also honed participants’ leadership communication skills through constructive feedback exercises, preparing them for more effective change making and advocacy.
TESTIMONIALS
- I have learned how to be someone who makes an impact, a changemaker, and a leader. I understood that being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being at the forefront but doing what other people think can not be possible and taking charge of every environment you find yourself in. Sambirat Ishola
- I love the session on the different changemakers which are entrepreneurs, advocates, shapers, influencers, mobilizers, and shapers. While I was listening to her, I had to sit down and ask myself: which one am I? I had to even go to meet her and request for her presentation slides. Now, I know more things about myself, would still go to evaluate myself but currently, I see myself as more of an advocate and a shaper. Farouk Folakemisola
- Today, I learned that true leadership comes with essential qualities that every leader must possess. As leaders, we are not just guiding ourselves but leading others who look up to us and observe our actions. I now understand that leadership isn’t limited to specific roles like student leadership or faculty executives. Leadership can emerge in any setting or situation, and anyone can step up to make a difference. I also found the steps on becoming a changemaker, shared by the facilitator, incredibly insightful. This session has broadened my perspective on what it truly means to lead and inspire change. Olamilekan
CONCLUSION
The Bridging the Gap: Inspiring a New Generation workshop was a resounding success, equipping student leaders with practical tools for effective leadership. Through engaging activities, reflective discussions, and expert insights, participants gained a deeper understanding of leadership, change-making, and capacity-building.
This workshop fostered new collaborations between students, faculty officials, and partners, laying a solid foundation for future leadership growth. Its impact will extend beyond the event, as student leaders apply their newfound knowledge, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Together, we are creating a future where young people are not just receiving change—they are the ones designing and driving it.
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