FUTA Students Union Leaders Charged to Lead With Character

The newly elected officers of the Federal University of Technology, Akure Students’ Union (FUTASU) have been charged to anchor their leadership on the pillars of knowledge, character, and decisive action as they assume their responsibilities for the 2025/2026 academic year.

This charge was given during the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 FUTASU Leadership Retreat, held at the Premier Holiday Resort, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Delivering a keynote address titled “Empowering the 21st Century Student Leaders: Knowledge, Character and Action,” Hon. Goke Olajide, a former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and an alumnus who once served as FUTASU President, urged the new officers to remember that their victory at the polls is not merely a personal achievement but a solemn call to service.

Olajide emphasised that the 21st century requires student leaders who are informed, upright, and prepared to act purposefully. He explained that leadership can be either an unpleasant burden or a delightful blessing, depending on whether leaders anchor their stewardship in the timeless virtues of knowledge, character, and purposeful action. He advised the student leaders to continually pursue knowledge, not just academically, but in understanding the needs of students, the workings of the university system, and the wider society.

He noted that while knowledge empowers a leader, it is character that earns them trust and respect, describing integrity, accountability, resilience, and humility as vital traits every leader must possess. He further emphasised that action is the ultimate proof of leadership, urging the union executives to translate plans into impactful outcomes through constructive engagement, informed advocacy, peaceful dialogue, and, where necessary, well-planned peaceful protest.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, congratulated the new FUTASU leaders and reminded them that they are torchbearers of the ideals, dreams, and collective aspirations of every FUTA student. She underscored that student leadership at FUTA goes far beyond convening meetings and holding office; it is about building bridges between students and the University and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and respected.

Professor Oladiji emphasised that FUTASU leaders must be intellectually agile in today’s rapidly evolving knowledge age. She encouraged them to be curious, to keep learning, to discern wisely, and to act boldly in the best interests of those they represent. She made it clear that the Management remains committed to maintaining a healthy dialogue and mutual respect with the Students’ Union, describing the relationship as a partnership that must be driven by integrity, transparency, humility, and shared responsibility.

The Vice-Chancellor also called on the student leaders to lead by example through honest and fair decision-making, always considering the welfare of their fellow students.