…as students from seven secondary schools participate in live mock plenary at council secretariat
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ipokia Local Government Branch, has organised a live students’ plenary session to promote quality education in public schools and deepen young people’s understanding of democratic governance and legislative processes.
The exercise, held at the Legislative Council Chamber of the Ipokia Local Government Secretariat, brought together secondary school students from seven selected schools across the local government area for a practical debate on the topic, ‘Providing Quality Education in Public Schools in Ipokia Local Government.”
According to a statement by the NYCN Ipokia Local Government Branch, through its Directorate of Democratic and Good Governance, led by
Asokere Segun Johotho, the initiative was designed to expose students to the workings of the legislature and provide them with a platform to discuss challenges confronting public education and proffer practical solutions.
The plenary, conducted under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adeyanju Akeem, offered the participants an opportunity to experience legislative proceedings firsthand, as they presented arguments, responded to opposing views and examined issues relating to educational development through structured debate.
The participating schools were Community Commercial Secondary School, Maun; Agosasa Community Secondary School; Alaari High School; Community High School, Tube; Community High School, Ita-Egbe; Igiri High School, Ijofin; and Oniro Agude High School.
The council explained that the programme went beyond conventional classroom instruction by allowing students to appreciate how public concerns could be articulated, debated and translated into policy considerations.
It stated that the choice of quality education as the focus of the plenary was deliberate, given the importance of education to human development and the future of communities.
“Giving students the opportunity to discuss the condition and future of public education allows their experiences and perspectives to become part of the wider conversation about development in Ipokia Local Government,” the statement said.
The initiative also sought to nurture leadership qualities, confidence, critical thinking and respect for opposing opinions among the students, while encouraging them to become active participants in democratic processes rather than mere observers of governance.
The event attracted NYCN executives at the local and state levels, youth organisations, community stakeholders, teachers, parents and former leaders of the youth council.
The Ipokia Local Government Branch was led by Comrade Gbenasu, while the state executives were represented by Comrade Adejoke Kafilat. All councillors representing the 12 wards of Ipokia Local Government, alongside the Clerk of the Legislative Council, were also in attendance.
Their presence, according to the organisers, strengthened the connection between the students and the democratic institutions responsible for representation and decision-making in their communities.
As part of the programme, participating students received certificates of participation in recognition of their involvement in the educational and civic engagement exercise.
The programme was organised through the Directorate of Democratic and Good Governance, headed by Asokere Segun Johotho, with Comrade Olateju Aliu Adekunle serving on the Planning Committee of the Live Students’ Plenary Session and Comrade Sulaimon Adeyemi as Secretary of the plenary session.
Their roles formed part of the organisational efforts behind the initiative, which sought to promote civic awareness, encourage constructive engagement among students and deepen young people’s understanding of legislative proceedings and the importance of quality education in public schools.
The planning committee led by Comrade Olateju Aliu Adekunle expressed optimism that the experience would inspire the students to sustain their interest in public affairs, understand their civic responsibilities and develop the skills required to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The successful conduct of the plenary underscores the role of practical civic education in preparing young people for responsible leadership and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting their future.
