Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday called on student union leaders across Ogun State to embrace integrity, discipline and selfless service as essential pillars of leadership.
He warned that the future of democratic governance depends largely on the quality of emerging leaders within academic institutions.
Obasanjo spoke at an engagement held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, where student representatives from tertiary institutions gathered to reflect on leadership and national development under the Obasanjo 55+20 Leadership Framework.
He described leadership as a sacred responsibility rather than a position of privilege, noting that student leaders occupy a strategic space in shaping the culture of dialogue, accountability and peaceful coexistence within campuses.
According to him, the 55+20 Leadership Framework, conceptualised from decades of public service and institutional experience, provides a moral and strategic compass for those entrusted with authority, especially young leaders preparing for greater national responsibilities.
He said, “Leadership is not about title or recognition; it is about service and sacrifice.
“If you do not build your leadership on character and discipline, no amount of intelligence or influence will sustain you.
“As student representatives, you must see yourselves as servants first, servants of your colleagues, servants of your institutions and servants of society.
“Your duty is to calm tensions, encourage dialogue and ensure that justice and fairness prevail in your campuses.
“The principles of integrity, resilience, teamwork and empathy are not optional virtues. They are the building blocks of effective governance. If you practise them faithfully, you will reduce conflict, strengthen trust and deepen democratic values wherever you serve.”
The former president noted that institutions of higher learning are microcosms of the larger society, stressing that the habits formed within student governance structures often mirror future national leadership patterns.
He maintained that early exposure to responsible leadership practices would help produce future leaders capable of managing diversity, resolving disputes and promoting socio-economic development across the country.
Obasanjo also stressed the importance of strategic thinking and institutional stewardship, urging student leaders to prioritise peace, political stability and inclusive growth in their decision-making processes.