In a resounding celebration of leadership, youth empowerment, and technological innovation, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Kwara State University (KWASU), on Thursday, hosted the second edition of the Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi Legislative Summit.
Held at the ICT Auditorium, the summit was organized by the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the National Association of Information and Communication Technology Students (NAICTS). The event attracted dignitaries from the university community, government officials, tech professionals, and student leaders from across departments.
Themed “Honouring a Trailblazer in Youth & Community Development,” the summit paid tribute to Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly and Member representing Ilorin South Constituency. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions to youth development, legislative engagement, and community-focused governance.
The summit featured powerful addresses from key figures, including the Dean of the Faculty of ICT, Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, who served as Chief Host. In his goodwill message delivered by Sub-Dean of the faculty Dr. Sulaiman Olaniyi Abdulsalam, Prof. Aliagan described the event as “a convergence of vision, service, and innovation,” and praised Hon. Aladi for being a beacon of legislative excellence and youth mentorship.
“Today, we are not just witnessing a summit,” Prof. Aliagan said. “We are witnessing the rise of a generation that will change the narrative — one that is digitally empowered, socially conscious, and development-driven.”
The Speaker of the NAICTS SRC, Rt. Hon. Rafiu Abiodun Muraina (Raflink), in a moving speech, detailed the journey behind the summit and the student-led projects birthed from it. He highlighted the success of two major initiatives — the NAICTS Digital Academy 1.0 and the NAICTS Legislative Leadership Programme 1.0 — both aimed at building students’ capacity in tech and civic engagement.
One of the standout achievements showcased was the ShuttleMe mobile app, developed by UI/UX students during the Digital Academy. The app was designed to address shuttle transportation delays on campus by allowing students to book rides in advance and receive digital receipts.
“This project shows why tech education must be taken seriously,” Raflink emphasized. “We’re not just learning theories — we’re solving real problems.”
The summit also featured engaging keynote addresses and panel sessions by seasoned professionals:
- Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of Ilorin Innovation Hub
- Alhaji Tajudeen Kayode Aremu, General Manager, Radio Kwara
- Kolapo Imam, Product Evangelist
Each speaker shared insights on leadership, innovation, and the role of youth in shaping the future of Nigeria.
Kolapo Imam urged students to start small but think big. “Your innovation doesn’t have to wait for graduation. If it solves a real problem, it has real value,” he said.
Temi Kolawole encouraged greater collaboration between the tech ecosystem and educational institutions, saying, “When students are empowered with real-world digital skills, they don’t wait for opportunities — they create them.”
In her remarks, Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour bestowed on her. She praised the students’ initiatives and encouraged them to remain active citizens and bold problem-solvers.
“The future belongs to those who dare to build it. I see that courage in KWASU students,” she said. “Continue to lead with purpose, and always remember that public service is not about position — it is about people.”
She also reiterated her commitment to sponsoring youth development programmes across the state and offered to support student-led legislative engagements in Kwara communities.
One of the major highlights of the summit was a passionate appeal by the student leadership to the university management — calling for mandatory digital skill acquisition across all faculties and departments.
“Let every KWASU student graduate with at least one practical tech skill,” Raflink declared. “This is not a luxury — it is the global standard.”
This recommendation received widespread applause from the audience and support from stakeholders present.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants of the Digital Academy and Legislative Programme, as well as appreciation plaques to guest speakers and facilitators.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Aliagan reiterated that the Faculty of ICT will continue to support initiatives that merge academic excellence with civic responsibility.
“We will keep investing in platforms like this, because this is where the future of Nigeria is being shaped — in ideas, in innovation, and in action.”
The Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi Legislative Summit 2.0 ended on a high note, with renewed energy among students to lead beyond the classroom and leave lasting legacies in governance, innovation, and social impact.
