N’SPLASH

ADOPT NEW APPROACHES TO ADDRESS CONTEMPORARY NEEDS- LUKE TELLS STUDENT LEADERS

… As AKSU Holds Leadership Conference

Former Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and member representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, has tasked student leaders to adopt new and workable approaches to address contemporary needs of the student community, the education sector, the state and country at large.

Luke who was a keynote speaker at the Emerge Leadership Conference organised by Student Union of Akwa Ibom State University at it main campus on Thursday, observed that various levels of student leadership existed at different generations and were interested in addressing prevailing needs in their times. He held that in the contemporary era, students leadership should be concerned with non violent and intellectual approaches to getting desired results.

“It is my considered opinion that while student activism and protests have often been forces of progress, the trend now lies on mild approaches such as lecture boycotts, occupations, rallies and marches to generate positive changes through ideas and constructive engagements as against arson, vandalism and physical assault”, Luke said.

Luke who was a student leader, also suggested leadership capacity building traits which he opined would equip the student leaders to function adequately in their quest to serve the purpose of their emergence and become agents of positive change in the society.

“Let me note that in order to effectively function as an agent of change, you must as a matter of necessity develop three skills necessary to make an impact; a rich Intellectual Quotient, Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence. These skills will enable you determine when it is right to engage in a protest and when to explore other meaningful alternatives in your quest for fairness and justice.”

“Always be reminded that freedom only comes by struggle, but be discerning to make the right call for every situation”, Luke added.

Also at the event was the PDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Umo Eno, who encouraged the participants at the conference to adopt transformational leadership.