The newly inaugurated National President of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU), Aare Ahmed Ademola Mufutau, has unveiled an ambitious leadership agenda focused on student welfare, security, affordable education, mental health advocacy, and institutional engagement across Oyo State.
Ahmed was officially sworn in on Thursday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan, in a colourful ceremony attended by government officials, professional bodies, stakeholders, student leaders, and students from across the state.
Among the dignitaries present were the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke; the Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Hon. Victor Olojede; the Surveyor General of Oyo State; the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors; and the Secretary of the Young Surveyors Network.
Other notable stakeholders in attendance included Hon. Adetoyese, Hon. Alao, Comrade Integrity, Alhaji Babalola, Comrade Segzyman, alongside student representatives and invited guests from different institutions.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Ahmed pledged to reposition the union and establish what he described as a new template for purposeful and independent student leadership.
In his inaugural address, the FOSSU President expressed concern over the prevailing security challenges affecting students, particularly referencing recent incidents of insecurity in Ogbomoso and their implications for access to education.
He described attacks on students and educators as unacceptable and called for urgent collective action to safeguard learning environments across the state.
According to him, classrooms must remain safe spaces for learning and development, stressing that education should never become a dangerous pursuit.
Ahmed noted that his administration would prioritise active engagement with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve safety both on and off campuses.
While acknowledging efforts by the Oyo State Government in supporting students through bursaries and scholarship programmes, he appealed for sustained and expanded educational interventions to meet growing demands.
The student leader also raised concerns over worsening economic realities confronting students, citing rising living costs and increasing pressure on student welfare.
He further highlighted growing mental health concerns among students and called for more deliberate interventions to support students facing academic and financial challenges.
Speaking on the issue of tuition increments, Ahmed warned tertiary institutions against using the national student loan initiative as justification for excessive fee increases.
He maintained that education must remain accessible and inclusive, noting that loans should serve as support mechanisms rather than creating additional financial burdens.
Reaffirming the independence of FOSSU, the President stated that the union would remain committed solely to protecting and advancing the interests of students while maintaining constructive relationships with government and institutional authorities.
He urged students across Oyo State to embrace academic excellence, discipline, civic responsibility, and active participation in democratic processes.
Ahmed also encouraged responsible use of social media, promotion of unity among students regardless of background, and stronger involvement in community development initiatives.
Calling for collaboration among student leaders across all zones of the state, he appealed for collective commitment toward building a stronger and more responsive student union.
He concluded by charging students to see themselves as drivers of change and contributors to the future development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
