TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY HOSTS INAUGURAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING WORKSHOP

 

Taraba State University (TSU) made a historic stride in student governance and leadership development by hosting its inaugural Student Leadership Training Workshop on March 12, 2025. The event, themed "Leadership Question and Students Union Governments in Universities: Problems and Prospects for National Development," brought together student leaders from various faculties and departments. Held at Lecture Theatre 1C (LT 1C), the workshop aimed to equip student representatives with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary for effective leadership within the university and beyond.

The workshop began at 9:00 am with the arrival and registration of participants, who were provided with conference materials, including name tags, notebooks, and a program schedule. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as student leaders from different academic units gathered, eager to engage in discussions on governance and leadership. The formal proceedings started with the recitation of the national anthem, followed by the TSU anthem, reinforcing a sense of patriotism and institutional pride. A brief opening prayer was also offered, seeking divine guidance for the deliberations ahead.

In his welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Atando Dauda Agbu, expressed delight at the initiative and emphasized the critical role of student leadership in shaping university governance and national development. He stressed that leadership is not merely about holding titles but about responsibility, impact, and service to the student community. He encouraged participants to make the most of the workshop, highlighting the importance of financial transparency, decision-making skills, and ethical governance in student union administrations.

The event attracted several distinguished guests who delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the significance of leadership training. Among them was Dr. Reuben Jonathan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), who urged student leaders to prioritize integrity, teamwork, and accountability. Dr. Joseph Umar Bibinu, the university’s Registrar, emphasized the role of student unions in campus development, stressing the need for collaborative engagement with university authorities. Dr. Mbave Garba Joshua, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warned against excesses in student governance and advocated for constructive dialogue in conflict resolution. Comrade Bitrus J. Ajibauka, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), advised student leaders to be financially prudent, noting that mismanagement of funds had led to crises in many student bodies across Nigerian universities.

Speaking on behalf of the Student Union Government (SUG), its President, Comrade Victor Abednego Mishak, expressed gratitude to the university management for organizing the workshop. He acknowledged the challenges facing student governance, particularly in areas of financial accountability, leadership integrity, and student welfare, and pledged to work towards ensuring that the TSU SUG becomes a model of transparency and effectiveness. He encouraged fellow student leaders to adopt ethical leadership practices, stressing that their experiences in the student union should serve as a foundation for future leadership roles at national and global levels.

The workshop also featured cultural performances, which added color and entertainment to the event. A local dance troupe performed a traditional Taraba dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state. The performance resonated with the audience, emphasizing the intersection of culture and leadership in Nigeria. Afterward, group photographs were taken, capturing the memorable occasion and fostering a sense of unity among student leaders.

A tea break provided participants with the opportunity to network and engage in informal discussions with faculty members and guest speakers. During this period, student leaders raised concerns about campus politics, student welfare, and the relationship between student unions and university management. The break allowed for meaningful interactions, where students sought advice on governance challenges and shared personal leadership experiences.

The academic session featured three paper presentations delivered by seasoned university lecturers, each addressing key aspects of student leadership and governance. Dr. Mbave Garba Joshua presented the first paper, titled "Imperatives of Financial Management and Transparency in Student Union Government." He discussed the principles of budgeting, financial planning, and transparency, emphasizing that mismanagement of funds erodes trust in leadership and leads to instability in student governance. He proposed practical strategies to improve financial accountability, including regular audits, open budget discussions, and strict compliance with financial regulations.

The second presentation, "Campus Politics and the Leadership Question in Taraba State University," was delivered by Dr. Isa Mohammed. His lecture focused on the challenges and dynamics of campus politics, highlighting issues such as favoritism, external interference in student elections, and the influence of political ideologies in student governance. He called on student leaders to uphold democratic values, transparency, and ethical leadership, warning that manipulating elections and leadership positions for personal gain damages the integrity of student unions.

The final presentation, "Student’s Voice and Students Union Government in Taraba State University," by Dr. Danjuma Yusuf, explored the importance of student representation in university decision-making. He stressed that student leaders must serve as intermediaries between the student body and the university administration, advocating for policies that benefit the academic and social life of students. He encouraged constructive dialogue and active student participation in governance rather than resorting to confrontational approaches.

After the presentations, an interactive session allowed students to engage directly with the speakers. Dr. Mbave Garba Joshua reiterated that financial transparency is the bedrock of any credible student government, urging student leaders to uphold accountability. Dr. Isa Mohammed encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their leadership responsibilities, while Dr. Danjuma Yusuf emphasized the power of student advocacy in shaping university policies. Student leaders seized the opportunity to ask pressing questions, share experiences, and seek practical solutions to challenges in student governance.

Many participants gave testimonials, expressing appreciation for the insights gained. One student leader remarked, "This workshop has changed my perspective on leadership. I now understand the responsibilities that come with holding office, and I am more committed to transparency and service." Another student emphasized how the session on financial management opened his eyes to the importance of proper budgeting and record-keeping in union governance.

As the workshop drew to a close, a departure ceremony was held, marking the conclusion of a highly impactful event. The student leaders left the venue energized, enlightened, and equipped with practical leadership skills. The event was widely regarded as a transformative experience, setting a new standard for student leadership training at TSU.

By organizing this groundbreaking workshop, Taraba State University has demonstrated its commitment to fostering responsible, visionary, and ethical student leadership. The event has laid a solid foundation for future training programs, ensuring that TSU produces student leaders who are not just vocal, but also competent, accountable, and prepared to contribute to national development. As the student leaders return to their respective faculties, the lessons learned from the workshop are expected to reshape campus governance, promote transparency, and enhance student representation within the university.