VC urges youths to champion Africa’s agenda 2063 at AU Summit
By Bashirat Omotosho
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged young Africans to take ownership of the continent’s development agenda by actively building leadership capacities and contributing to governance, innovation, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
Prof. Egbewole made the call penultimate Saturday, (June 20, 2026) while speaking at the African Union Simulation Summit (AUSS) 2026 held at the UNILORIN Faculty of Law Moot Court.
Speaking on the theme “Africa Agenda 2063 in Action: Simulating Policies for a United, Integrated and Prosperous Africa,” the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, commended the initiative, which he described as a practical platform that prepares young people for leadership and policy engagement.
He stressed the need for students to embrace opportunities that would equip them with the skills required to drive Africa’s transformation and achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
The Summit, which attracted 78 delegates from the 55 member states of the African Union in a simulation of the AU Assembly, saw participants debating the adoption of a Single African Passport and a visa-free movement policy across African countries.
At the end of the deliberations, delegates endorsed the vision of a more integrated continent while recommending stronger border management, enhanced regional security cooperation, intelligence-sharing and sustained investment in security infrastructure to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
In his remarks, the Convener, Mr Yisa-Apata Taofeek, said the initiative was designed to equip young Africans with practical knowledge of governance, diplomacy, leadership and public policy.
According to him, the Summit aligns with the Vice Chancellor’s transformational “1:10:100” Vision by creating opportunities that produce globally competitive graduates, strengthen student leadership and further position the University as a hub for innovation, leadership and continental engagement.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Honour to the Vice Chancellor in recognition of his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to academic excellence and sustained support for student development initiatives. The award also acknowledged his visionary leadership, which continues to inspire students to champion impactful projects that contribute to national and continental development.
The Summit received support from strategic partners, including the International Forum for Peace and Diplomacy (IFPD), the University of Ilorin Model United Nations (UILMUN) and Toyes Tech.
Participants, who spoke to UNILORIN Bulletin on the sidelines of the programme, described it as an enriching and transformative experience that deepened their understanding of diplomacy, consensus-building and African Union policymaking while promoting intercultural dialogue and leadership development.
The successful hosting of the African Union Simulation Summit 2026 further underscored the commitment of the University to nurturing visionary leaders and encouraging student-driven initiatives with global relevance, reinforcing its reputation as an institution dedicated to producing graduates capable of addressing contemporary challenges and advancing Africa’s integration and sustainable development.
