By Ali Hope and Joy Alinta

A university don, Dr. Sebastian Okafor, in the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT, says making the right policies and guiding students properly are important steps toward a better society.

Dr. Okafor made the call on Wednesday while featuring as the guest lecturer at a one-day Leadership Summit held at the Prof Julius Onah Auditorium at ESUT, Agbani

He explained that policies work best when they focus on real problems in different areas. “If you want a policy on education, you must first look at what is not working. The same goes for health. You need to ask: Who is making the policy – are they experts, are they active in their field?” he said.

He added that being an expert is not enough. “A doctor who is not practicing may not help much with health policy, just like a teacher who is not active in academics may not help with education policy.

He suggested that people who are really working in each field should come together to make policies that actually solve problems.

On the essence of the Leadership Summit, Dr. Okafor said it was a good step. “Students need guidance and orientation. If they learn the right values, like honesty, accountability, and the need to work collaboratively, they can help make the society better,” he said.

On his part, the convener of the Summit, Chikezie Emmanuel, a student union leader, representing the Mass Communication Department, said he organised the summit because he believes that the youths should be well-guided if they must attain their leadership goals

“If you ask me what inspires me, I will just say the need for a better Nigeria. I want a country where students, leaders, will bring the desideratum of what we need the make the country better. Few years from now, the leadership responsibilities of this great nation will be on our shoulders and if we don’t start now to catch the young leaders, teach them what we need to know about leadership from now, how do we think we can achieve this later? I want students and young leaders to know what is needed from the start. We cannot wait for the future to train leaders,” he said.

He thanked his classmates, lecturers, and students for their support.

“I really appreciate the effort of Mass Communication Department lecturers and students, my course mates, Year 3 class, for coming out en massive and their support. Some persons have been sending money, wishes, and support prayers. Many people sent money, wishes, and prayers. I really appreciate everyone who came out to help,” he added.

Senator Emmanuel faced challenges in organizing the summit. “It was not easy, especially with money. We relied on personal contributions from supportive students,”

At the end of the summit, he gave students an important message: “Every youth is a student, but not every student is a youth. Go home and promote good leadership. Be a positive force for change in Nigeria.”