By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem in the 2025 Student Legislative Summit, has emphasized the crucial role of the students’ legislature in shaping campus policies and driving advocacy for student welfare and academic progress.
Speaking in an event held at the UNICAL Community Hall, with the theme “The Role of the Students’ Legislature in Shaping Campus Policies and Advocacy,” Ayambem said the student legislature serves as a powerful institution that ensures students’ voices are heard in decision-making processes and acting as a training ground for future leaders, policymakers, and advocates.
“A well-structured student legislature ensures that policies on academic performance, welfare, and campus security reflect the interests of the student body.”
“Whether it is pushing for a student-friendly examination schedule, affordable accommodation, or fair disciplinary measures, the student legislature bridges the gap between students and the administration,” he said.
Speaker Elvert, reiterates that the responsibility of student lawmakers is to collaboratively work with school authorities to create a conducive learning environment stressing that student representatives should advocate for policies that provide modern learning facilities, digital libraries, and research funding.
He called for prioritizing student welfare, including access to quality healthcare, adequate hostel facilities, and mental health support systems.
The students were enjoined to play active roles in tackling issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, and gender inequality, working with relevant committees to enforce policies that protect students.
He also encouraged student leaders to reach beyond campus governance by engaging government institutions, private organizations, and NGOs to secure scholarships, internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities for students.
“With great power comes great responsibility, Leadership is not about personal gain but about service to the people. Student representatives must rise above partisan interests, work collectively, and always put the welfare of students first.”
Assuring the students of the commitment of the Cross River State House of Assembly to youth leadership development, Ayambem reaffirmed that the legislature would continue supporting policies that empower young leaders and promote academic excellence, good governance, and social progress.