Speaking during the Students’ Senate Leadership worksy held at the institution on Saturday, Tella emphasized that the principles guiding the Ogun State House of Assembly equally apply to student parliaments.
He noted that the role of a legislator, whether at state or campus level, goes beyond activism to include lawmaking, oversight, representation, and deliberation.
He explained that the Ogun State House of Assembly operates a unicameral structure with 26 members representing constituencies across the 20 local governments.
He advised the student senators to replicate the committee system, rules of procedure, and meaningful deliberations to strengthen campus legislation.
“Just like in the House, your Students' Senate must develop committee systems, adhere to procedural rules, and foster meaningful deliberations. Every senator or Representative should understand their legislative portfolio”.
According to him, ethics remains the backbone of credible lawmaking. “Ethics to a Legislator involves applying moral principles and values to law making process. This includes integrity impartially, accountability, respect for human rights and priotizing public interests
He stressed that legislators must display integrity, impartiality, and accountability. He cautioned against misconduct, tribalism, or campus cult politics, urging the students to lead by example and prioritize the welfare of their colleagues.
The lawmaker also outlined legislative procedures, using his personal contributions in the Ogun House as reference.
He explained that bills undergo three readings and committee scrutiny before passage, while motions are employed to address urgent issues.
He encouraged the students to adopt similar processes in addressing campus challenges such as water scarcity in hostels or arbitrary charges by shuttle drivers.
“If a hostel has no water or students are being exploited by shuttle drivers, raise a motion in Senate, investigate through committees, and present facts to management with recommendations. You are not just activists; you are lawmakers”.
On the subject of lobbying and consensus-building, Tella clarified that lobbying is not corruption but strategic advocacy.
“Lobbying is not corruption—it is advocacy. I must lobby my colleagues, especially across party lines, to support my motions or bills.
“You must cultivate relationships with the Executive arm (e.g., Vice Chancellor or Dean of Students) and avoid adversarial politics unless absolutely necessary”.
He emphasized the importance of consulting colleagues, negotiating, and building alliances across divides to achieve legislative success.
“You may have a beautiful proposal, but if you don’t consult other senators or Representatives ,it will die on the floor. Learn to persuade, negotiate, and sometimes compromise for the greater good”.
He charged the student leaders to uphold accountability and transparency, drawing lessons from the Ogun House where budget defenses and oversight visits are routine.
The Lawmaker advised them to share reports with their constituencies and maintain financial transparency in handling student funds, warning that credibility at this stage determines trustworthiness in future leadership positions.
He insisted that effective student representation demands preparation, courage to speak, and a focus on collective interests over personal ambition.
The lawmaker reminded the students that they are potential future leaders of Nigeria.
“Today, you are student senators or Representatives. Tomorrow, you may be Honourable Members, Senators, or even Governors. Start now by imbibing the principles of good governance, Understand procedure, Embrace discipline, Serve with empathy,Speak with courage, Lead with integrity,Let the Students’ Senate of FUNAAB be a model for responsible representation, not just a replica of bad politics” he said.
Tella assured the students of his continued mentorship and support, urging them to make the Students’ Senate of FUNAAB a model for responsible and visionary leadership in Nigeria.
Meanwhile the Students’ Senate, led by Senate President Sen. Ayoola Afeni, presented Hon. Tella with an Exemplary Leadership Award. The award, according to the student parliament, symbolizes appreciation for his legislative excellence, mentorship, and consistent support for young leaders.
