By: Fasasi Balikis Olaide, Veronica Oluwagbotemi Omotoso
The Senate of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), University of Ibadan, has called for stronger legislative accountability, effective representation and active citizen participation in governance at a legislative summit held as part of the 2026 NAPSS Week.
The summit, themed “Beyond Voting: The Role of Parliament in Good Governance,” was held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. in PG Room 154, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan.The summit focused on the role of Parliament beyond lawmaking, particularly its responsibilities in representation, oversight, accountability and ensuring that government policies and laws translate into meaningful outcomes for citizens.
The event began with a welcome address by the Senate President, Miss Oyekanmi Ayomide, followed by the opening prayer, the national anthem, and the recognition and introduction of distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Stephen A. Lafenwa of the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, stressed that Parliament must remain the voice of the people, calling for stronger accountability and effective representation in democratic governance.
He noted that while the ballot carries citizens’ expectations, electing representatives does not automatically guarantee effective representation.
Prof. Lafenwa urged Parliament to go beyond passing bills by ensuring that laws are properly implemented and achieve their intended impact. He also highlighted the importance of proper budget allocation and disbursement, describing the budget as a link between electoral promises, governance and public resources.
He concluded that the strongest Parliament is not necessarily the loudest, but one that asks difficult questions, demands answers and holds government accountable.
One of the distinguished guests, Mr Segun Emmanuel Amure, spokesperson and Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, spoke on Parliament as an engine of lawmaking and representation.
He described Parliament as a watchdog of government, noting that its responsibilities extend beyond lawmaking to include oversight of government activities and effective representation of the people.
Mr Amure also urged members of NAPSS to become active drivers of decision-making and ambassadors of political ideology without becoming slaves to ideology.
The second speaker, Mrs Oderinwale Oluwadara Oyinkansola, wife of the Honourable Member representing Aiyedire Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, spoke on parliamentary oversight and accountability. She emphasised that the voices of citizens must be represented in the corridors of power, stressing that parliamentarians should serve the people who entrusted them with political office.
According to her, politics without the knowledge and capacity to respond to the needs of the people cannot produce meaningful representation. She also distinguished between visibility and representation, noting that public visibility does not necessarily amount to effective representation.
The final speaker, Hon. Oluwapelumi Ojo Peter, Senior Special Assistant on Sanitation to the Governor of Osun State, spoke on transparency and citizens’ participation in Parliament.
He encouraged Political Science students at the University of Ibadan to become active participants in politics and adopt a solution-oriented approach to the challenges facing Nigeria.
Hon. Peter stressed the importance of intentionality, patience and unity in building a better society, adding that citizens must hold the appropriate authorities accountable rather than merely lamenting the country’s challenges.
The summit proceeded to an interactive panel session, during which Mr Amure expressed his willingness to explore a possible internship partnership between the Osun State Government and NAPSS, University of Ibadan.
The event ended with a vote of thanks, by the Senate President and the presentation of awards.
