UNILAG Faculty of Arts, LSJ to Brainstorm on Youth, Democracy

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos and League for Social Justice (LSJ) will hold a Public Symposium,
“Voice of Justice: Youth, Democracy, and the Future of Nigeria” on December 9, 2025, at Julius Berger Hall, University of Lagos.

This was in a statement signed by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Prof. Akanbi Mudasiru Ilupeju and Dr. LaBode Obanor of the League for Social Justice, after a press briefing jointly convened by the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, and the League for Social Justice (LSJ).

The statement said, “Today marks an important moment in our shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture, amplify youth voices, and expand civic consciousness across institutions and in the country.

“On December 9, 2025, the Faculty of Arts and the League for Social Justice will co-host a landmark symposium titled:

‘Voice Of Justice: Youth, Democracy, and the Future of Nigeria.’
“This symposium is the first formal collaboration between our two institutions, an intersection of scholarship, civic responsibility, and social advocacy. It is designed not merely as an academic event but as a national call to action, especially for the next generation whose participation is critical to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.”

Why This Symposium Matters:

Nigeria’s democracy is at a pivotal point. A period where the nation’s youth, who make up the majority of our population remain underrepresented in key democratic processes. We firmly believe that no democracy can thrive if the voices of its young people are missing from key issues that matters.
This symposium therefore aims to:

• Reaffirm the central role of young Nigerians in shaping national discourse.
• Bridge the gap between academia and civic engagement.
• Equip students with platforms to express ideas through spoken word, debate, and creative performance.
• Foster dialogue between scholars, activists, policymakers, and students on the future of our democratic institutions.
  Here is what to expect on December 9.
  The event will feature:
• Presentations by university leadership
• A keynote reflection by LSJ leadership
• Creative showcases from UNILAG students
  *A youth-centered discussion on justice, governance, and nation-building
  *A shared commitment to ongoing collaboration between academia and civil society.
  We are proud of the energy and dedication already demonstrated by the student body. The Faculty of Arts Student Association (FASA), the spoken-word and debate teams, and various departmental groups have all committed to ensuring a vibrant, intellectually stimulating programme.
  Our Shared Mission:
  Together, UNILAG and LSJ affirm that justice is not abstract concepts, but must be taught, discussed, practiced, and lived. By equipping young Nigerians with platforms for expression, we deepen the roots of democracy. In the same breath, by partnering academia with civil society, we strengthen the architecture of our national progress.
  Today’s press conference signals the beginning of that collective work.
  We invite the media, our partners, and the general public to join us on this important journey. Nigeria cannot afford a silent generation. We must raise voices, strengthen justice, and secure the future together.