Notice of this appointment which was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye stated that the 27 year old Ibraheem Kolawole, "is a budding journalist, youth development advocate, and communications professional and is currently a member of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) where he represents Kwara Central Senatorial District".
Professor Akanbi, who in his congratulatory message noted that the appointee is a student of the University, added that it is gratifying that the State Government continues to find quality human capital among the products of Kwara State University.
While lauding Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for encouraging the youth and making them an integral part of his government, the University don urged the new appointee to be a worthy ambassador of his alma matter by bringing to bear the cardinal qualities of a Kwasite in the office he has been appointed.
Before his appointment, Ibraheem Abdullateef Kolawole, a 400 level student of Mass Communications distinguished himself as a writer and freelance journalist with years of experience and several publications in reputable newspapers such as The Nation, The Cable and Daily Trust.
Trained in the art of journalism by the Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), his specialities involve human rights, gender equality, child education, and public policies.
From 2019 to date, he actively worked as a young impact maker in education, community development, and leadership.
To deepen access to online learning and building capacity of students, he organised KWASULearn, an holiday virtual platform to help undergraduates get out of COVID-19-induced lockdown better and stronger.
This initiative recorded about 1000 participants, attracting speakers among which was the Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Abdullateef Kolawole was widely celebrated last year by the KWASU community and the youth constituency for hosting a colourful and highly educative programme in commemoration of International Youth Day 2021 which was attended by top public and private officials including the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi; and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi.
In recognition of his contribution to youth and students development in the State, he was nominated by Kwara State Government in December 2021 as one of the three representatives of the state in the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), Abuja.
Shortly after the inauguration, he launched a mentorship programme known as Raise to serve as a platform for the transfer of knowledge and values between high achievers in Kwara State and young leaders in the public and private sectors.
This initiative has facilitated support for about 20 teenagers in education and trading and has held 7 different editions featuring Kwara First Lady, Amb. Dr. Olufolake AbdulRazaq; former Minister of Youths and Sports, Bolaji Abdullah; KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mustapha Akanbi SAN; and, the first professor in Ilorin Emirate, Professor Saka Nuru.
Abdullateef Kolawole is a strong voice in media and advocacy in Nigeria, leading the successful call for major political parties to grant office seekers below 35 years old a 50% reduction in the fees for nomination and expression of interest forms.
Aside from co-founding Kwara Rebuilders, a pro-democracy youth group with structure across the 16 LGAs focusing on bridging the gap between government and the local community, he has volunteered for Hannis Institute for Development (HIDS), Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENeTSuD) among others.
Through his writing, advocacy, and community works, he is rated to have reached about 50,000 students and youth in Nigeria and Africa with key messages on capacity, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Dr. Saeedat Aliyu
Director, University Relations
Kwara State University