GreatIFE July 10 Commemoration Rekindles Student Activism, Intensifies Anti-Cultism Advocacy

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        Ijeoma Anele & Phebian Ojewande

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Friday, July 10, concluded its annual July 10 commemoration with a symposium themed “Redefining Student Unionism: Combating Cultism While Strengthening Collective Participation in the Digital Era.”

The symposium served as the grand finale of a three-day programme held from July 8 to July 10, 2026, in honour of the five students who lost their lives during the July 10, 1999 cult attack on the university campus.

The commemoration featured a series of activities, including an anti-cultism rally, the screening of the July 10 documentary, public engagements, and the concluding symposium. These activities were aimed at preserving the legacy of the fallen students, promoting consciousness, awakening the spirit of activism, and renewing commitment to the fight against cultism within the institution.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including serving Students’ Union executives, former union leaders, student activists, and members of the university community. It also featured a panel of distinguished speakers with extensive experience in student leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy.

Among the keynote speakers were Segun Mayegun, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Comrade Lanre Legacy, a former President of the Great Ife Students’ Union and a social justice advocate. Other panellists included Gbenga Olorin, a civic engagement advocate; Omolola Pedro, a feminist and social justice advocate; Comfort Idika, the first female President of the Great Ife Students’ Union; and Kunle Ajayi, who was represented at the symposium by Kazeem.

In her welcome address, the Vice President of the Students' Union, Iyanuoluwa Felade, appreciated the presence of participants, notable speakers, and activists at the event. She emphasised the importance of fostering political and social consciousness among students, preserving and transmitting the legacy of past student leaders, and inspiring a renewed spirit of activism. She also urged students to embrace the evolving nature of student unionism by adapting to contemporary realities while remaining committed to its core values of advocacy, accountability, and collective participation.

During the second session, Comrade Lanre Legacy reflected on the July 10, 1999 cult attack, describing it as a defining moment in the history of student unionism at Obafemi Awolowo University. He explained how the tragedy transformed students’ consciousness and reshaped his perspective on leadership during his tenure as Students’ Union President. Drawing from historical events and personal experiences, he paid tribute to the five slain students, honouring their sacrifices and stressing the need to preserve their legacy through sustained activism, vigilance, and collective responsibility.

The commemoration progressed to a panel session moderated by the Vice President, Iyanuoluwa Felade, who engaged panellists on critical issues. One of the panellists, Segun Mayegun, explained that although human actions and behaviours have evolved over time, the foundation of activism remains unchanged. He also highlighted the decline in students’ level of awareness, exploring the intersection of leadership, gender stereotypes, and the importance of preserving the tradition of student activism.

The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to winners of the 27th July 10 Commemoration Essay Competition. Owolabi Tosin emerged as the overall winner, while Omueche Rachael was the first runner-up, and Akande Oyinkansola, a student of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, emerged as the second runner-up.

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