Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, has praised the recently concluded Osun off-cycle governorship election as “further evidence that Nigeria remains a leading democracy destination in Africa.”
Aremu made the remarks during the homecoming ceremony organised by the University of Ilorin in honour of Emeritus Professor Ishaq Oloyede, immediate past registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held on Monday, August 17, 2026.
He emphasised the importance of celebrating Nigeria’s success stories, highlighting accomplished figures such as Professor Oloyede, who have built strong institutions like JAMB. Aremu commended Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, for hosting the “timely and historic event” in recognition of Oloyede’s contributions as a two-term Registrar of JAMB.
According to Aremu, Professor Oloyede was a “benefactor” of MINILS, having helped diversify its academic programmes from short courses to diploma and bachelor’s degree affiliations with the University of Ilorin. Since 2019, this collaboration has produced hundreds of graduates.
Aremu, who is also a member of the National Institute for Labour Studies in Kuru, Jos, urged Nigerians to shift focus from narratives of despair to stories of hope and achievement. He noted that the Osun governorship election demonstrated the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He praised Tinubu’s statesmanship in ensuring a level playing field for a competitive multi-party election, which resulted in an outcome broadly accepted by participants.
“While many countries lament the decline of democracy, Nigerians must celebrate how democracy thrives here,” Aremu said. “This has been evident in the successive elections in Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun, conducted by INEC with improved processes that have energised mass voter participation.”
