From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), The Potter’s Will Foundation (TPWF), has promised to partner with the Council of Students Union Government (COSEN), Enugu State Chapter, in offering free vocational training to students leaders in various higher institutions in Enugu state to enable to acquire skills, service and leadership qualities that will integrate them in the larger society at the long run.
The Potters Wheel Foundation and COSEN struck this deal at the maiden COSEN Leadership Conference held in Enugu on Friday, August 28th.
The Potter’s Wheel Foundation (TPWF), is a national youth-and community-focused organisation known for offering free vocational training, entrepreneurship development and empowerment programmes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The COSPEN Leadership Conference 2026, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, advocated for student leaders to embrace leadership beyond campus politics and become agents of development in society.
The conference with theme, “Leadership Without Borders: Building a Strong Network of Student Leaders in Enugu State,” was attended by past and serving Students’ Union Government (SUG) Presidents, student leaders, government officials, development partners, entrepreneurs, security agencies and other stakeholders in the education and youth development sector in Enugu state.
In his address, the Chairman of COSPEN, Comrade Godsown Odilichukwu Onuzulike, said the conference was conceived to redefine the role of student leaders and create a platform where current and former student leaders could learn from one another, build relationships and contribute meaningfully to society.
He stressed that student leadership should not end with the expiration of a SUG tenure but should serve as preparation for responsible leadership in government, business, community development and other sectors.
According to him, the theme, “Leadership Without Borders,” was deliberately chosen to challenge student leaders to look beyond their campuses and understand that leadership is about service, competence, character, networking and impact.
The Chairman also emphasised the need for student leaders to acquire practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, noting that academic qualifications alone may not be sufficient to address the economic realities confronting young people.
Onuzulike stated, “The proposed free skills-training initiative was therefore designed to complement formal education by exposing students to practical opportunities that could become sources of livelihood”?.
He disclosed that through its partnership with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, COSPEN intends to take practical skills directly to students across higher institutions in Enugu State, with the broader objective of helping students acquire skills that can be converted into economic opportunities.
His words, “It is a call for student leaders to move beyond the traditional boundaries of campus politics into entrepreneurship, public service, community development, skills acquisition and responsible citizenship”.
Dr. Onuzulike further explained that under the initiative, students will be exposed to practical skills that can be learned within a few hours or a day, giving them opportunities to acquire additional sources of income and develop an entrepreneurial mindset alongside their academic pursuits.
Also speaking, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented by Hon. Edeani M. Edeani, urged the student leaders to see themselves as future policymakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders and nation-builders.
On his part, Hon. Chima Obieze, Member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, service and commitment to community development.
Several others who spoke at the event, tasked student leaders to build relationships across institutions and sectors, reflecting COSPEN’s objective of creating a stronger network of student leaders across Enugu State.
The panel discussion featured entrepreneurs and Representatives of many business class, drug-control agencies, student leadership and youth development among whom were the CEO ,Auto Ease, Mr. Obi Okeke.
He spoke on the perspectives of entrepreneurship, personal development and the need for young people to develop skills that can translate into economic opportunities.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),was represented by Mr. Chidebere Egbuogu.
The Superintendent of Narcotics and Principal Staff Officer, Media and Advocacy was represented by Bar. Paul Audu.
The NDLEA Enugu State Commander also participated in the panel. He addressed issues surrounding drug abuse, its impact on young people and the responsibility of student leaders in promoting a safer and healthier campus environment.
Other dignitaries at the event include Hon. Edeani M. Edeani, who also serves as a liaison officer connected with the South East Development Commission, Hon. Monday Diamond, Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA); Hon. Prisca Okeke Gbamilar, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Students Affairs; Comrade Kelvin Okeke “Keks”, NANS JCC Chairman, Enugu State; Hon. Mark Onuoha, Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area on Students’ Affairs and a COSPEN member; and Hon. Prince Chukwudubem Aneke, Director, Digi Varsity and Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Udi Local Government Area and a COSPEN member, among other dignitaries and stakeholders.
The conference was also attended by incumbent SUG Presidents from various institutions, including Rt. Comr. Emmanuel C. Nwankwo, Vice Chairman of COSPEN; Comr. Ezeh Raphael Somadina, Secretary of COSPEN; Comr. Ani Kelechukwu Joachim; Comr. Eze Otuomasirichukwu Promise; Comr. Henry Arinze Ugwu; Comr. Ude Miracle Chiwetalu; and Comr. Chris Okafor.
COSEN also used the opportunity of the maiden conference to bestow awards on personalities who are using their positions in the society to contribute to students development, youth empowerment, leadership and community service.
Among those recognised were the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Obi Okeke; Hon. Mark Onuoha; Comrade Kelvin Okeke; Hon. Prisca Okeke Gbamilar; and Hon. Dan Anike, Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, among other award recipients.
The awards were presented as part of COSPEN’s effort to appreciate individuals who have demonstrated support for young people, students and community development.
