By Mohammed Taoheed
A nonprofit organisation, Nation of Justice (NOJ) has trained 1,869 students of the University of Abuja on social justice and the rule of law, and distributed food packages to ease welfare pressures during examinations.
Speaking during the two-day programme, NOJ founder, Jyde Adelakun urged students to see justice not as a slogan but as a civic obligation rooted in Nigeria’s Constitution.
He cited Sections 23 and 24, which outline national ethics and the duties of citizens, including respect for the Constitution, promotion of national interest and support for lawful authorities in maintaining order.
“True freedom does not mean the absence of responsibility. It means the courage to act rightly, the discipline to obey the law and the sacrifice to serve the common good.”
Mr Adelakun encouraged students to move beyond passive criticism and embrace active citizenship, stressing that discipline, integrity, dignity of labour and patriotism are binding moral and civic responsibilities.
“This call is not optional. It is your constitutional duty, and it is my constitutional duty,” he said.
He also challenged the students to reflect on the meaning of justice in everyday life.
“Justice is the condition of freedom under the rule of law where rights are protected, duties are enforced and power is held accountable,” he added.
Welfare support during examinations
Beyond the civic engagement sessions, the foundation distributed food packages to 1,869 students who are currently sitting examinations.
Each beneficiary received 3.5kg of either garri, beans or rice, alongside sachets of cornflakes, milk, vegetable oil and instant noodles. Notebooks and pens were also provided.
The intervention comes amid growing welfare pressures in tertiary institutions, where students increasingly face rising living costs and limited financial support.
Students react
Some beneficiaries described the support as timely. A 100-level Finance student, Elijah Confidence said the package would ease feeding costs during examinations.
“This package will help me redirect the money for feeding this week to other important needs,” she said, adding that the gesture had inspired her to support others in future.
Husaybah Gabadin, a law undergraduate, noted that many students in the hostels had exhausted their food supplies.
Beyond the material support, she said the civic education component resonated with her academic and career aspirations.
“As an aspiring lawyer, the message about justice and the rule of law has broadened my understanding of our society,” she said.
