It was a historic moment on Monday as the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) unveiled its first UNA-Nigeria University Youth Chapter at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, inducting 10 students, including the new chapter’s executives.
The inauguration took place during the Sixth Session of the Covenant International Model United Nations (CIMUN’25) on 16 June at the university campus, which saw a gathering of delegates and young minds in diplomacy and global affairs.
This milestone positions Covenant University (CU) as the first university in Nigeria to host a university chapter of UNA-Nigeria—a development that promises to bridge the gap between theory and practice for students of International Relations and related fields.
Professor Oluremi Olutimo, President-General of UNA-Nigeria, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised the importance of leadership, empathy, and critical thinking among students. Olutimo shared his personal story, urging students to pursue purposeful lives, establish NGOs, and embrace opportunities for impact.
“The inauguration of this youth chapter is a remarkable event,” he noted, “and it will promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while preparing students for global engagement.”
As part of the ceremony, 39 developmental projects were submitted by the newly inaugurated UNA-Nigeria University Youth Chapter executives, comprising 10 Covenant University students.
The projects reflected a deep commitment to the SDGs and youth-driven impact. Olutimo also announced mentorship and internship opportunities for students, some of which may involve participation in global UN events, including the General Assembly.
In an exclusive interview, Dr Felix Chidozie, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Covenant University, described the UNA-Nigeria collaboration as “immeasurable.”
Chidozie explained, “Over the years, CIMUN has grown beyond simulations. Our students have long yearned for practical diplomatic exposure, and now, through this partnership, they will be interacting directly with expert negotiators and diplomats.”
He added that the UNA-Nigeria partnership would allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world diplomacy. “Some of our students will now have the chance to intern internationally and even attend the United Nations General Assembly. The future is bright. Opportunities are high.”
On what it means for the university to be named the first UNA-Nigeria University Youth Chapter, Chidozie remarked, “This is a history-making event. Though other universities had shown interest, Covenant University was chosen because of Professor Olutimo’s admiration for our values and commitment to education. Other universities will now take their lead from us.”
Other speakers, including Professor Jonathan Okoya, Dean of the College of Development Studies at CU, and Mr Joshua Aluko, CEO of Great People Foundation, encouraged students to dream big and remain grounded in humanity. They reiterated that the CIMUN conference was a platform for nurturing socially responsible leaders.
The UNA-Nigeria President also outlined expansion plans, stating, “Covenant University is the pioneer, but we will extend this to other institutions like Birmingham University, Nigeria; Nasarawa State University; and Lagos State University across the country.”
Dr Kemi Udoh, CIMUN Coordinator at Covenant University, who has led the initiative since its inception in 2019, reflected on this year’s unique significance. “What makes this edition different is that we’ve inaugurated the first UNA-Nigeria university chapter. CIMUN has always been annual, but now, with this collaboration, we are entering a new phase. Students will be more involved in leadership, SDG implementation, and international activities.”
She also confirmed that future programmes and activities would be more robust and consistent. “Our students are not just participants—they are leaders. With this partnership, we’re moving from conferences to impactful actions.”
The CIMUN’25 conference has set the stage for a new era at Covenant University, blending academic rigour with global exposure and equipping students to be the change-makers of tomorrow.
