Senator Afolabi Shuaib Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, is a politician who has refused to embrace tokenism as a means of empowerment.
While many in Nigeria’s political landscape equate development with material handouts—often termed “stomach infrastructure”—Senator Salisu has deliberately charted a different path, placing education at the heart of his empowerment strategy.
In an exclusive interview with PLATFORM TIMES, he shared his vision and achievements in leveraging education as a tool for societal transformation.
Beyond Material Giveaways: Why Education?
For Senator Salisu, education is not just a policy agenda; it is a personal conviction rooted in his own journey. He strongly believes that education, more than any physical asset, offers a lifetime guarantee of empowerment.
“If I give you any material item—be it a tricycle or a hairdryer—it can be stolen, abandoned, or become obsolete. But if I provide you with education or skills that enable you to earn a decent living, even I, as the provider, cannot take it back from you,” he said.
A product of public education himself, Senator Salisu knows firsthand the transformative power of learning. From his early days at a public primary school in Odeda Local Government to his secondary education at Oke Ona Grammar School, and eventually earning a degree from the University of Lagos, education has been his passport to political and professional success.
“If not for education, I would have simply continued in my father’s transport business, Omoyayi. That would have been my limit.
“But education provided me with opportunities to work in banks, multinational corporations like Mobil, and ultimately rise to become a Chief of Staff and now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he explained.
Recognizing that many talented youths in Ogun Central are trapped in economic hardship, he has dedicated himself to unlocking their potential through structured educational interventions.
… Taking Concrete Steps In Education Empowerment
Senator Salisu said he has put his beliefs into action with several targeted interventions that go beyond surface-level donations. His approach has been structured, data-driven, and impactful.
… Free JAMB, WAEC, and NECO Registrations
Understanding that financial constraints often deny bright students access to tertiary education, he has consistently provided free JAMB, WAEC, and NECO registrations.
“Last year, I gave out 1,000 JAMB forms and paid for NECO and WAEC fees. This year, we did the same. I recognize that ₦20,000 for WAEC registration is a huge burden for many parents. If a child misses that opportunity, what does he become? An Okada rider? That single setback can truncate a promising future,” he emphasized.
Unlike many political giveaways done for publicity, his distribution process is data-driven.
“I wrote to the Ministry of Education, requesting a list of brilliant but financially disadvantaged students. We used that data to allocate JAMB forms and exam fees to those who truly needed them,” he said.
… Strengthening School Infrastructure
Beyond individual student support, he has made tangible contributions to educational institutions.
He has facilitated improvements in his alma mater, Oke Ona Grammar School, by enhancing infrastructure, mentoring students, and incentivizing teachers.
Additionally, he has provided textbooks, past examination questions, exercise books, mathematical sets, and school bags to all secondary schools in Ogun Central.
“We did not just distribute school bags randomly. We structured it to serve as motivation. We asked schools to select the top three students in five academic departments—science, technology, humanities, and commerce.
“These students received the bags as ‘SAS Scholars’ to inspire others to strive for academic excellence,” he explained.
… Promoting Academic Excellence with Role Models
To further inspire students, he has introduced an initiative that brings high-achieving role models to interact with young learners.
“We invited the two best graduating students from the University of Lagos—both of whom had a perfect 5.0 CGPA. One of them was a product of Abeokuta Grammar School. Their presence alone proved to the students that attending a public school is not a disadvantage,” he said.
During these engagements, he shares three core messages with students: that public school education does not limit your potential, that they should delay gratification by reducing time on social media and focus on studies and that character and values matter more than social media celebrity status.
“I remind them that success requires focus and discipline. Many students get distracted by short-term pleasures instead of investing in their future. Education is the key to long-term empowerment,” he added
.…Beyond Politics: A Lifelong Commitment to Education
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Senator Salisu’ dedication to education predates his political career. Even before becoming a senator, he had been actively involved in mentoring students and improving learning facilities.
“At the University of Lagos, I have always contributed to capacity-building programmes for final-year students.
“The university has now adopted these entrepreneurship prograes as part of their graduation requirements,” he revealed.
His long-term vision is to shift Nigeria’s development focus from oil and gas to human capital.
“A nation’s wealth is no longer measured by oil reserves but by the quality of knowledge in the heads of its citizens. Nigeria has a youth population of 70%. We can only be globally competitive if we invest in education,” he said.
… A Model For Sustainable Empowerment
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that in an era where politicians often prioritize handouts over sustainable development, Senator Salisu has demonstrated that true empowerment lies in education.
His strategic approach—combining data-driven interventions, mentorship, and school infrastructure support—offers a blueprint for how political office can be used to create lasting change.
PLATFORM TIMES also gathered that while stomach infrastructure may provide temporary relief, education remains the only investment that guarantees lifelong returns. Through his work, Senator Salis has shown that when leaders prioritize education, they do not just change lives—they change generations.
… How I Balance Roles As Senator
According to Senator Salis, balancing the core responsibilities of a legislator with the expectations of constituents is a delicate act that many senators struggle with.
For the senator representing Ogun Central, the task is even more daunting—given the district’s historical, political, and educational significance.
But in his own words, he remains steadfast: “I am fully preoccupied with my current mandate. My focus is to be the best senator from Ogun Central.”
A Lawmaker’s Core Mission
A legislator’s primary duty is to make laws, but in Nigeria’s political landscape, representation extends beyond legislative work. Constituents often judge senators not just by their contributions in the National Assembly but also by their direct impact on local communities.
Using a university student analogy, the senator describes the dilemma. A student who excels in core courses but underperforms in electives may still be labeled a failure.
Similarly, a lawmaker who actively sponsors bills and debates national issues may still be criticized if he does not engage in “stomach infrastructure”—the distribution of patronage and personal handouts.
“Some legislators do not speak in the National Assembly or visit their constituencies. Yet, six months before an election, they return with large sums of money to secure their party’s nomination,” he laments. “That is not the approach I take.”
Instead, he seeks a balance—excelling in legislative duties while maintaining grassroots engagement.
Legislating For Ogun People
One of his major legislative interventions was tackling the controversial raids by customs officers on markets in Ogun State.
Recognizing the economic hardship such actions caused, he engaged the Comptroller-General of Customs and moved a motion in the Senate to ensure that customs officers focused their enforcement at borders rather than targeting traders within the state.
“Raiding trailers at night is not law enforcement—it is brigandage, and it is unacceptable,” he states. The intervention was well-received by market women, who had suffered under the indiscriminate actions of customs officials.
Beyond legislative actions, he has pushed for the recognition of traditional institutions in governance.
In a recent session, he advocated for the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers, emphasizing that Ogun Central has a legacy of strong traditional leadership.
Grassroots Impact and Community Development
While legislative work is essential, community engagement remains a crucial aspect of representation.
The senator said he has made significant efforts to directly impact his constituents through various developmental projects.
“In the past week alone, I have engaged with students, supported women’s empowerment programmes, and visited the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB),” he notes.
According to him, Infrastructure projects under his tenure include: Borehole installations in markets to improve access to clean water, Solar-powered streetlights for enhanced security and ICT centers, including one in Idi-Aba and another in Ifo, dedicated to his late predecessor, Senator Kunle Oyero, to equip young people with digital skills.
For him, these initiatives go beyond political strategy—they are about securing a future for the next generation.
… Prioritising Impact Over Political Showmanship
Unlike politicians who execute modest projects but invest heavily in publicity, Salis insists that governance should be about delivering solutions, not chasing headlines.
“I am not a conventional politician who would execute a ₦10 project and spend ₦20 on publicity,” he remarked. “If I have ₦30, I would rather spend ₦25 on the project, ₦3 on logistics, and only ₦2 on publicity.
“However, I recognize the need for awareness, and I am learning. But my priority will always be providing solutions to the real challenges faced by my constituents.”
… Tackling Unemployment At Its Core
One of the most pressing issues in Ogun Central, as observed by Salis during his campaign, is the high number of unemployed graduates.
While some politicians opt for temporary relief measures such as cash gifts or ad-hoc employment, Salis said he is taking a legislative approach to create systemic change.
He explained that his National Internship and Unemployment Benefits Bill, which has passed its first and second readings in the Senate, aims to establish a structured database for unemployed youths and implement long-term employment solutions.
“The current unemployment statistics in Nigeria vary depending on the source, but the reality is that unemployment has reached an alarming level,” he noted.
… Empowerment Beyond Handouts
Salis’ approach to empowerment also diverges from the traditional model of giveaways. Instead of distributing materials that offer short-term relief, he believes in equipping people with knowledge and skills that can sustain them in the long run.
“I believe in teaching people how to fish, where to fish, and how to sell their fish,” he said, emphasizing that his empowerment programs focus on education and skills acquisition.
A Commitment to Integrity in Politics
Beyond his projects, Salisu said he wants to be known as a politician who stands by his words.
He rejects the culture of making grand promises during campaigns only to disappear afterward.
“We are not only accountable to our constituents but also to God. That principle guides everything I do,” he stated.
… Representing Historic Constituency
Ogun Central is not just any senatorial district; it carries immense historical significance.
The senator is keenly aware of the legacy he represents, which includes past leaders such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief.Ernest Shonekan, and Chief MKO Abiola.
It is also home to Nigeria’s first primary school, the first local government female chairperson, and the birthplace of Nigerian journalism.
“When I speak in the Senate, I do so with the awareness that I represent a region of historical and national importance,” he asserts.
Amid growing speculation about his political future, he said he remains focused on delivering on his current mandate.
“As for 2027, it is still very far away. Instead of engaging in speculation, let us focus on the job we have been given now.”
For Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the goal is clear: to be the best senator Ogun Central has ever had. And with a strategy that blends legislative excellence with grassroots engagement, he is determined to leave a legacy that outlives his tenure.
Source: PLATFORM TIMES
