UI Counsels Student Leaders on Ethical Leadership, Accountability

The University of Ibadan (UI) recently organized a training program for student union leaders, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, accountability, competence, and resilience in their roles. The Director of Career Development and Counselling Centre, Prof. Adebayo Oluwole, underscored that successful leadership goes beyond simply holding a position.

He highlighted that student leaders are tasked with representing their peers, addressing their concerns, engaging university authorities, mediating disputes, and contributing to the university community's growth.

Oluwole explained that leadership requires more than just a title; character, competence, and credibility are crucial for influence. The training sessions covered various aspects of effective leadership, including responsible governance, collaboration, conflict management, drug abuse prevention, and interpersonal skills. These workshops aimed to expose student leaders to critical dimensions of responsible leadership and inspire them to become positive role models for their peers.

In one session, Mercy Godwin from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discussed the early signs of drug abuse, its consequences, and ways to overcome addiction, emphasizing that student leaders should serve as positive influences among their peers. Another session, led by the Deputy Bursar (Grants), Mr. Olagoke Akanwo, focused on ethical leadership, accountability, and stewardship in student governance.

Facilitators also addressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration, noting that no leader can succeed alone. Dr. Adebunmi Oyekola from the Youth Friendly Centre emphasized that understanding personality differences is essential for effective conflict management, as student leaders interact with individuals who have varied temperaments, expectations, communication styles, and approaches to disagreements.

The final session, led by Dr. Ola John Oluremi from Micomglobe Limited, focused on people skills for student leaders, reinforcing the significance of empathy and positive relationships. Dr. Oluremi stressed that leadership is fundamentally about people, and that empathy, altruism, and respect are not weaknesses or foolishness but qualities that build trust and foster healthier relationships.

UI's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, opened the training, urging student leaders to lead with empathy, integrity, competence, and courage. He stressed that effective leadership hinges on understanding people, communicating effectively, and treating others with dignity. Adebowale emphasized that leadership training should translate into actions, as merely preparing students with academic qualifications is insufficient for the challenges they will face in the workplace and society.

He urged the student leaders to focus on their legacy, extending beyond their tenure to consider the impact they have made on others, the values they uphold, and the positive culture they foster.