Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE University of Ibadan Career Development and Counselling Centre has organised a one-day Students Executive Leadership Training for members of the Students Union Executive Committee, the Students Representatives Council and Faculties Presidents.
The training was themed “Ethical and Responsible Student Leadership: Building Competence, Resilience and Positive Impact.”
The Director of the Centre, Professor D. A. Oluwole, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, charged the participants to lead with discipline, competence, empathy and confidence, and to always lead in the spirit of service.
Professor Oluwole emphasised the importance of developing leadership skills among student leaders to enable them to be positive influencers within the university community and beyond.
He said the programme was designed to equip student leaders with essential soft skills needed to discharge their responsibilities effectively and provide purposeful leadership to their peers.
According to him, the initiative was conceived to provide training for student leaders, including students’ representatives, faculty leaders and Students Union leaders, who had been entrusted to represent the interests of their colleagues.
He stressed that leadership was not sustained by position alone, explaining that while a title could confer authority, competence, capability and positive influence were essential for effective leadership.
Professor Oluwole reiterated that the training was designed to focus on different dimensions of effective leadership, including responsible conduct, ethical leadership, accountability, collaboration and teamwork.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his support and commitment to student development, saying such support had contributed to the organisation of programmes aimed at enhancing the personal and leadership capacities of students.
He encouraged the participants to see their time at the University of Ibadan as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, demonstrate good values and contribute positively to the university community.
The Director urged the student leaders not to measure their university experience solely by the degree they would obtain, but also by the relationships they build, the values they demonstrate and the positive culture they help to create.
He expressed confidence that the programme would contribute to the development of responsible student leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to the university and society.
The Dean of Students, Professor Demola Lewis, who spoke through the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr Obinna C. Uchendu, said the Dean’s office cares deeply about students and is keenly interested in their growth.
He noted that student leaders serve as a link between the student body and the university management, and urged them to use their positions responsibly, treat their colleagues fairly and see leadership as an opportunity to serve.
Dr Uchendu assured that the Dean’s office would continue to support the student executives in fulfilling their roles.
Papers presented at the training included: “Drug Abuse and Addiction: Early Signs of Abuse, Consequences and the Way Out,” delivered by the Oyo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, represented by ACN Godwin Mercy; “Ethical Leadership, Accountability and Stewardship in Student Governance,” delivered by the Deputy Bursar (Grants), Grants Unit, University of Ibadan, Mr Olagoke Akanwo; and “Leadership Service through Collaboration and Teamwork among Students,” delivered by the Director of the Youth Friendly Centre, University of Ibadan, Dr Adebunmi Oyekola.
Others were: “Understanding Personality Types for Effective Conflict Management: Building Competence and Resilience in Student Leadership,” delivered by Dr A. T. Adeleye of the Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan; and “People Skills for Student Leaders: Empathy, Altruism and Positive Campus Relationships,” delivered by the CEO of Capitalfield Financial Management Ltd, Lagos, Dr Ola John Oluremi.
The training featured a question-and-answer session, feedback and evaluation, and the presentation of certificates to participants.
