IOE, Aderonke Foundation Organise Leadership Development Conference for ABU Staff, Students

The Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, in collaboration with Aderonke Foundation, has organised a leadership development conference for staff and students of the University.  

The conference, themed “Re-Imagining Leadership: Key Strategies for Global Impact”, was held on June 17 and 18, 2026, at the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.  

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond Bako, commended the Institute of Education for organising the conference. He described it as a significant milestone in shaping the minds of senior academics, administrators and students who are leaders of tomorrow.  

Prof. Ahmed noted that the conference would further strengthen collaboration between the University and Aderonke Foundation, and expressed optimism that Nigeria would be better with good leadership. He also thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Aderonke Foundation, Dr. Aderonke Kujore, for her commitment to improving the lives of the younger generation, and assured participants of the University’s continuous support.  

In his welcome address, the Director, Institute of Education, Prof. Abubakar Muhammad Jumare, said the conference was necessary because leadership remains vital to decision-making at all levels of the University. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of the University and future generations, while appreciating Dr. Kujore for her continuous support.  

In her presentation, Dr. Aderonke Kujore defined leadership as the process of setting a goal and bringing people together to achieve it. She identified listenership, good decision-making, empathy, teamwork and the ability to bring people together as key qualities of a leader.  

Prof. Siraj AbdulKarim of the Faculty of Public Administration described leadership as a multidimensional process, noting that leaders could emerge by trait or through learning.  

Dr. Basira Yahaya, Head, Department of Computer Engineering, spoke on “Technology and the Future of Higher Education”_and stressed the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in academic and administrative work. She urged participants to adopt ethical approaches in using AI to achieve their goals.  

Alhaji Yakubu Adoke, speaking on vision, planning, execution and monitoring, encouraged participants to be visionary and determined in pursuing their leadership goals.  

In a closing remark, the Director, General Administration, ABU, Malam Sani Abashe, described the conference as insightful and thought-provoking, and thanked the Institute of Education and Aderonke Foundation for the opportunity.