University of Ibadan Trains Student Leaders on Ethical Governance, Accountability and Responsible Leadership
The University of Ibadan (UI), through its Career Development and Counselling Centre, has organised a one-day leadership training for student leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, promote ethical conduct and encourage responsible governance within the university community.
Philip22
The University of Ibadan (UI), through its Career Development and Counselling Centre, has organised a one-day leadership training for student leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, promote ethical conduct and encourage responsible governance within the university community.
The training, which brought together members of the Students’ Union Executive Committee, the Students’ Representatives Council and faculty presidents, was themed “Ethical and Responsible Student Leadership: Building Competence, Resilience and Positive Impact.”
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, the Director of the Career Development and Counselling Centre, Professor D. A. Oluwole, charged participants to lead with discipline, competence, empathy and confidence while embracing the spirit of service.
Professor Oluwole emphasised the importance of developing leadership skills among student representatives to enable them to become positive influences within the university community and beyond.
He explained that the programme was designed to equip student leaders with essential soft skills to help them discharge their responsibilities effectively and provide purposeful leadership to their colleagues.
According to him, the initiative was established to train student representatives, faculty leaders and Students’ Union executives who had been entrusted with the responsibility of representing their colleagues’ interests.
He stressed that effective leadership could not be sustained by position alone, noting that although a title might confer authority, competence, capability and positive influence remained essential for successful leadership.
Professor Oluwole added that the training addressed several dimensions of effective leadership, including responsible conduct, ethical leadership, accountability, collaboration and teamwork.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, for his support and commitment to student development, noting that such backing had contributed to the organisation of programmes aimed at strengthening students’ personal development and leadership capacities.
The director encouraged participants to view their time at the University of Ibadan as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, demonstrate good values and contribute positively to the university community.
He urged the student leaders not to measure their university experience solely by the degrees they would obtain but also by the relationships they built, the values they demonstrated and the positive culture they helped establish.
Professor Oluwole expressed confidence that the training would contribute to developing responsible student leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to the university and society.
The Dean of Students, Professor Demola Lewis, represented by the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr Obinna C. Uchendu, reaffirmed the dean’s office commitment to students’ welfare and personal development.
Dr Uchendu noted that student leaders served as a vital link between the student body and the university management. He urged them to use their positions responsibly, treat their colleagues fairly and regard leadership as an opportunity to serve others.
He also assured the student executives that the Dean of Students’ office would continue to support them in carrying out their responsibilities.
The training featured presentations by resource persons on five key topics relating to student leadership, personal development and responsible conduct.
The presentations and resource persons were:
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“Drug Abuse and Addiction, Covering: Early Signs of Abuse, Consequences and the Way Out” was delivered by the Oyo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by ACN Godwin Mercy.
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“Ethical Leadership, Accountability and Stewardship in Student Governance” was delivered by the Deputy Bursar (Grants), Grants Unit, University of Ibadan, Mr Olagoke Akanwo.
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“Leadership Service Through Collaboration and Teamwork Among Students” was delivered by the Director of the Youth Friendly Centre, University of Ibadan, Dr Adebunmi Oyekola.
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“Understanding Personality Types for Effective Conflict Management; Building Competence and Resilience in Student Leadership” was delivered by Dr A. T. Adeleye of the Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan.
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“People Skills for Student Leaders: Empathy, Altruism and Positive Campus Relationships” was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of Capitalfield Financial Management Ltd, Lagos, Dr Ola John Oluremi.
The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session, feedback and evaluation activities, and the presentation of certificates to participants.
The initiative underscored the University of Ibadan’s commitment to developing student leaders equipped with the ethical values, interpersonal skills and practical competencies required for effective leadership and responsible student governance.
