…Adedimeji makes case for transformational leadership
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the institution’s ranking strength as largely dependent on the output of its Postgraduate School, stating that research from postgraduate students forms the nucleus of the University’s academic reputation.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Tuesday(July 1, 2025) while making a remark at this year’s edition of the Postgraduate Students’ Association(POGSASS) Annual Leadership Summit, tittled “Rising to Lead: Cultivating Resilient and Ethical Leaders” at the University Auditorium.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, noted that postgraduate students are not only vital to the University’s research system but are also ambassadors of academic excellence across global platforms.
The Vice Chancellor said, “Our postgraduate students are the face of our research strength. What we produce from our Postgraduate School shapes our global ranking”.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics, Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, emphasised the urgent need for transformational and ethical leadership in Nigeria.
Drawing from Chinua Achebe’s ‘‘The Trouble with Nigeria’’, Prof. Adedimeji asserted that the root of the nation’s crisis lies not in resources or people, but in the consistent failure of leadership.
The renowned Professor of Pragmatics and Applied Linguistics, who was represented by the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr Abdulhameed Badmus Yusuf, said, “There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian character,” but “the problem is the unwillingness or inability of leaders to rise to the responsibility of personal example.”
Prof. Adedimeji, who spoke extensively on the qualities expected of effective leaders, said that leadership entails love, example, action, discipline, excellence, responsibility, sacrifice, honesty, integrity, and planning as he urged participants to evaluate themselves against these standards in pursuit of ethical leadership.
He also highlighted various leadership styles such as transactional, transformational, servant, democratic, autocratic, and bureaucratic, noting that while all styles have merits, the most impactful leaders are those who consistently develop the right attitude, adding that “Your attitude determines your altitude”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, Mr Sulyman Muhammed Hassan Kosemani, noted that the event was an opportunity for personal reflection as he revealed key areas where leaders can improve.
“As a leader at the Bar, I examined myself using the values shared in the lecture. I saw where I fit in and where I must do better,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Maxuel Taye Davis, emphasised that “Nigeria must work because Africa is watching.” He urged young Nigerians to step up as change-makers rather than spectators.
Mr Davis also challenged youths to build careers outside politics and contribute meaningfully to national progress, stressing that when Nigeria sneezes, other African nations shiver.
He, therefore, called for responsible leadership that is rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship. “Build what you want to hear. Entrepreneurs build nations, not just leaders”, he said.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Association, Mr Korede Abbas, said the key goals of this year’s summit is to establish a befitting Postgraduate Secretariat within the University, saying that the proposed structure is aimed at providing a central hub for academic engagement, administrative coordination, and leadership development for all postgraduate students.
The event, which featured presentation of awards and interactive sessions was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; a former Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold and Sheikh Abdulkareem Adio (Baba Bariga) as well as several staff and students of the University.
