Lead with integrity and accountability, Olaitan charges Deans
By Bashir Dawodu
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, has urged Deans and others in leadership positions within the University and across the country to uphold integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege.
Prof. Olaitan made this call last Monday (November 10, 2025), during an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.
The Dean emphasised that integrity and accountability remain the core values every leader must embody to ensure credible and effective leadership.
“We must lead by example, remain accessible, and make decisions that promote the collective good. Collaboration rather than competition should define our leadership culture. When we work together with openness and mutual respect, the entire University community benefits,” he said.
Prof. Olaitan further advised leaders to prioritise the well-being of those they lead, noting that leadership goes beyond administrative duties.
“It’s not always about work, work, work . It’s also about being human, a true leader leads through service, not by seeking to rule”, he added.
Highlighting some of the Faculty’s recent initiatives, Prof. Olaitan mentioned the Faculty Talk Show Series, Faculty Retreat and Reunion, Annuity Sensitisation Programme, patching and filling of the Faculty entrance road, and general renovation of the Faculty Complex as part of ongoing efforts to enhance academic delivery and improve infrastructure.
The Dean also disclosed that the Faculty is planning a Pedagogical Excellence Workshop for academic staff as it is also partnering with the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to conduct structured pedagogy training for teachers across the state.
Preparations, he said are also underway for the first University of Ilorin Education Summit, pointing out that “Our ultimate goal is to produce graduates and educators who are not only competent but also innovative, adaptable, and globally competitive”.
Prof. Olaitan expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the University management team for their unwavering support for the initiatives of the Faculty and their commitment to the University’s Vision 1-10-500.
The Dean urged staff to continue to give their best by upholding the University’s values and embracing innovation in their work, while advising students to make the most of every learning opportunity and serve as ambassadors of excellence wherever they find themselves.
