CMLI pledges training for leaders
By Idris Alooma
The Director of the Centre for Management and Leadership (CMLI) at the University of Ilorin, Dr Adeola Aminat Odebode, has assured aspiring and serving leaders across all sectors of the readiness of the Centre to provide them with adequate training as she stressed that professional preparation is now a prerequisite for effective leadership.
Speaking last Tuesday, (May 19, 2026) on ‘‘Oro to n lo’’, a weekly current affairs programme of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, Dr Odebode emphasised that leadership goes beyond holding a position or title. “As there are chartered accountants, we must also be chartered managers and leaders,” she said.
She urged executives, legislators, judicial officers, religious leaders, and heads of institutions to acquire thorough training in management and leadership in order to meet the demands of modern governance and service.
The don explained that the Centre, which is located at the Mini Campus of the University near the General Hospital in Ilorin, offers a range of programmes, including certificate courses, Diploma, Master, and Ph.D. degrees, alongside trainings, seminars, and workshops.
According to Dr Odebode, application forms for all courses except the Master and Ph.D. programmes are available year-round, with the added flexibility of instalmental payment of tuition fees.
She enjoined interested applicants to obtain forms online through CMLI or via the official website of the Centre.
Dr Odebode also highlighted the growing impact of the Centre through strategic collaborations. She expressed delight at the success of a joint programme with the Centre for Advancement, which honoured former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola with a leadership award for his contributions and longstanding relationship with the University of Ilorin. During the event, Oyetola pledged to establish a Centre for Blue and Marine Economy for the University.
She added that more high-profile programmes are being planned, with another major initiative on the way.
The Director further noted that the alumni of the Centre are excelling in their fields, a result of the consistent mentorship and follow-up structure in place. She revealed that special programmes are being designed for women, whom she described as natural leaders who need formal training to excel in politics, public office, and at home.
To nurture future leaders, the Centre is preparing to partner with the Centre for Mentorship to establish young leadership clubs under the “catch them young” initiative, aimed at instilling leadership values from an early age, she added.
With its expanding academic offerings and outreach programmes, the Director assured stakeholders that the Centre is positioning itself as a key institution for producing competent, ethical, and forward-looking leaders for Nigeria and beyond.
