Egbewole charges students to embrace ethical, transformative leadership
By Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged students of the institution to embrace ethical and transformative leadership values as he stressed the need for patience, courage, integrity and moral uprightness in leadership.
Prof. Egbewole gave the charge penultimate Saturday (June 13, 2026) while declaring open the Youth Leadership and Civic Responsibility Conference, organised by the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership (CISP) in collaboration with the Centre for Good Leadership and Aderonke Foundation, at the New Engineering Lecture Theatre (NELT).
Themed: “From Classroom to Community Leadership: Raising Ethical and Competent Leaders for Community Transformation,” the Conference focused on preparing young people for responsible leadership roles in society.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lere Adeyemi, encouraged students to cultivate leadership qualities that inspire public trust and distinguish them as worthy ambassadors of the University.
According to Prof. Egbewole, the University remains committed to equipping students with the leadership skills necessary to shape and transform the society.
He commended the organisers and facilitators for initiating a programme that would benefit both students and staff, noting that the Conference aligns with the institution’s vision of producing future leaders.
In her contributions, the Founder of the Aderonke Foundation, United States of America, Dr Aderonke Kujore, who spoke on “Becoming a Good Leader: An Introduction to Good Leadership and Vision Setting,” said leadership potential exists in every individual and that effective leadership is about bringing people together to achieve common goals.
Dr Kujore, who also served as the Conference convener, identified vision, purpose, empathy, active listening, a positive mindset, and community building as essential attributes of good leadership. She added that leadership is fundamentally a service to humanity.
She encouraged students to believe in themselves, broaden their aspirations,and pursue their goals with determination.
“Develop your vision and make it happen.You are not too young to achieve great things. Do not wait for someone to come and help you.Stand up for yourself and remain prayerful,” she advised.
Dr Kujore further noted that the ability to envision possibilities beyond present realities is the starting point for achieving meaningful goals.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin,Prof. Olukunmi Olaitan, identified character, competence, communication, and conduct as critical qualities of effective leadership.
Prof. Olaitan urged students to pursue continuous learning, demonstrate good character, engage constructively with others, render service, and accept responsibility as pathways to leadership success.
In her presentation,a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Prof. Sidiqat Aderinoye AbdulWahab, reminded participants of the fact that leadership begins long before graduation and does not depend on possessing academic certificates.
She described leadership as a responsibility that requires sacrifice and accountability.
“Whatever you do, remember that people are watching. Never disappoint yourself, your family, or your alma mater,” she said.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership (CISP), Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, stated that contemporary society requires leaders who possess not only skills but also integrity, character, and the ability to make meaningful contributions.
He commended the Aderonke Foundation for its commitment to youth empowerment and encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned during the Conference in their daily lives.
In his remarks, the Director of COMSIT, Prof. Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, praised the organisers for their initiative in promoting leadership development among students.
He urged participants to prioritise good character, noting that character remains more important than academic grades in achieving lasting success.
