By Mustafa Abubakar and Toluwani Bamigboye

Scholars from the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, have emphasised the need for mentorship, ethical conduct, and responsible leadership as the foundation of academic excellence and professional integrity in Nigerian universities.

The call was made last Tuesday (October 7, 2025) at the Faculty of Education Talk Shop held at its New Education Lecture Theatre.

In his presentation entitled “Mentorship and Allied Academic Leadership Functions in the University,” a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Ilorin, Prof. ‘Raheem Adebayo Lawal, underscored the vital role of mentorship in developing effective academic leaders.

He described mentorship as a lifelong relationship that enables experienced lecturers to guide younger ones towards professional competence and personal growth.

Recounting a personal encounter with a junior colleague who sought his mentorship, Prof. Lawal said the episode illustrated the power of guidance and influence. He noted that every young lecturer requires a mentor who can serve as a role-model, guide, and protector.

He explained that mentorship is both a professional and moral duty that promotes belonging, collaboration, and continuous learning within the academic community.

The Professor of English Language Education, who identified different models of mentorship, such as traditional, team, and group mentoring, urged Departments to adopt structures suited to their staff composition.

Prof. Lawal, who also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Offa, described mentorship as the pinnacle of leadership in academia, preparing younger scholars to take on greater responsibilities.

He stressed that when junior lecturers are properly mentored, they become effective advisers and role models to their students.

Highlighting the importance of student advisement, Prof. Lawal noted that lecturers must help students make informed decisions about their academic progress and career goals.

He added that the Faculty is already working on a paper to ensure that the mentorship drive is institutionalised and sustained within the University system.

Prof. Lawal urged lecturers to show empathy, maintain regular communication with their students, and integrate technology to strengthen advisory relationships.

Presenting another paper, entitled “Upholding Ethics and Professional Conduct in Academia,” Prof. Alfred Akinbo Adegoke of the Department of Guidance and Counselling urged university lecturers to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability in the discharge of their academic responsibilities.

He described the University as a moral community committed to the pursuit of truth and the development of responsible citizens.

According to him, academics have two major responsibilities: to generate and safeguard reliable knowledge, and to educate future professionals with integrity and moral purpose.

Prof. Adegoke, who identified honesty, fairness, respect, and professional competence as the moral pillars of ethical conduct, warned that unethical practices such as plagiarism, data falsification, and abuse of power undermine public trust and the quality of scholarship.

The scholar called on universities to strengthen their codes of conduct and establish independent offices to oversee research integrity, staff discipline, and ethical compliance.

He further urged institutions to provide regular ethics training for lecturers and supervisors and to design transparent evaluation and supervision systems.

“Ethical behavior is shaped by everyday actions, leadership examples, and shared values within the university community,” he said.

Prof. Adegoke also called on administrators to reward good conduct, promote open discussions about ethics, and involve students in integrity education.

While describing ethical leadership as a moral vocation rather than a legal obligation, Prof. Adegoke said, “We must renew our commitment to truth, fairness, respect, and service. The true scholar must have the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult”, he said.

Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, commended the Faculty for organising an intellectually-stimulating and morally-significant programme.

He described the Talkshop as a timely initiative that aligns with the strategic vision of the University of  producing graduates and scholars who are not only intellectually sound but also ethically upright.

Prof. Egbewole noted that in an era where universities are facing moral, technological, and professional challenges, there is an urgent need for renewed focus on mentorship and ethics as the bedrock of institutional excellence. He reaffirmed the University administration’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote staff development, responsible scholarship, and student-centred learning.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, said the Talkshop represents a journey of intellectual exploration, collaboration, and innovation. He reaffirmed the Faculty’s shared commitment to shaping the future of education and advancing the mission of the University.

“As we convene, we are reminded of the pivotal role educators play in building a knowledge-driven economy and fostering sustainable national development. Our Faculty remains deeply committed to producing competent, ethical, and visionary professionals who will drive positive change in society,” he said.

            Prof. Olaitan explained that the Faculty carefully selected distinguished scholars with integrity and experience to lead discussions on critical issues, share best practices, and propose innovative strategies for improving teaching, research, and community service. He appreciated the participants for their engagement and expressed hope that the Talkshop would reaffirm a shared commitment to professional ethics, moral excellence, and academic distinction.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Talkshop, who is also the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Dr Abdullateef Omotosho Adegboyega, commended the dedication and teamwork of the planning committee.

The talkshop provided an avenue for intellectual reflection and reaffirmed the Faculty of Education’s commitment to nurturing a generation of ethical, competent, and visionary academics who will uphold the enduring values of the University.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muktar Adeiza Etundaye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Director, Centre for Management and Leadership, Dr  Adeola Aminat Odebode; the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahya; the Director, Institute of Education, Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf; the Director of Sports, Prof.Tajudeen Olarewaju Ibraheem; Prof. Hassanat Ambali; Deputy Registrar/Faculty Officer, Mrs Ebunoluwa Osagbemi; Prof. Afusat Alabi; Heads of Departments; Faculty staff; and  students, among others.