VC charges POGSASS to embrace teamwork, ethical leadership
By Tajudeen Babamale and Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged members of the Postgraduate Students Association (POGSASS) of the University to embrace teamwork, strengthen professional networks, and continually refine the leadership skills that will distinguish them as scholars and responsible citizens.
Prof. Egbewole, who gave the charge while declaring open the POGSASS Leadership Summit 2026, held at the Dam Resort, Ilorin, reiterated his Administration’s consistent emphasis on ethical leadership, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence as core values for personal and institutional development.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the Vice Chancellor described the summit as timely and commendable, noting that leadership in the contemporary world requires integrity, vision, collaboration, and a strong commitment to service.
He stated that postgraduate students occupy a strategic position in the society, as they advance knowledge through rigorous research while preparing for leadership roles in academia, industry, governance, and other sectors. The Vice Chancellor said that the University of Ilorin remains proud of the sustained commitment of POGSASS to academic excellence, responsible leadership, and constructive engagement within and beyond the campus.
Prof. Egbewole added that initiatives such as the Leadership Summit provide valuable platforms for capacity building, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas, all of which strengthen the postgraduate community and contribute to the overall growth of the University.
In his keynote address, the Chairman, Board of Satcom Limited, Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi Isama (rtd), told the postgraduate students that they are leaders of today, not tomorrow, urging them to begin solving societal problems immediately and to prioritise self-development.
Brig. General Isama, who is a civil war hero, emphasised the need to cultivate leadership traits from one’s current position, build strong networks, and lead with integrity.
He encouraged the students to step out of their comfort zones in pursuit of success.
“You can’t achieve success from your comfort zone; you must explore,” he said.
General Isama also reflected on his military career, where he had opportunities to lead, and called on government to create enabling environments for the nation to function effectively.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lahmad Concept, Mr Ahmad Lawal, described entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to navigating current economic challenges.
He stressed the importance of entrepreneurial skills, noting that individual success can have a positive ripple effect on the society.
“It’s not all about ‘japa’; you can also succeed here because there are many opportunities around you,” he said.
Mr Lawal encouraged the students to start small, noting that success is not about perfection but the ability to identify and maximise opportunities others often ignore.
Earlier, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Prof. Friday Onyekwere Nwosu, commended the postgraduate students for organising the leadership summit, describing leadership development as a critical need in society.
He said that the programme aligns with the Vision1-10-500 of the University, charging the students to conduct impactful research that will contribute to national development and to become leaders that will make the University proud.
In his welcome address, the President of POGSASS, Mr Hakeem Abodunde Kuranga, expressed gratitude to God for the successful organisation of the Summit, describing it as a platform aimed at addressing leadership challenges facing the country.
He noted that the programme was designed to nurture transparent and transformative leadership qualities among postgraduate students.
Also speaking, a comedian and actor, Mr Habeeb Olatunji, popularly known as Baba Kamo, urged the students to embrace consistency and good character as hallmarks of true leadership.
“Convert your talents into lasting influence. Be disciplined, be content with what you have, and always help those coming behind you,” he advised.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to the guest speakers and former presidents of POGSASS.
