In a powerful keynote address at the maiden edition of the Federation of Epe Division Students Association (FEDSA) National Leadership Conference, kakalistiq.com reports that Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon, former Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), decried the scarcity of effective leadership in Nigeria. The event, themed “Leadership with Purpose: Creating a Culture of Innovation and Excellence,” took place on November 30, 2024, at the Epe Club, Lagos.
Speaking passionately to an audience of eager youths, Onibon described leadership as “the most scarce commodity in our clime,” drawing comparisons between Nigeria’s leadership crisis and the structured systems he experienced abroad.
Drawing from his time as MOCPED Provost and his educational experiences in Malaysia and Colorado, Onibon underscored the importance of purposeful and servant-oriented leadership. “We lack leadership with sincerity of purpose. What we have most times is leadership with the purpose of personal enrichment. Are our leaders our servants?” he questioned.
He cited Malaysia’s rapid development as a model for purposeful leadership, noting that its success hinged on sincerity and discipline. “In Malaysia, leadership is ingrained as a core competency, even a prerequisite for graduation,” he explained. These reflections resonated deeply, serving as a wake-up call for the youths to adopt a servant-leadership approach in their personal and collective aspirations.
Recounting his tenure as MOCPED Provost, Onibon shared transformative strategies anchored on institutional rules and foundational visions. He recalled an interview for his Provost position, where he surprised his interviewers by grounding his plans in the mission of MOCPED’s founding fathers. “Many leaders today are oblivious to their responsibilities. Familiarity with the laws governing their institutions is key to transformation,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules over succumbing to external influences. “The rules or laws of the establishment are enough to work with. Taking advice or guidance from third parties often comes with personal agendas,” he asserted.
During his administration, Onibon implemented landmark initiatives, including clearing 14 years of pension arrears under the old scheme and 48 months under the new pension scheme. “Apart from intervention funds for retirees, I got no government intervention during my administration,” he noted.
Onibon also highlighted the role of discipline in leadership, comparing the enforceability of Nigeria’s laws with the lack of structure in private settings. “It’s not difficult to govern Nigeria if leaders invoke the existing laws. I used these laws to tackle ‘untouchables’ and ‘cabals’ at MOCPED, restoring sanity to the institution,” he remarked.
This commitment to discipline set the foundation for transparency and justice, which Onibon identified as vital ingredients for fostering innovation and excellence. Reflecting on his decision to take personal leave as Provost, a first in MOCPED’s history, he noted how leading by example inspired systemic integrity.
Prof. Onibon’s keynote address set the tone for a transformative conference, with discussions extending into panel sessions. For young attendees, ranging from secondary school students to university undergraduates, his address served as a blueprint for purposeful leadership.
The profound lessons from Onibon’s tenure and his strategies for innovation deeply resonated with the audience. The conference concluded with renewed enthusiasm among Epe Division youths, embodying the theme of purposeful leadership and sparking hope for a future driven by innovation and excellence.
