The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has urged staff members to remain diligent and committed to their duties in pursuit of institutional growth.
He gave the charge on February 11, 2026, while declaring open a workshop titled “Re-Imagining Leadership and Workplace Harmony for a Sustainable Future,” organised by the Centre for Management and Leadership, Ilorin, at the university’s Multipurpose Hall. He was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola.
Egbewole said the training was designed to strengthen leadership capacity and enhance productivity among staff. He encouraged participants to engage actively and remain open to learning in order to become effective leaders.
In her remarks, the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Adeola Aminat Odebode, said organisational success depends largely on the quality of leadership and harmony within the workforce. “Leadership today goes beyond authority, position, or title,” she said, stressing the need for positive influence and collaboration.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, congratulated participants and said Nigeria requires capable leaders to drive national development. She urged them to mentor younger generations and demonstrate vision, empathy and accountability.
Delivering a lecture titled “Transformative Leadership in Higher Education: Redefining Roles for Institutional Sustainability,” Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, emphasised the importance of leadership skills and technology in higher education management. He was represented by Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Sulaiman highlighted role modelling, motivation, intellectual stimulation and creativity as key elements of transformative leadership, urging authorities to entrust leadership positions to competent individuals.
Also speaking, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju, represented by Mr. Habeeb Oreduni, described leadership as a responsibility that requires vision, strategic communication and empathy. He noted that leaders must practise what they preach to build trust.
The President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, represented by Mr. Abu Salami, said leadership involves listening and leading by example, adding that true leaders should leave lasting positive impressions even after retirement.
