By DAYO ADESULU
Obasanjo Leadership Institute student leadership training sets new standard for campus governance
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged student union leaders of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to embrace integrity, discipline, and service as the foundation of leadership.
He gave the charge during a four-day intensive training organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) in partnership with the university. The programme, themed “Leadership for the Future,” took place in Abeokuta from February 19 to 22, 2026.
The Obasanjo Leadership Institute student leadership training brought together elected student representatives for what organisers described as a transformative experience aimed at reshaping campus governance and preparing participants for national responsibility.
Obasanjo Unveils 55 Objectives of a True Leader
Delivering the keynote address, Obasanjo outlined what he called the “55 Objectives of a True Leader,” a framework he has developed over decades of public service.
He urged the student leaders to see their positions not as avenues for popularity but as platforms for accountability and impact. According to him, leadership demands courage, strategic thinking, and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of the larger community.
He highlighted attributes such as being an achiever, analyzer, communicator, encourager, decision-maker, and giver. In addition, he stressed 15 core values of good leadership, including integrity, honesty, patriotism, tolerance, trustworthiness, and peace.
The former president maintained that Nigeria’s future depends largely on the quality of leadership emerging from institutions of higher learning. Therefore, he said, student leaders must cultivate values that will stand the test of time.
Participants responded with sustained engagement throughout the session, asking questions and reflecting on practical governance challenges within campus settings.
Experts Deliver Practical Governance Tools
Beyond the keynote session, the Obasanjo Leadership Institute student leadership training featured an array of experts who addressed different dimensions of leadership.
Mrs. Yemi Adamolekun spoke on responsible leadership and activism, emphasizing the need for ethical advocacy. Lady Anne Welsh, CEO of Painless Universal UK, shared her personal journey of resilience, encouraging participants to transform adversity into strength.
Legal scholar Prof. Adewale A. Olawoyin, SAN, delivered a detailed session on student constitutions and enabling laws. He advised the student leaders to understand their constitutional powers and limitations to avoid governance crises.
Leadership and communication specialist Mrs. Toki Mabogunje led discussions on team bonding and effective communication strategies. Financial expert Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle, FCA, addressed financial management and regulatory compliance in student administration.
Meanwhile, Uche Aderibigbe introduced emotional intelligence concepts, linking mental health awareness to leadership performance. Mr. Nnaemeka Praise Ifeakor guided participants through practical financial literacy and spending management strategies.
Prof. S. Adedeji Daramola and Dr. Deji Bolusemihi examined 21st-century transformational leadership models and global governance challenges. Mr. Abolade Adeniyi Akinwunmi concluded with a session on professionalism and administrative discipline.
Together, the facilitators provided a comprehensive leadership toolkit covering governance, financial accountability, activism, communication, and emotional resilience.
UNILAG Management Commends Initiative
Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She thanked Obasanjo for what she termed his continued investment in youth development and leadership mentorship.
Other senior officials present included Professor Musa Adebayo Obalola, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Jumoke Ogunleye and Dr. Ganiyu Iyanda, Deputy Deans of Student Affairs; and Mrs. Janet Aregbesola of the Guidance and Counselling Unit.
The OOLI leadership team, led by General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR, Director and Chief Executive Officer, alongside Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Director, coordinated the programme.
Cultural and Historical Exposure
In addition to classroom sessions, participants toured the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The visit offered historical insights into Nigeria’s political evolution and leadership journey.
They also explored Olumo Rock, a prominent historical landmark in Abeokuta. Organisers said the excursion aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of resilience and heritage in leadership.
Preparing Leaders for National Impact
The Obasanjo Leadership Institute student leadership training reflects a broader effort to strengthen institutional leadership across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
By combining theoretical instruction with practical engagement, the programme seeks to produce student leaders who prioritise service, transparency, and innovation.
Observers say initiatives like this could help restore public confidence in student governance while preparing young Nigerians for greater national roles in politics, business, and civil society.
As the training concluded, participants pledged to apply the lessons learned within their respective faculties and student bodies, signalling what organisers hope will mark the beginning of a new leadership culture on campus.
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