Some Nigerian student leaders have undergone a leadership training programme to equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge to impact others.

The workshop, organised by the Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), also aimed at enhancing the leadership competencies, skills, practices, and attitudes of student leaders from African universities to empower them to serve as role models.

The programme brought together student leaders from Nigerian Universities, including the Federal University of Technology (Akure), the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, and Al-Hikmah University.

The Director-General of IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to leadership training, citing its role as a UNESCO Centre of Excellence. Stressing the importance of leadership development, he stated, "Great leaders develop other great people, so there is a need to train leaders. Leadership is a cause, and everything else is an effect."

He further highlighted the impact of strong student leadership on national and industrial leadership, stating, "When student leaders get it right, it will increase the chances of having great industry and national leaders." 

Director-General of IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom

He urged participants to embrace the concept of "leading for learning," ensuring that their leadership fosters academic excellence among students.

He said: “I believe leadership does not just happen, and we have to be intentional about how to develop and unearth their skills. It is very important to prepare them at a tender age for them to be well-prepared for various leadership roles wherever they find themselves.” 

During an interactive session, Prof. Bro. Michael Amakye engaged participants in self-reflection exercises, encouraging them to outline their passions, talents, and goals. He guided them in deriving their missions based on these attributes, reinforcing the idea that leadership should be purpose-driven.

Speaking on leadership qualities, Prof. Amakye said student leaders should have personal mission statements, core values and outline their passions that would drive them to inspire others and achieve a particular task.

According to him, the expectations of student leaders in various institutions had a great impact on the student body and resulted in a good reputation for their universities.

The student leaders during a presentation

He noted, "A leader can influence others to achieve a goal or task." 

He emphasized that true leadership is about inspiring others to work towards a common objective, fostering a culture of discipline, integrity, and vision.

He mentioned integrity, authenticity, vision, honesty, and open-mindedness as some timeless models for today’s leaders. 

Some of the students commended the organisers of the programme, saying that it had gone a long way to expose them to things they did not know.

The students also pledged to exhibit various leadership characteristics such as being selfless, caring, loving, confident, creative and communicating effectively.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC