The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), established by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has embarked on a crucial mission to enhance the leadership capacities of secondary school principals in Oyo and Ogun states. The initiative, structured as an Advanced Certificate in School Leadership and Management (ACSLM) programme, focuses on equipping these educational leaders with essential skills in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other critical leadership domains. This comprehensive training aims to empower principals to effectively navigate the complexities of modern education and shape the next generation of leaders. The program’s launch signifies a significant step towards strengthening the educational landscape in Nigeria.
The training program, meticulously designed to address the specific needs of school principals, commenced with an orientation program for the first cohort of participants. Former President Obasanjo, the founder and Chairman of OOLI’s Governing Board, emphasized the pivotal role principals play in molding the character, morals, and skills of students, highlighting their profound influence on young lives. He underscored the significant responsibility entrusted to them and emphasized the program’s objective of providing them with the tools needed to excel in their roles. This sentiment reinforces the importance of investing in leadership development within the education sector.
The Director of OOLI, General (retd) Martin Luther Agwai, reinforced the program’s alignment with the institute’s core mission of equipping leaders with the necessary skills and values to drive positive change in complex environments. He underscored the evolving role of school principals, who are now expected to be strategic leaders capable of managing diverse challenges ranging from school safety and governance to fostering innovation and inclusive learning environments. This perspective highlights the increasing complexity of school leadership in the 21st century and the need for specialized training to address these demands.
Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, the facilitator of the training and Chairman of OOLI’s Special Management Advisory Group, explained that the curriculum was developed following a comprehensive national survey of the training needs of school principals. This needs-based approach ensures that the program addresses real-world challenges faced by educational leaders, rather than relying on speculative assumptions. The eight-week program covers a broad spectrum of topics ranging from traditional leadership attributes and financial management to contemporary issues such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, and adapting international best practices to local contexts. The meticulous curriculum design reflects a commitment to providing practical and relevant training.
The ACSLM program adopts a case-study driven, hybrid approach, maximizing practical application and engagement. The training incorporates a blended learning model, combining online and in-person sessions to accommodate the busy schedules of the participants. This flexible delivery method allows for a wider reach and ensures accessibility for principals across the two states. Upon completion, participants will be awarded the prestigious ACSLM of OOLI, a testament to their enhanced leadership capabilities and their potential to lead model schools in Nigeria and across Africa.
The collaborative effort between OOLI and the Oyo and Ogun state governments underscores the shared commitment to investing in educational leadership. Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State demonstrated strong support for the initiative by sponsoring the participation of principals from their respective states. Their commitment reflects a recognition of the transformative potential of quality education and the crucial role of school leaders in driving this transformation. The OOLI Special Management Advisory Group, comprising distinguished academics and experts, further solidifies the program’s credibility and ensures a high standard of training delivery. This partnership between government, academia, and a renowned leadership institute creates a powerful synergy for advancing educational leadership in Nigeria.
