Education
Prof. Dahida Harps On Leadership Formation As ALC Holds Orientation For New Students
Jeph Bisi
The Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), a TETFund Center of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership at the University of Abuja, Professor Philip Dahida, has emphasized the crucial role education plays in shaping leaders, which remains a significant barrier to the development of Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking during an orientation programme organized for postgraduate students at ALC on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in preparation for the 2025/2026 academic session (Course 7), Prof. Dahida reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the training of future leaders.
He attributed the underdevelopment in Nigeria and many African countries to poor leadership, which stems from a lack of training and preparedness among those in positions of authority. He added that the aim of the Center is to promote a process of leadership formation that will enable Africa to adopt the right leadership through knowledge acquisition.
Prof. Dahida urged the students to take their programme seriously and dedicate themselves to their studies, assuring them that the institution and its staff would do their utmost to equip them with the necessary knowledge for effective leadership without unnecessary delays.
He noted that the postgraduate programmes currently offered at the institute include Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Policy and Strategic Studies, Public Governance and Leadership, and Military Studies, along with plans for expansion and the integration of diploma programmes.
“Is the lack of leadership the reason why Nigeria and other African countries are not developing? We can find the answers in what is happening in our environment. Consider the Asian Tigers—Malaysia, which came to Nigeria in the 1970s to harvest palm fruits, and see what they have achieved today. The same is true for Thailand. When Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1963, Lee Kuan Yew managed only three seaports; look at what they have accomplished now.
“It is clear that we have a leadership problem, and the purpose of this Center is to foster a process of leadership formation that will guide Nigerians and Africans toward effective leadership models that promote development.
“This Center is here to provide the foundational training for leaders and offer insights into the principles of leadership in Africa, including Nigeria. As we progress, we will also introduce models and theories that are home-grown.
“We have graduated notable students, including former Niger Delta Minister Godsday Orubebe, Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), and a current serving state governor. As for you students, we are here to support you, and you will graduate on time,” Prof. Dahida assured.
Gen. Lawrence Onoja (Rtd), one of the lecturers at the Center, congratulated and commended the students for their pursuit of further knowledge, stating, “There is no limit to learning for humans.”
While commending the leadership and staff of the Center for their essential role in shaping the nation’s future leaders, the former Military Administrator acknowledged that the older generation has often failed in leadership roles. He urged the new students to take full advantage of this learning opportunity to change the current narrative.
After the orientation, one of the new students, Mr. Usman Alfa, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Governance and Leadership, shared that he was motivated to enroll in the programme due to the obvious leadership failures that have plagued the country, hindering national development.
Alfa remarked that leadership is a significant challenge in Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, and across Africa. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the institute, its lecturers, and staff to help students reach their potential.
He urged Nigerian leaders to enhance their knowledge and understanding of leadership before assuming leadership roles.
“There is a critical need for effective leadership in this country, at every level—from national to state and local levels. I’m pleased that the Center focuses on leadership that has relevance across Africa.
“The orientation today was marvelous and inspiring, and I felt motivated by all the professors’ insights. I look forward to the experience, exposure, and comprehensive knowledge I will gain from this training.
“My advice to our leaders is to invest in their own development, improve their leadership skills, and prepare themselves to lead others effectively,” Alfa concluded.
Other scholars and lecturers present at the event included Prof. Joseph Golwa, Prof. Tyoor Tever, Prof. Adewale Banjo, and Dr. Eze Ukauwa.
Education
Igbinedion University, EduTech Global Partner On Digital Education, Access
Mr. Femi Shonubi, Co-Founder/CTO – EduTech Global
Cyril Ogar
Igbinedion University, Okada, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, has entered into a strategic partnership with EduTech Global to accelerate its digital learning ambitions, expand access to its academic programmes to students in the country.
Through the partnership, EduTech will provide digital learning infrastructure and technology support for the University’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC), thereby enabling learners to access quality university education beyond the conventional campus environment.
The partnership reflects Igbinedion University’s ambition to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape by combining its academic heritage with technology, innovation and new models of learning that contribute to national workforce development.
Speaking on the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the collaboration represented a significant step in the university’s ambition to produce graduates equipped for national and global impact.
He said: “At Igbinedion University, our mandate has always been to lead in producing graduates equipped for national and global impact. This partnership with EduTech Global represents a bold step into the future of higher education in Nigeria.
“By expanding our digital learning infrastructure, we are not just breaking down geographical barriers; we are actively contributing to national workforce development by ensuring that quality, industry-aligned education is accessible to every driven learner, regardless of location.”
In his remarks, Director, Igbinedion University Distance Learning Centre, Prof. Gideon Bawa, said the university was motivated by the opportunity to transform its existing processes, which hitherto were being handled manually, and build a more efficient and scalable distance learning model.
The Director clarified: “The growth recorded by institutions that have leveraged EduTech’s technology and expertise was a major factor in our decision to engage the company. We are confident that this partnership will position Igbinedion University to achieve significant growth in enrolment while strengthening the quality and efficiency of our Distance Learning Centre.”
“With this partnership, we expect to move most of our administrative and academic activities online through EduTech. This will improve efficiency, enhance the learner experience and allow our facilitators and students to engage more effectively through a connected digital learning environment”, Bawa added.
Commenting on the collaboration, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, EduTech Global, Femi Shonubi, pointed out that technology had been redefining the boundaries of what a university can offer, adding that EduTech’s role extends beyond putting courses online.
Shonubi expatiated: “Technology’s true value lies in its ability to drive tangible socio-economic impact through education. By dismantling physical boundaries, we are empowering institutions like Igbinedion University to democratise access to high-quality learning. This is about more than online courses; it is about developing a resilient, highly skilled workforce at scale to meet the demands of the modern economy.
“We are helping institutions build connected learning ecosystems that support the student journey from application and enrolment through learning, assessment and graduation. Igbinedion University’s ambition to lead in innovative education aligns strongly with what we are building at EduTech.”
General Manager, Edutech Global, Moyosore Asubiojo said the partnership arises as demand grows for flexible higher education among working professionals, entrepreneurs and learners seeking alternatives to traditional full-time campus education.
She asserted that by combining Igbinedion University’s academic competence with EduTech’s technology capabilities, the collaboration will create new pathways to quality education and workforce development while enabling the University to expand beyond its traditional geographical footprint.
Analysts believe that the partnership between the university and the tech company represents a shared commitment to making higher education more accessible, flexible and scalable, while positioning the university to compete and lead in the next generation of technology-enabled education in Nigeria and globally.
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