Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, has challenged student leaders of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to embrace integrity, sound judgement, courage and accountability, drawing on lessons from his military and civilian leadership experiences to underscore the demands of responsible leadership.
Chief Obasanjo gave the charge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State, as the university’s Annual Student Leaders’ Retreat continued its formal activities with a series of sessions designed to equip participants with the principles and practical skills required for effective leadership.
Addressing the student leaders, the former President drew from his years in public service to examine the complexities of leadership, the weight of decision-making and the personal qualities required to lead effectively.
He emphasised analytical thinking, openness to advice, composure in communication, tolerance, dependability and truthfulness, urging the participants to cultivate dispositions that inspire confidence and earn the trust of those they lead.
He also highlighted the importance of gratitude, encouraging the student leaders to recognise the contributions of others and build relationships anchored in mutual respect and trust.
At the heart of his presentation was the principle that leadership goes beyond occupying a position of authority.
According to him, leadership demands the ability to listen, weigh competing interests, exercise sound judgement and make difficult decisions, particularly when circumstances are challenging.
The session also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, giving participants the opportunity to engage Chief Obasanjo on leadership and public service. Their exchanges provided a platform to seek clarification, draw lessons from his experiences and consider how the principles discussed could be applied to their respective leadership responsibilities.
The engagement reinforced the retreat’s broader objective of preparing student representatives to exercise authority responsibly, communicate effectively and remain accountable to the constituencies they serve.
Mrs. Mabogunje Makes Case for Communication, Teamwork
Following the former President’s engagement with the students a presentation by the founder of Toki Mabogunje & Co., Mrs. Toki Mabogunje who examined the relationship between leadership, effective communication and team bonding.
The University of Exeter Alumna challenged the participants to recognise that leadership outcomes depend not only on individual ability but also on how effectively people communicate expectations, manage differences and work together towards shared objectives.
Through interactive engagements and practical assignments, Mrs. Mabogunje encouraged the student leaders to translate leadership principles into everyday practice.
The exercises required participants to think critically, collaborate with colleagues and explore how effective communication could improve coordination, strengthen relationships and enhance problem-solving within their respective leadership structures.
She further stressed the importance of mutual respect, active listening and clear communication, urging the participants to foster environments where every team member could contribute meaningfully.
UNILAG Bursar Highlights Financial Discipline, Accountability
Financial responsibility also featured prominently, as the Bursar of the University of Lagos, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Y. Adekunle, FCA, led a session on financial management and regulations.
Mrs. Adekunle provided practical guidance on the financial obligations that accompany leadership, stressing the need for student leaders to understand applicable procedures, manage resources prudently and ensure that expenditure is properly authorised and documented.
She noted that responsible financial management extends beyond raising funds or proposing projects. It requires careful budgeting, sound prioritisation, effective financial controls and a willingness to account for resources entrusted to one’s care.
For student representatives who advocate for their colleagues and, in some cases, oversee union resources, she emphasised that transparency, integrity and strict adherence to established regulations are essential to safeguarding funds and sustaining institutional trust.
Proper documentation and compliance with financial procedures, she explained, help protect resources, strengthen accountability and ensure continuity beyond individual tenures in office.
The session offered participants practical insights into turning proposals into viable projects while maintaining sound financial management and accountability.
Dr.Tyoden Pushes Student Leaders from Ideas to Action
The retreat’s focus on practical leadership continued with a presentation by Dr. Lepan Tyoden, Director of Operations at the International Leadership Foundation and a faculty member of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), who continued his session on transformation projects.
Building on earlier discussions on advocacy, financial responsibility, ethical conduct and institutional accountability, Tyoden examined how leadership ideas could be translated into practical initiatives with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
He emphasised the need for structured planning, effective coordination, judicious use of available resources and clearly assigned responsibilities to ensure that proposed initiatives move beyond discussion to implementation.
The session challenged participants to approach transformation as a deliberate and sustained process – one that requires strategic thinking, practical solutions and a clear commitment to delivering results.
By focusing on implementation, the presentation reinforced the need for student leaders to move beyond identifying problems and develop workable responses to the challenges confronting their constituencies.
The day’s sessions brought together complementary dimensions of leadership: personal integrity and sound judgement, effective communication and team cohesion, financial discipline, and the capacity to turn ideas into measurable results.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographer: Samuel O. Dosunmu
