By Didymus Joshuaa
The University of Ibadan’s Directorate of Career Development and Counselling Centre (CDCC) organised a training programme for student leaders on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the First Bank Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Agriculture.
The training, themed “Ethical and Responsible Student Leadership: Building Competence, Resilience and Positive Impact”, brought together the Student Union leadership and other student leaders from various faculties across the University.
The programme featured sessions on drug abuse and addiction, ethical leadership and accountability, teamwork and collaboration, personality types and conflict management, as well as people skills and campus relationships.
In his opening address, the Director of CDCC, Professor Adebayo Oluwole, said the programme was designed to help student leaders understand leadership as “a responsibility, a service and an opportunity to create positive change”.
The first session, initially scheduled to be delivered by Comrade Olayinka Joe-Fadile, Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo Command, was instead delivered by ACN Godwin Mercy, who spoke on “Drug Abuse and Addiction: Early Signs, Consequences and the Way Out”.
Mercy urged student leaders to recognise early signs of drug use disorder and provide appropriate support, stressing the importance of early intervention. She summarised her message as, “Recognise early, respond wisely, refer appropriately, restore hope”.
The Deputy Bursar of the University, Mr Olagoke Akanwo, addressed participants on “Ethical Leadership, Accountability and Stewardship in Student Governance”.
He emphasised accountability and moral responsibility, noting that elected or appointed leaders are entrusted with positions while the trust of those they lead must be built and sustained.
Dr Adebunmi Oyekola, Director of the Youth Friendly Centre, spoke on “Leadership Through Collaboration and Teamwork”.
Using the story of the tortoise and the hare, she highlighted the importance of teamwork and self-awareness, encouraging participants to develop the ability to lead themselves before leading others.
The fourth session, delivered by Dr A.T. Adeleye of the Department of Guidance and Counselling and Human Development Studies, focused on “Understanding Personality Types for Effective Conflict Management”.
He introduced participants to different personality types and encouraged them to work together towards shared goals.
The final session was delivered by Dr Ola John Oluremi of Micomglobe Limited, a University of Ibadan alumnus and former president of the Faculty of Education.
Speaking on “People Skills for Student Leaders: Empathy, Altruism and Positive Campus Relationships”, he emphasised the importance of character and people skills to effective leadership.
The programme ended with the singing of the University and National Anthems, after which participants received certificates.
Oluwole, in his closing remarks, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training and noted that students could access counselling support at Rooms 17 and 23 of the Student Affairs Building.
