AIYEDATIWA CHARGES UNIVERSITIES TO PREPARE NEXT-GENERATION LEADERS FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES

AIYEDATIWA CHARGES UNIVERSITIES TO PREPARE NEXT-GENERATION LEADERS FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has emphasised the critical role of universities in preparing future leaders capable of addressing emerging global challenges, stating that education and leadership will shape Nigeria’s long-term development.

The governor made this known on Thursday while delivering the Foundation Day Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), titled “Leadership, Organisational Performance and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World.”

Aiyedatiwa noted that Nigeria’s economic and technological progress would depend largely on the quality of leadership and the strength of its educational institutions. He stressed that universities must go beyond awarding certificates and instead focus on producing innovative, skilled and adaptable graduates.

According to him, higher institutions play a vital role in driving innovation, developing human capital and strengthening national competitiveness. He added that effective leadership remains central to organisational success, describing it as a process of influence, motivation and continuous interaction between leaders and followers.

“Leadership is not about coercion but about inspiring people to achieve collective goals,” the governor said, adding that leadership competence can be developed through education, experience and exposure to diverse environments.

He explained that modern leadership theories have evolved from the belief that leaders are born with innate traits to the understanding that leadership skills can be learned and refined. He identified technical, human and conceptual abilities as key components of effective leadership.

The governor also highlighted the importance of adaptability, noting that leadership styles vary depending on situations and may include autocratic, democratic or flexible approaches. He added that organisations perform better when leaders provide clear direction, formulate sound policies and inspire commitment among stakeholders.

On performance measurement, Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for clearly defined objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), noting that accountability remains essential in achieving organisational goals.

Speaking on the role of technology, the governor described universities of technology as crucial to national development, stating that such institutions must produce graduates equipped with practical skills and innovative capacity. He cited FUTA as a leading example, noting that institutional performance is reflected in the quality of graduates, research output and innovation.

While acknowledging the transformative impact of technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, Aiyedatiwa cautioned that technology alone cannot guarantee success without effective leadership. He stressed the need for leaders to combine innovation with wisdom, sound judgment and emotional intelligence.

He further outlined Ondo State Government’s investments in education and infrastructure, listing key institutions such as FUTA, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Adekunle Ajasin University, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, and the planned upgrade of Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture as part of the state’s development strategy.

The governor urged universities to equip students with critical thinking skills, adaptability and leadership capacity alongside academic knowledge, noting that the future depends on the ability of institutions to prepare graduates for evolving global realities.

“The true measure of leadership is not only what we achieve today, but the future we prepare others to build,” he said.

In her remarks, FUTA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, highlighted the growing importance of technology in leadership and organisational performance, noting that the digital age has made innovation a key driver of institutional success.

She described universities as centres of knowledge creation and emphasised the importance of collaboration between academics and industry practitioners in fostering intellectual growth.

Oladiji also commended the Ondo State Government for its interventions in the institution, including improvements in healthcare, water supply and road infrastructure within the campus.

The event was attended by top government officials, members of the Ondo State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers and students.