Our reporter
A member of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, has called for accountability across all spheres of leadership.
Professor Ihonvbere, who represents Owan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and serves as House Leader, made this appeal while delivering the 6th Convocation Lecture at the Edo State University Iyamho. His lecture, titled “Equipping the Next Generation for Leadership, Innovation, and Service to Humanity”, stressed the responsibilities that come with leadership and the need for transparency and honesty among leaders.
“If we wish to discuss how to prepare or equip our next generation for leadership, we must admit that not everyone must or should lead. However, if we see leadership as the process of empowering individuals to be perceptive, innovative, creative, patriotic, and productive, then everyone must be exposed to leadership training opportunities, whether formal or informal,” he emphasised.
According to him, leadership is not solely about attaining or holding political office but is instead about conviction, confidence, inspiration, influence, and a positive commitment to serving humanity. He argued that true leadership requires transparency, accountability, efficiency, and a comprehensive understanding of both history and future possibilities to instil hope among the people.
“A leader must effectively communicate ideas and solutions, mobilise peers and followers towards progress and renewal, and actively seek feedback from the people. They must listen to the concerns of both supporters and critics, mentor young individuals, and encourage innovation beyond established boundaries,” he stated.
Identifying strong will, hard work, and compassion as key attributes of leadership, Professor Ihonvbere stressed that a true leader must rise above primordial tendencies and demonstrate the capacity to mobilise and inspire people. He further highlighted the necessity of political will and courage in leadership to propel Nigeria towards growth, development, and democratic consolidation.
He, however, urged the populace to hold their leaders accountable. “If we fail to execute structural reforms, rebuild institutions, set national priorities, and insist on the highest standards of leadership, we will be equipping the next generation with the wrong values, knowledge, and perspectives,” he warned.
Professor Ihonvbere advocated for mentorship programmes, internships, and opportunities for young people to engage with professionals who can guide and inspire them in leadership and innovation. “We must generate a new national discourse to redefine priorities, identify essential processes, and implement strategies to rebuild, refocus, and strengthen national institutions,” he added.
He concluded that these efforts are crucial in preparing the next generation to integrate Nigeria into a science and technology-driven global economy.
Earlier in his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Edo University Iyamho, Professor Egbefo, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring that students graduate on time without disruptions.
Professor Egbefo noted that since its establishment in 2016, the university has maintained an uninterrupted academic calendar, which has been pivotal in enabling students to complete their studies as scheduled. “It is important to note that without the graduation of students, there would be no convocation. Today, we stand proud to honour their achievements,” he stated.
Congratulating the graduates for excelling in both academics and character, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university would be awarding degrees to its sixth set of graduates, including 14 First-Class Honours recipients, 145 Second-Class Honours (Upper Division), 190 Second-Class Honours (Lower Division), 35 Third-Class Honours, 46 Medical and Surgery graduates, and 140 postgraduate students (including 20 PhD holders), amounting to a total of 570 graduates.
“Edo University Iyamho is emerging as a world-class institution equipped with cutting-edge teaching, research, and learning facilities. We take great pride in our stable academic calendar, which remains unaffected by strikes—an issue that has plagued many public universities in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Governor and Visitor to the university, Governor Okpebholo, for his unwavering support. He also acknowledged the contributions of the institution’s founding fathers, particularly Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whose leadership facilitated the establishment of the university.
He further noted that the convocation ceremonies, including the lecture, have placed Edo University Iyamho in the spotlight as a centre of academic excellence, dedicated to providing quality education and fostering youth development, particularly in Edo State and across Nigeria.
The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Olusegun O. Akinyinka, a Professor of Paediatrics, emphasised that leadership—whether in politics, academia, or civil society—must be anchored in vision and integrity, with the capacity to inspire collaborative action.
“As teachers and leaders, we bear the responsibility of mentoring future leaders with empathy and accountability. Leadership and innovation must genuinely inspire our students and graduates to embrace service to their communities with passion and purpose,” he stated.
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