Campus News

CMLI seeks stakeholders’ collaboration

 The Ag. Director of the Centre for Management and Leadership, University of Ilorin (CMLI), Dr  Aminat Odebode, has advocated stakeholders’ collaboration in the transformational leadership efforts of the Centre.

Dr Odebode, who made the call last Tuesday (March 4, 2025) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, disclosed that the University has taken a significant step in fostering effective governance and transformational leadership with the establishment of the Centre for Management and Leadership (CMLI).

She maintained that the CMLI was created to address long-standing leadership deficiencies in governance and management to bridge the leadership gap by catering to young professionals, middle-level managers, and executives.

Dr Odebode noted that the Centre is committed to equipping individuals with leadership skills that align with global best practices, technological advancements, and innovative problem-solving approaches.

While speaking on the Academic and Professional Training Programmes, she maintained that the Centre offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Leadership Development, which serves as a stepping stone for professionals seeking career advancement.

Dr Odebode reiterated that the programme, which included Executive Postgraduate Diploma for the working class with a flexible duration of 24 to 36 months to accommodate their busy schedules, requires a minimum of five O’ Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, along with a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).

She noted that apart from the Diploma programmes, CMLI offers certificate courses in various leadership and management areas, catering to different expertise levels.

“These courses range from Basic Management and Leadership Training to Advanced Certificate Programmes, allowing for progressive learning”, she said.

Dr Odebode stated further that the Centre offers professional certifications, including the Chartered Management Professionals and Chartered Managers programmes, tailored for middle-level and top executives, respectively.

According to her, “These certifications enhance participants’ competencies in Financial Management, Operations Management, and Strategic Decision-Making.”

While speaking on workshops, seminars, and future programmes, Dr Odebode explained that beyond academic programmes, CMLI organises biannual workshops and seminars to keep professionals informed on emerging leadership trends.

The upcoming Community Conflicts and Security Management Training, scheduled for June 22–25, 2025, is one such initiative aimed at addressing security and governance challenges, she announced.

She disclosed that CMLI is expanding its academic scope with the proposed postgraduate programmes, including: MSc in Community Leadership, MSc in Procurement Regulations and Management, MSc in Leadership and Accountability and PhD. in Management and Leadership.

Dr Odebode added that these programmes are designed to further elevate leadership standards and provide advanced research opportunities.

Speaking on Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaborations, Dr Odebode noted that CMLI has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several institutions, including the Faculties of Management and Social Sciences of the University, the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA.

Dr Odebode maintained that these partnerships will allow CMLI to leverage global expertise and offer internationally recognised certifications, adding that efforts are also underway to establish further collaborations with other prestigious universities worldwide

The Ag. Director  acknowledged the contributions of the pioneer Director of the Centre, Prof. Moji T. Bakare-Odunola, now the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), who led from January 22, 2024, to February 17, 2025, adding that her leadership laid the groundwork for the CMLI’s vision.

She noted that she and the Deputy Directors, Dr M. Aliyu and Dr O. M. Adebiyi, and a team of 11 experienced associates are committed to expanding CMLI’s impact through strategic initiatives and innovative training programmes.

She said that CMLI is more than just an academic institution, pointing out that it is a movement dedicated to raising ethical, competent, and forward-thinking leaders. Dr. Odebode added that the Centre invites students, professionals, policymakers, and organisations to collaborate in redefining leadership excellence in Nigeria and beyond and as the Centre continues to grow, it will remain steadfast in its mission to shape a new generation of transformational leaders equipped to drive good governance and sustainable development.