Campus News

There is no success without succession – Egbewole

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on leaders at all levels to strive towards leaving behind legacies that stand the test of time, noting that a leader’s name can be etched in gold in public memory and remain significant even in the face of opposition if they focus on impactful leadership and effective succession planning.

                Prof. Egbewole made this call last Tuesday (March 4, 2025), while delivering a lecture on the topic “Starting Strong and Finishing Well” at the presentation of a Festschrift in honour of Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Port-Harcourt.

The event was part of the activities marking Prof. Okogbule’s end of tenure as the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the university.

                Speaking on the significance of a strong finish, the UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor explained the importance of both a strong start and a strong conclusion in leadership, saying that while an impactful beginning can set the tone for a leader’s tenure, the final actions taken before leaving office ultimately shape their legacy.

 Drawing from history, Prof. Egbewole referenced Nigerian leaders, particularly General Ibrahim Babangida, stating that despite his contributions, his annulment of the 1993 elections remains the most enduring memory of his administration. He remarked, “We can underscore the significance of the last act of a leader in office from the experiences of Nigerian leaders. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida impacted positively on some aspects of life in Nigeria, but the only thing Nigerians remember as his legacy is that he annulled the 1993 elections. So, for a leader, it is not over until it is all over; the leader must keep acting right till the very last moment. A relay race is not won if the baton drops just before breasting the tape”.

Offering practical advice on how to achieve a successful tenure, the legal luminary encouraged early preparation and strategic planning. According to him, preparation should begin before assumption of office. He stated, “From the moment one decides to seek an office, the plan for landmark achievements in the office must begin. A new leader must move quickly to understand the institution’s landscape, build alliances, and set a decisive tone. This is why marking the first 100 days in office has assumed some significance globally. Those days are critical in shaping perceptions and laying the foundation for success. A leader who assumes office without a plan will spend those initial crucial days groping and will not hit the ground running”.

 While identifying Nigeria’s poor work ethic as a significant hindrance to national development, Prof. Egbewole urged university leaders to lead by example to ensure that top management embodies the values expected from staff and students.

 He lamented that cutting corners has become the norm in many institutions, often making those who adhere to ethical standards feel out of place. He commended Prof. Okogbule for making difficult decisions in repositioning the Rivers State University, including demolishing buildings associated with illegal activities.

The renowned scholar stressed that while a strong start in leadership galvanises action and leads to quick wins, he said sustaining the momentum remains the biggest challenge, advising leaders to adopt strategic planning, adopt regular progress reviews, and adaptability to ensure continuity of impactful activities.

 Prof. Egbewole advised university chief executives to develop and implement a medium-term strategic plan with measurable targets, alongside a performance-tracking system to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. He identified the need for precision and expertise in crafting and executing such plans, warning against assigning these responsibilities to unqualified individuals.

He said, “Crafting a strategic plan and implementing it are arduous tasks that require high technical skills. This needs to be emphasised to avoid the error of assigning the tasks to just anyone to fulfill righteousness but fail to get the desired results. Strategic planning often requires effective delegation of responsibility by empowering capable team members to lead initiatives and by maintaining open communication channels to address challenges and reinforce commitment”. 

Speaking on the significance of achieving landmark successes, Prof. Egbewole asserted that a leader is often remembered for their signature accomplishments. He advised that landmark successes should not be limited to physical projects but should include transforming stakeholders’ orientation for the better.

He noted, “Landmark achievements should not be restricted to physical projects. In fact, changing stakeholders’ orientation for the better is the more significant monumental achievement for a leader. If people develop better attitudes and greater dedication, physical projects will be better achieved and managed. The challenge for a leader in giving people a new orientation is that he must be a role model”.

While also discussing financial constraints in universities, the UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that funding challenges are a common issue for tertiary institutions in Nigeria as he urged university administrators to devise innovative ways to navigate financial difficulties.

 Prof. Egbewole  stressed that merely increasing funding allocations would not suffice to address financial problems unless it is complemented with prudent resource management.  He, however, called on the Nigerian government to rise to the occasion by allocating a budget to education that aligns with UNESCO’s recommended standards.

 While also addressing distractions faced by university leaders in Nigeria, Prof. Egbewole noted that governance struggles, protests, and institutional shutdowns significantly disrupt academic activities and research. He advised leaders to develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and preparedness for uncertainties to manage these challenges effectively.

 Earlier, in his remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, expressed  gratitude to Prof. Egbewole for honoring the invitation and recognising his contributions to the academia.

 Prof. Okogbule, who reflected on his long-standing relationship with Prof. Egbewole, revealed that their association dates back to about 40 years. He noted that the presence of the UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor at the event was not only a personal honour for him but also a significant recognition for the Rivers State University Council.