Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) of the University of Abuja, weekend, organised a leadership training for over 200 school prefects and leaders drawn from selected secondary schools in Enugu
The training which was designed to inspire and mentor secondary school prefects to become active participants in the development of the country with the theme “Youth Leaders Clinic,” was held at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu.
The programme which was also was part of ALC’s efforts to develop leadership skills in Nigerian youths, brought together students from 10 schools in Enugu State.
In her opening remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Aisha Maikudi, represented by Prof. Titus Ibekwe, the Provost College of Medicine, UniAbuja, emphasised the importance of leadership training for youths.
She said, “For you to be selected for this programme, your school has identified some leadership qualities in you.
She urged them to take the training seriously, “as we need great leaders in the future,’ she said.
In his speech, the Director of ALC, Prof. Philip Afaha, said the centre was established in 2020 as a centre of excellence in public governance and leadership.
Afaha, who was also represented by Ibekwe, said “Aside from academics, the centre organises Youth Leader Clinics to inculcate best quality leadership in Nigerian youths.
“We believe that if our young minds are exposed to the tenets of leadership during their college years, there is a huge possibility of having well-groomed leaders for our country’s future,” he said.
Afaha said the Enugu training was their 12th clinic in the country, with previous events held in other states.
He explained that the programme involved interactive sessions, games, and team-building exercises designed to develop strong teams and personal effectiveness skills.
In his remarks, Enugu State Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Llyod Ekweremadu emphasised that leadership was not just a position or title, but about how one lived life, discharged duty, and inspired others.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile in his speech, commended the ALC for organising the programme and urged youths to be active participants in leadership for the development of the country.
He also called for the extension of the programme to include students in rural communities.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama