Leadership Not About Titles, Clinic Tells Northern School Prefects
Leadership is not the preserve of politicians or those in public office, but a daily responsibility that begins with character, discipline and service, secondary school prefects from Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states have been told. This message took centre stage at a Youth Leadership Clinic held in Kaduna, where students were challenged to rethink leadership […]
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Leadership is not the preserve of politicians or those in public office, but a daily responsibility that begins with character, discipline and service, secondary school prefects from Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states have been told.
This message took centre stage at a Youth Leadership Clinic held in Kaduna, where students were challenged to rethink leadership as a lifelong duty rather than a future ambition tied to power or position.
The clinic, organised by the Abuja Leadership Centre, TETFund Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership, brought together selected prefects from secondary schools across the three states to build early awareness on leadership roles in society.
With the theme “Creating Awareness on Youth and the Roles of Leadership in Society,” the programme was facilitated by PhD and Master’s students of Public Governance and Leadership, Policy and Strategic Studies, and Military Studies.
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State Coordinator of the programme, Engr. Saidu Bello, said the initiative was designed to dismantle the widespread belief that leadership only begins when one occupies political office.
“Leadership is everywhere in schools, in communities and in everyday decisions,” he said. “Once you take responsibility and influence others positively, you are already leading.”
Engr. Bello described youth as a critical transition period that shapes future attitudes and behaviour, noting that leadership values must be cultivated early to build responsible citizens.
He also highlighted Kaduna State’s strategic role in Northern Nigeria’s history, stressing that investing in young leaders was vital to sustaining the state’s legacy.
Commending the Kaduna State Government, he praised the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development under Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, describing it as a deliberate move to strengthen youth participation and leadership development.
In his remarks, a Professor at the Abuja Leadership Centre, Professor Philip Dahida, represented by Professor Adeyanju Temitope Peter, described the clinic as part of a broader effort to promote universal leadership consciousness.
Professor Adeyanju emphasised that leadership is rooted in time management, vision and personal character, rather than titles or public recognition.
“Your personality can influence others to do the right thing,” he told the students. “When people follow your example, you are already a leader.”
He explained that the Abuja Leadership Centre was established to train Nigerian, African and global leaders in response to leadership gaps on the continent.
The professor urged participants to begin defining the kind of leaders they aspire to become, noting that leadership involves decision-making, conflict resolution, ethical conduct and effective use of time.
He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity, stressing that the clinic was aimed at shaping their mindset and preparing them for future responsibilities.
The Youth Leadership Clinic featured interactive sessions with educators and leadership experts, offering participants practical insights into leadership beyond the classroom and political space.