Ubuntu Leaders Academy Completes 7-Day Leadership Training in Ibadan, Nigeria

Ibadan, Nigeria – September 11, 2024

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The Ubuntu Leaders Academy has successfully wrapped up a transformative 7-day leadership training program in Ibadan, Nigeria, which concluded on August 30, 2024. The program was organized by Instituto Padre António Vieira (IPAV), the parent organization of the Ubuntu Leaders Academy, with significant support from the Africa Europe Foundation and assistance of the Eureka Learners Foundation. The initiative, held under the approval of the Oyo State Ministry of Education, represented a major stride in introducing Ubuntu leadership principles to Nigerian schools.

Approximately 100 participants, including teachers, students, and university representatives from institutions such as Government College Ibadan, Queen's School, Baptist Secondary School, and the University of Ibadan, took part in the program. The participants were immersed in the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes empathy, resilience, self-knowledge, and leadership through community-centered action.

The program was structured in two key segments. The first two days, August 22 and 23, were dedicated to a Training of Trainers (TOT) session, during which teachers and four university student representatives were trained on the core principles of Ubuntu. The training emphasized the three dimensions of Ubuntu: Ethics of Care, Bridge Building, and Servant Leadership, in addition to the five key pillars—self-knowledge, self-confidence, resilience, empathy, and service. The trainers were particularly impressed by the structure and delivery of the sessions, noting the program’s practical and engaging approach.

From August 26 to 30, the trained educators led "Ubuntu Week" in their respective schools, guiding students through themes like “Leading Like Mandela” and “I Have a Dream.” The week-long activities included group discussions, film reflections, storytelling, and various exercises that helped students connect with Ubuntu’s values on a deeper level.

The program concluded with a grand closing ceremony on August 30 at the Government College Ibadan Event Hall, where all participants came together to celebrate the successful completion of the training. The event featured speeches from notable education leaders, a student panel discussion reflecting on the week’s learning experiences, and presentations from both students and teachers on their visions for future Ubuntu Clubs and community service initiatives. The ceremony also included a vibrant choir performance by Government College Ibadan students, followed by group photographs.

The students were excited about the program and expressed their enthusiasm to continue engaging through the Ubuntu Clubs, which will be established in their schools. They actively participated in group activities, storytelling sessions, and discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to the values of Ubuntu. Many students shared their eagerness to apply the lessons they learned and contribute positively to their communities.

In addition, the trained trainers were highly impressed by the quality and delivery of the program. They praised the structure and content, reaffirming their dedication to the project and expressing a strong desire to continue fostering Ubuntu’s principles in their schools and beyond.

Stakeholder representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the National Orientation Agency, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) expressed their gratitude to the sponsors and organizers for their commitment to implementing such a meaningful and impactful project. Special recognition was given to senior trainers Mr. Harry Mwailengo and Ms. Queen Liwali from Kenya, along with the teachers and university student representatives who played crucial roles in facilitating the training and ensuring the program’s success.

Engr. Ako Eyo Oku, the National Coordinator of the Ubuntu Leaders Academy in Nigeria, expressed her enthusiasm for the outcomes of the training. “Nigeria was long overdue for Ubuntu leadership training in schools. This initiative has equipped teachers and students with essential values that foster empathy, resilience, and servant leadership. We are excited about the lasting impact this will have in our communities,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ubuntu Clubs will be launched in the participating schools starting in September 2024, with continued plans for peer mentoring, group activities, and leadership development. These clubs are also set to commemorate the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month. In addition, cross-cultural exchanges with Ubuntu Clubs in Portugal, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan are scheduled to take place between September 2024 and July 2025, further deepening the program’s global reach.

The Ubuntu Leaders Academy program in Ibadan has laid a strong foundation for the continued spread of Ubuntu’s values of unity, service, and leadership, which is expected to leave a lasting impression on students, teachers, and the broader community.