In order to equip children and young adults in Nigeria with the necessary skills for success in the changing world of work and knowledge economy, the country must integrate leadership development into the school Curriculum at all levels, from primary to tertiary education. By implementing this strategy, public and private schools can cultivate students who are prepared for future challenges and opportunities and capable of generating wealth and addressing issues during their academic years instead of seeking employment upon completing their education.
Participants at Teesas Education’s one-day workshop in Lagos shared their thoughts and perspectives, culminating in a collective summation. The collaborative event with Franklin Covey, a renowned global Education resource training centre, attracted prominent school owners, administrators, managers, and stakeholders from the nation’s education sector. Leadership development in children was discussed, with a special emphasis on the innovative Leader in Me program. The ‘Leader in Me’ program focuses on improving education in three main areas which include culture, leadership, and academics.
Access to skills for success will be provided through the programme.
The ‘Leader in Me’ program, introduced by Mr. Osayi Izedonmwen, chairman/CEO of Teesas Education, is designed to nurture students into effective leaders for themselves and others, promoting overall student growth and preparing them for leadership roles in the present and future. This innovative program represents a departure from traditional school practices, aiming to cultivate a new generation of adaptable and forward-thinking leaders among students. By instilling essential leadership skills and values from a young age, the ‘Leader in Me’ program equips students with the tools they need to succeed and positively impact their communities and beyond.
Furthermore, in today’s rapidly changing world, he emphasised the importance of educating students to become visionary leaders and innovative creators in their respective fields rather than solely focusing on passing exams to secure traditional employment opportunities. The era of prioritising Exam success over encouraging entrepreneurial skills is no longer relevant in a society where knowledge is constantly changing. He mentioned that the program aims to bridge the identified gap by teaching children seven habits of highly effective individuals as they progress through their academic paths.
Need for essential skills in education is essential for economic progress.
He further pointed out the disparity in technological advancement and economic prosperity between developed nations and Africa, highlighting the significant gap in progress. However, during a virtual address, Mr. Justin Permenter, the regional director of collaboration at Franklin Covey Education, also highlighted the importance of adapting to the global transition from industrial to knowledge-based economies. He emphasised that all countries need to evolve to thrive in this changing economic landscape. He discussed key findings from the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2023 Report during the presentation.
Moreover, the report highlighted the significance of analytical and creative thinking, technological proficiency, empathy, active listening, teamwork, leadership, and social impact as essential skills for upcoming employees. During the workshop, Dr. Femi Ogunsanya from Oxbridge Tutorial College and Mrs. Modupe Adeyinka-Oni from Standard Bearers School discussed the importance of integrating socio-emotional leadership development into schools using the ‘Leader in Me’ approach. Both agreed that re-evaluating the country’s school curriculum is necessary to ensure that learning is focused on practical application rather than theoretical concepts.
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Overall, integrating leadership skills development into the school curriculum is essential for preparing students in the country for success in the evolving global economy. By implementing innovative programs like the ‘Leader in Me’ initiative, students can acquire the necessary skills and values to become effective leaders and problem-solvers in their communities. Educational institutions must adapt to the changing demands of the modern world and prioritise practical application and socio-emotional development in their curriculum to empower future generations of leaders.