Dr. Oludare Akinlaja is a Management Consultant with expertise in various fields, including Learning and Development, International Development, and Project Management. He has experience across multiple industries and serves as an advisor, lecturer, author, and theologian. As the Managing Partner of his consulting company, he focuses on solving problems and driving growth. He also leads Yada Global Network, a faith-based organization promoting societal change through biblical perspectives. Oludare is passionate about Africa’s potential and serves on several boards, dedicated to helping people make better decisions and create value.
How do you assess the current state of leadership in Nigeria? What do you think are the pressing challenges that leaders face in the country?
The current state of leadership in Nigeria is really interesting. We tend to focus only on positional leadership, but leadership is everywhere. There’s a leadership deficit at all levels—how children are raised, how people interact with one another, and beyond just politicians. Leadership is not correctly modeled, which is a basic challenge. This deficit is not the fault of any one person; it stems from a systemic issue that starts from family to school and extends throughout society. We have misunderstood what leadership truly means. People think they need to be in a position of power to be influential, but leadership is about influence and making positive changes wherever you find yourself.
In light of recent social and economic upheavals, how can leaders in Nigeria address these issues of inequality and social justice?
Addressing inequality and social justice requires sensitivity and a deep understanding of root causes. There is a significant distrust between the populace and military personnel, which is dangerous. We need to redesign our engagements as a people.
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What’s your opinion about transparency in governance in Nigeria?
Transparency in governance is part of a broader issue of transparency in our society. As a people, we are not transparent. For instance, you can’t easily access certain information about companies or individuals. This lack of transparency is a societal issue, not just a governmental one. However, if the government takes the lead in becoming more transparent, it could set a precedent for the rest of society. Yet, everyone, including influential figures like religious leaders, needs to embrace transparency for it to be effective.
What role does education play in developing effective leadership in Nigeria? How can educational institutions better prepare future leaders for the challenges ahead?
Education is crucial for developing leadership as it shapes the psychology of a people. The formal education system needs to prioritize critical thinking and practical learning. Unfortunately, our current system often fails in this regard. For instance, the way exams are set and the emphasis on rote learning do not foster the critical thinking necessary for effective leadership. Comparing students from private universities and federal universities in Nigeria reveals significant differences in their ability to think critically and interpret knowledge. To improve leadership, we need to redesign the educational curriculum to focus more on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of leadership in Nigeria?
I am hopeful because I see a shift in how young people are engaging in conversations and how children are being raised. Parents are allowing children to ask questions and express their opinions, which is crucial for developing critical thinking and leadership skills. This change in the educational system and family dynamics gives me hope that future leaders will be better equipped to address the challenges ahead. By fostering a culture of inquiry and open dialogue, we are preparing a generation that will ask different and better questions, leading to more effective leadership in the future.
