Leadership remains the backbone of organisations, says Prof Suraj
Former Director of Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Suraj Barau AbdulKarim, has attributed success or failure of an organisation or state to leadership.
Suraj, a professor of public administration, at the Department of Public Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, made the attribution at an inaugural lecture he presented today (Wednesday, 27th November, 2024).
The inaugural lecture, titled “Leadership and Public Policy: The Twin Imperatives for Peace and Development in Nigeria”, took place at the Assembly Hall, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Prof Suraj disclosed that leadership lacks a universal definition and is interpreted in various ways.
He noted that the success of any organisation or country hinges on its leadership, which involves guiding followers and influencing behavior to achieve mutually compatible objectives.
Prof Suraj stated that great leaders are often ordinary individuals who rise to extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating the potential and character that inspire trust.
He said leaders are known to do well when they are connected to people, stressing that being connected to the people implies that a leader shares in the pains of the people.
Prof Suraj argued that to effectively address Nigeria’s issues, leaders must be both intellectually and morally adept.
This, according to him, involves not just acquiring knowledge, but also integrating it into a coherent vision for leadership.
He maintained that despite challenges, Nigeria has the potential for effective leadership through a deep understanding of its own context and history.
On the morality and rationality of leadership pattern, the don affirmed that as Nigeria reflects on its political evolution at sixty-four, it is crucial to prevent power from being concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals.
According to him, transparency, hard work, tolerance, talents and accomplishments should guide recruitment into leadership roles.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kabiru Bala, congratulated the inaugural lecturer for fulfilling one of the cardinal objectives of professorship.
Represented by the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. M.S Shehu, the Vice-Chancellor stated that Nigeria is blessed with human, material and natural resources which help in aiding desired development.
Prof Bala argued that to have transformational leadership, Nigerians must look at their respective families.
The Vice-Chancellor decried that in the early 1980s and 1990s, students used to be very proactive in making constructive criticisms on government policies, which brought about positive change, but everything deteriorated with time.
In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Administration, Prof Musa Idris, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for always supporting the faculty.
The Dean expressed gratitude to the University Organized Lectures Committee and the Public Affairs Directorate for their unwavering support towards the success of the lecture.
The event, which was attended by Deans, Directors, and Heads of Department, was rounded off with the presentation of a plague to the inaugural lecturer and a group photograph.
………………………………….
Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW)
Wednesday, 27th November, 2024.
