By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Dr Peter Ogudoro, Founder of Nigerian Teachers, an online community, has decried the situation where school leaders and counsellors prioritise administrative duties over teaching, guidance, and student development.
Ogudoro made this known on Friday at a Masterclass for Education Leaders and School Counsellors in Nigeria, held in Ikeja as part of activities to mark the University of Reading’s 100th anniversary.
The masterclass was organised in partnership with the University of Reading’s Henley Business School; Sterling Bank, Nigerian Teachers, Councillors Connect, among others.
Ogudoro said school leaders are increasingly overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities, leaving less time to support teachers, improve classroom instruction and inspire students towards meaningful education.
“School leaders are generally distracted by too much administration, when their primary responsibility should be inspiring teachers, inspiring parents, inspiring children to seek education that makes a difference.
“There is too much emphasis on lesson plans and less on teaching quality,” he noted.
The founder urged counsellors to move beyond routine administrative tasks, particularly assisting students with examination forms, and focus more on personality assessment and career guidance.
“We have come to know that most counsellors in Nigeria are also distracted and spend so much time, you know, helping children to fill forms that enable them to write the JAMB, UTME exams and sometimes international exams for those who study at international schools.
“These are a big distraction because the children can be trained to do those things on their own.
“School leaders should be helping students to develop skills that will enable them understand their personalities and make appropriate choices, especially in a society that is changing very fast,” Ogudoro stressed.
He said the rapidly changing world required schools to rethink traditional assumptions about career choices, noting that disciplines such as English Literature and Philosophy could create opportunities in emerging industries.
Ogudoro disclosed that the masterclass was organised at a cost beyond four million Naira, which individual teachers may not be able to afford.
He said that the Nigerian Teachers and University of Reading collaborated to get education leaders to think, collaborate and innovate.
According to him, they are trying to create awareness regarding where the world is, so people do not keep thinking that what mattered 40 years ago is still relevant today.
“As the new academic session begins soon, let the principals go back to their schools and become truly leaders and not just administrators; that way, we will have a much better country,” he added.
Ogudoro also advocated greater cooperation rather than excessive competition among students, saying schools should promote fairness, equity and justice while preparing young Nigerians to contribute positively to society.
Speaking, Prof. Jon Pedley, Dean, Henley Africa and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Africa), University of Reading, U.K., identified flexible leadership approaches as suitable to individual children, schools and communities.
Pedley, during his presentation, “Effective education leadership in a fast-changing world”, said school leadership involved three critical rings around every child: classroom, school and community, requiring distinct leadership attention.
He explained that no single model fitted every child, advising leaders to first read situations before leading accordingly, while working with teachers, normalising collaboration and deploying resources deliberately.
“As a leader, lead and join teacher learning, set clear goals and expectations, ensure quality teaching, use resources strategically, keep the school safe and orderly effectively,” he said.
The don disclosed that the University of Reading was keen to strengthen partnerships with Nigeria, noting its interest in welcoming Nigerian students and building long-term relationships.
“We are keen and interested in welcoming Nigerians, particularly school leavers to study in the U.K., a fast-growing hub for technology, data centres, film industries and innovation,” he said.
Pedley said that the masterclass formed part of the University of Reading’s centenary celebrations, and it sought to strengthen engagement with teachers, school councillors and principals worldwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured a panel session with experts from banking, capital market, education and legal sectors.
The panelists addressed key challenges confronting education stakeholders in Nigeria, with discussions focusing on education funding, wealth management and strategies for building sustainable educational institutions nationwide. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare