The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has charged women in Nigerian Academia to rouse from their lay-back and aspire to leadership positions. She gave the charge at the inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference held at the University of Benin on Monday.
In her presentation of a paper titled: “Finding Your Spark, Breaking Your Boundaries”, Professor Ogunsola delivered an inspiring address on leadership and self-advocacy to a packed audience of aspiring women leaders.
She shared insights on various leadership styles and strategies for women to advance in their careers.
“Leadership is a choice, not a position,” she emphasized, encouraging attendees to step up regardless of their current roles.
The Vice-Chancellor outlined four key leadership styles: Autocratic, Democratic, Delegative, and Transformational.
By highlighting Situational Leadership, she stressed the importance of adaptability, noting “great leaders can adapt their style to fit the current situation.”
A significant portion of her address focused on the challenges women face in academic leadership.
Prof. Ogunsola did not shy away from addressing cultural, religious, and institutional barriers that often hinder women’s progress as she shared personal anecdotes from her journey to becoming Vice-Chancellor, including how she overcame self-doubt and external scepticism.
“We all start at different points,” Prof. Ogunsola said, “Know yourself and start where you are. It’s okay to be different.”
The presentation took a deep dive into the concept of Mindset, exploring ways a ‘Growth Mindset’ can be crucial for overcoming obstacles. Prof. Ogunsola provided practical strategies for developing this mindset, including embracing challenges and learning from criticism.
Attendees were particularly moved by the Vice-Chancellor’s call to action: “Be scared! Do it anyway!” That rallying phrase encapsulated her message of courage and persistence in the face of adversity.
The conference, which drew participants from various institutions across Nigeria, marks a significant step in addressing the under-representation of women in senior academic positions.
Recent statistics shared at the event revealed that, as of 2024, only 10.6% of university Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria are women, highlighting the timeliness and importance of Prof. Ogunsola’s message.
As the conference ended, many attendees expressed feeling inspired and better equipped to pursue leadership roles.
The event is expected to spark discussions and initiatives to support women’s advancement in academia and beyond.
