Oyo, Ogun School Principals Begin Intensive Training in Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity

Secondary school principals and vice principals from Oyo and Ogun states have commenced a transformative training programme focused on digital literacy, cybersecurity, and leadership. This initiative is part of the Advanced Certificate in School Leadership and Management offered by the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI), a leadership think tank established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The first cohort of this pioneering programme marks a significant shift in how educational leadership is being reimagined in Nigeria’s public school system, with school heads now being prepared to meet the demands of 21st-century administration.

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Training Grounded in Global Best Practices

According to Prof Emeritus Peter Okebukola, facilitator of the programme and Chairman of the OOLI Special Management Advisory Group, the training curriculum was designed using international standards. Before the commencement of the programme, the institute first identified the needs of the participants through comprehensive surveys and feedback.

“OOLI deploys the global best practice of first finding out the training needs of potential trainees before developing the training curriculum,” said Prof Okebukola. “This ensures that the programme addresses actual skill gaps rather than assuming what the participants might need.”

The nine-week training course is taking place during the long school vacation, allowing full-time participation by principals and vice principals without disrupting school activities. Okebukola extended gratitude to the governors and commissioners for education in both Oyo and Ogun states for sponsoring the programme.

“On behalf of the Founder of OOLI, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I thank the two governors and their commissioners for the nominations to the training,” he added.

Obasanjo: Principals Are Nation Builders

Speaking at the orientation programme, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, founder and Chairman of OOLI’s Governing Board, emphasized the vital role that school principals play in shaping the nation’s future through education.

“You are saddled with extraordinary responsibility,” Obasanjo told the participants. “You should discharge this creditably and satisfactorily. This training programme by OOLI has been specially packaged to assist you in achieving this goal.”

Obasanjo stressed that beyond academic leadership, principals must champion the development of students’ character, morals, and practical skills. He reiterated that transforming the education sector begins with strong and visionary leadership at the school level.

Training to Equip Principals for 21st Century Challenges

Retired General Martin Luther Agwai, Director of OOLI, underscored the necessity of this training for modern-day school administrators. He noted that today’s principals must function as strategic leaders capable of managing governance, school safety, technological integration, and inclusive education.

“The training programme is fully aligned with OOLI’s core objective to equip leaders at every level with the insight, values, and skills required to drive change in complex environments,” Gen Agwai said.

He emphasized that innovation in education is not possible without strong, adaptable leadership that can navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The course modules include cybersecurity awareness, data protection, leadership ethics, performance management, digital pedagogy, and conflict resolution in school settings.

Experts Behind the Programme

The OOLI Special Management Advisory Group, responsible for designing and overseeing the training, comprises some of Nigeria’s top educational experts and former vice chancellors. These include:

• Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University;
• Prof Nasir Maiturare, former VC of Ahmadu Bello University;
• Prof Uchenna Nzewi, University of Nigeria, Nsukka;
• Prof Joy Eyisi, former Deputy VC, National Open University of Nigeria;
• Prof Anthony Kola-Olusanya, Deputy Director, UNESCO-IACIU;
• Prof Ngozi Arisa, Director of Academic Planning at Bells University of Technology;
• Dr Adekunle Oladejo, a UNESCO education expert.

Their collective experience ensures the training aligns with international best practices and the realities of the Nigerian educational system.

A New Era for School Leadership in the Southwest

The programme represents a strategic shift toward capacity-building in education at the leadership level. With principals and vice principals at the helm of schools, the knowledge gained from this training is expected to cascade down, ultimately benefiting teachers and students alike.

In the long term, this initiative could serve as a model for other states, integrating advanced technology, security awareness, and modern management into Nigeria’s educational institutions.

As the first batch of participants begin their journey toward enhanced leadership and digital mastery, it’s clear that the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute is positioning school administrators not just as heads of schools, but as transformational leaders capable of reshaping Nigeria’s future through education.