Ikeja: Dr Peter Ogudoro, Founder of Nigerian Teachers, has raised concerns over the tendency of school leaders and counsellors in Nigeria to prioritize administrative duties over their core responsibilities of teaching, guidance, and student development. Ogudoro voiced his concerns during a Masterclass for Education Leaders and School Counsellors, held in Ikeja as part of the University of Reading’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized in collaboration with the University of Reading’s Henley Business School, Sterling Bank, Nigerian Teachers, and Councillors Connect, among others. Ogudoro highlighted how school leaders are becoming increasingly burdened with administrative responsibilities, limiting their capacity to support teachers and inspire students effectively.
“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,” Ogudoro stated. He emphasized the misplaced focus on lesson plans over teaching quality and urged counsellors to prioritize personality assessment and career guidance over routine administrative tasks like filling examination forms.
Ogudoro further noted the rapid changes in society and stressed the need for schools to rethink traditional assumptions about career choices, advocating for disciplines such as English Literature and Philosophy, which could open doors in emerging industries. He revealed that organizing the masterclass cost over four million Naira, a sum beyond the reach of individual teachers, and emphasized the collaboration between Nigerian Teachers and the University of Reading to foster innovation among education leaders.
“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,” Ogudoro added. He also called for greater cooperation over co
mpetition among students, highlighting the importance of promoting fairness, equity, and justice in schools.
Prof. Jon Pedley, Dean of Henley Africa and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Africa), University of Reading, also addressed the masterclass. He discussed the necessity for flexible leadership approaches tailored to individual children, schools, and communities. Pedley described school leadership as revolving around three critical areas: classroom, school, and community, each requiring distinct leadership attention.
Pedley emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic resource deployment, urging leaders to set clear goals, ensure quality teaching, and maintain a safe and orderly school environment. He also expressed the University of Reading’s interest in strengthening partnerships with Nigeria, offering opportunities for Nigerian students to study in the U.K., particularly in fields related to technology, data centres, and innovation.
The masterclass formed part of the University of Reading
‘s centenary celebrations, aiming to enhance engagement with teachers, school councillors, and principals globally. The event included a panel session featuring experts from banking, capital markets, education, and legal sectors, addressing challenges in education funding, wealth management, and strategies for building sustainable educational institutions in Nigeria.