On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Covenant University hosted a landmark public lecture in honor of its Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo, celebrating his 70th birthday. Themed “The Black Race and the Leadership Question,” the event highlighted the need for visionary and transformative leadership in Africa, a cause championed by Dr. Oyedepo through his work in education and ministry.
The lecture, delivered by Professor Peter Okebukola, focused on the historical and contemporary challenges of leadership within the Black race, particularly in Africa. Professor Okebukola underscored the vital role that leaders play in shaping the collective identity of a people, noting that despite the continent’s vast resources, ineffective leadership and governance have hindered its development.
Throughout his lecture, Professor Okebukola praised Dr. Oyedepo’s contributions to leadership, both as a spiritual guide and an educational reformer. He emphasized that Dr. Oyedepo’s legacy lies not only in his role as the founder of Covenant University but also in his commitment to raising a new generation of African leaders. Under Dr. Oyedepo’s leadership, Covenant University has grown into a globally recognized institution, consistently ranked as one of Africa’s top universities.
In his own remarks, Dr. Oyedepo called for a restructuring of Africa’s education system. He stressed that Africa must develop its own contribution-driven model of education, designed to address local challenges and foster sustainable development. According to Dr. Oyedepo, the current system—based on colonial legacies—no longer serves the continent’s needs and must be reimagined to nurture creative, problem-solving leaders.
The event also showcased the success of Covenant University’s alumni, many of whom have risen to prominence in various fields across the world. This further demonstrated the effectiveness of Dr. Oyedepo’s vision of developing leaders who are not only academically excellent but also equipped with strong ethical foundations and the drive to contribute meaningfully to society.
Key Themes: Leadership, Education, and Innovation
The lecture highlighted several key themes critical to the future of African leadership:
The Need for Visionary Leadership: Africa’s leadership crisis stems from a lack of leaders who are both visionary and credible. Covenant University is positioned to address this gap by raising a new generation of leaders who will positively influence the continent’s governance, economic development, and social justice sectors.
Education as a Tool for Change: Dr. Oyedepo emphasized that education must move from being certificate-driven to contribution-driven. Universities should be centers for problem-solving and innovation, producing graduates who can lead with integrity and provide solutions to Africa’s unique challenges.
Redefining Africa’s Future: Both Professor Okebukola and Dr. Oyedepo pointed out that for Africa to move forward, it must focus on self-reliance and stop depending on foreign models of governance and education. By creating a leadership structure grounded in African values, the Black race can regain its dignity and contribute significantly to global progress.
A Call to Action: Leadership in the 21st Century
The event concluded with a call to action for leaders across Africa to take responsibility for the continent’s future. Dr. Oyedepo’s legacy serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when leadership is grounded in vision, faith, and commitment to social transformation. His work, both in education and ministry, has inspired millions, and his vision continues to shape the next generation of African leaders.
Through Covenant University and initiatives like the African Leadership Development Centre (ALDC), the institution is poised to play a central role in equipping future leaders with the skills and mindset required to lead Africa toward a brighter future.
As the celebration of Dr. Oyedepo’s 70th birthday continues, Covenant University remains dedicated to raising leaders who will change the narrative of the Black race and ensure that Africa takes its rightful place on the global stage.
