Youth Leaders Urged to Adopt Servant-Leadership Approach for Africa’s Transformation

SOKOTO, NIGERIA – In a thought-provoking keynote address, Amzat Ajibola, Africa Editor at the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ), called on youth leaders to adopt a servant-leadership approach to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.

Ajibola, who stood in for Professor Jeff Kelly Lowenstein, Executive Director of CCIJ, emphasized the need for leaders who prioritize serving others, rather than seeking power or personal gain. Drawing on his own experiences as Editor-in-Chief of the Unilag Sun, the student newspaper of the University of Lagos, Ajibola highlighted the importance of robust campus journalism in moderating the behavior and conduct of students, lecturers, and the governing council.

“As undergraduates of Unilag, we used the instrument of robust campus journalism to hold every power in the academic community accountable without fear or favor,” Ajibola recalled. “The fear of Unilag Sun under my leadership as Editor-in-Chief was the beginning of wisdom.”

Ajibola praised the current generation of campus journalists, citing examples of award-winning journalists such as Sherefeeden Ahmad Sawe, the Youth Digest Campus Journalist of the Year 2024, and AbdulWaheed Sofiullahi, the 2025 Kavli Global Science Journalism Award Winner.

However, Ajibola also expressed concern about the shameful behavior of some student leaders in Nigerian universities, citing the example of a National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leader who was arrested and jailed for internet fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“If young leaders on our university campuses continue to behave with this level of irresponsibility and criminality towards their mates, it is an indication of what awaits our dear country and the continent in the future,” Ajibola warned.

The keynote address, titled “From Local Action to Global Impact: Re-Imagining Youth Leadership in a Fragmented World,” was delivered at a conference organized by the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) at Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

Ajibola critiqued traditional leadership models, citing examples of authoritarian and manipulative leadership styles that have hindered Africa’s development. Instead, he advocated for a servant-leadership approach, inspired by Robert Kiefner Greenleaf’s concept of Servant-Leadership.

“A servant-leader is not arrogant, domineering, or manipulative,” Ajibola emphasized. “The leader is genuinely interested in the general welfare of the people and would join hands with citizens to build institutions that serve the people.”

Ajibola drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s leadership values, citing his commitment to serving others and building a better society. “Nelson Mandela led with purpose, integrity, empathy, and resilience, all in the service of the great people of South Africa,” Ajibola noted.

Ajibola concluded by urging youth leaders to adopt a servant-leadership approach, prioritizing the needs and growth of others. “As you seek various public offices on your campuses, do aspire to be a servant leader,” Ajibola advised. “Always put the interests of your fellow students at the center of your leadership. Be a true leader who cares, nurtures, and protects.”