- the book was born out of reflection, responsibility, humility, and gratitude to God
- The book, which spans over 300 pages, was written after persistent encouragement from associates
- He explained that within a year of assuming office, stability gradually returned
A distinguished scholar and administrator, Nosiru Olajide Onibon, has unveiled his latest book titled Audacity to Lead and Courage to Serve, describing it as a testimony of ethical leadership, institutional resilience, and faith-driven service.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the public presentation drew dignitaries from government, academia, religious bodies, and community leadership, reflecting Professor Onibon’s wide influence across sectors.
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In his address, the former Provost of the Michael Adenuga College of Primary Education (MOCPED) said the book was born out of reflection, responsibility, humility, and gratitude to God and to those who worked with him throughout his career.
Professor Onibon, who also served as the pioneer Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and is a Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at Lagos State University, recounted how his leadership journey was a gradual preparation that began during his early academic years.
According to him, leadership is not merely about intellectual capacity but moral and ethical strength.
“The greatest deficit in our society is not intellectual capacity but moral and ethical capacity. Leadership, to me, means integrity in action, doing what is right, even when it is difficult,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure at MOCPED, Professor Onibon described the institution as being weighed down by serious administrative and financial challenges when he assumed office.
For five years before his appointment, financial results had not been processed, pension deductions had not been remitted for several months, and retirees had waited years for their benefits. Staff morale was low, and the institutional environment had deteriorated significantly.
He explained that within a year of assuming office, stability gradually returned. Academic calendars were restored, salaries were paid regularly, pension remittances resumed, and confidence began to rebuild among staff, students, and government stakeholders.
Interestingly, the professor noted that he initially did not consider these actions as achievements but as responsibilities. It was during an evaluation visit by the supervisory agency that he was asked what would have happened if those responsibilities had not been fulfilled, a question that prompted deeper reflection on the impact of his stewardship.
The book, which spans over 300 pages, was written after persistent encouragement from associates. Professor Onibon revealed that he deliberately removed bitterness and unnecessary negativity from the manuscript, choosing instead to focus on lessons learned, growth, and institutional impact.
“What you are holding today is not a chronicle of grievances, but a testimony of service,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to successive Lagos State governors for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities and acknowledged the support of colleagues, staff, students, and family members who stood by him during challenging periods.
Describing the memoir as more than a personal story, Professor Onibon said it is intended to inspire leaders to value character above convenience and to remind struggling institutions that renewal is possible.
“As I present this book, I do so with humility and hope, hope that its pages will inspire leaders to value integrity, and hope that wherever service may call me next, integrity will remain my compass,” he concluded.
The event ended with goodwill messages from guests, as attendees commended the author for documenting his leadership journey and contributions to educational development in Lagos State.
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