“A river does not flow through a forest without making its presence known.” This Yoruba proverb reminds us that true leadership leaves an indelible mark. The recent appointment of Idris Olorunnimbe as the Board Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is one such defining moment.
It signals a shift—one that embraces innovation, creativity, and a modern approach to education in Nigeria. His multifaceted track
record in the education sector, particularly in education and capacity-building makes him an inspired choice.
Olorunnimbe’s educational journey reflects a lifelong dedication to knowledge acquisition. With a Law Degree from the prestigious University of Lagos, where he now sits on the University’s Enterprise Board, Olorunnimbe has consistently invested in his own learning.
His appointment as Project Lead for the 2022
UNILAG NUGA Games demonstrates his commitment to holistic education, recognizing the crucial role of physical development through sports in shaping well-rounded students.
His commitment to education is further evidenced by his completion of The Role of Director & Board program at IoDUK, Leadership Training at Henley Business School, The Board Directors Programme, and most recently, the Strategic Decision-Making for Leaders program at Cambridge Judge Business School.
The Legal and Logical Basis for His Appointment
The appointment of Olorunnimbe reflects a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership. While his background differs from conventional academic paths, his impactful work at Gidi Creative Centre, the educational arm of his company, Temple, speaks volumes about his ability to revolutionize learning.
Gidi Creative Centre is a glowing commendation to his deep commitment to education, particularly in a sector that has been historically overlooked in Nigeria—creative arts and digital innovation.
Through his leadership, the centre partnered with the Lagos State Government, leading facilitators, and the renowned Henley Business School to provide training for thousands of young creatives.
These students were equipped with skills in filmmaking, graphic design, fashion design, creative writing, audio engineering, production design, and other fields that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
His innovative approach aligns with the global evolution of education, where skill acquisition and entrepreneurship are becoming as valuable as traditional academia.
One of the fundamental challenges facing Nigeria’s basic education sector is inadequate funding and lack of innovation.
Historically, UBEC has struggled with outdated teaching methods, poor infrastructure, and low student engagement.
Idris Olorunnimbe’s track record in forging public-private partnerships offers a new pathway for UBEC to thrive.
His success in securing collaborations at Gidi Creative Centre demonstrates his ability to bring stakeholders together for a common cause.
If applied at UBEC, such strategies could attract
private sector investment, international funding, and strategic partnerships with global education institutions.
Imagine a Nigeria where UBEC is not just a regulatory body but an active driver of educational innovation, equipping students with practical skills that prepare them for a dynamic world.
A Departure from the Status Quo
For decades, Nigeria’s approach to education has been rigid, focusing primarily on rote learning and theoretical knowledge.
The world has moved beyond that model, with countries prioritizing critical thinking, digital literacy, and skill acquisition.
Olorunnimbe’s appointment represents a refreshing departure from the traditional approach, offering hope that UBEC might finally pivot towards a more progressive and inclusive educational model.
With Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, there is an urgent need to reform the basic education curriculum to include vocational training, digital skills, and entrepreneurial development.
If UBEC under Olorunnimbe’s leadership can
integrate these elements into primary and secondary education, the nation will be better positioned to tackle youth unemployment and prepare future generations for global competitiveness.
This is evidenced by his other educational contributions which are diverse and far-reaching:
1. Collaboration with the U.S. Consulate: He facilitated the Next Level Nigeria Residency, a cultural diplomacy initiative focusing on conflict transformation, entrepreneurship, and artistic development. This program connected with 47 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing workshops on beat- making, dancing, aerosol-painting, and emceeing.
2. Children’s Educational Programming: Olorunnibe has overseen the development of “Circle Time with Bisola,” an educational children’s programme, and “Adventures of Abebi,” an animated series aimed at inspiring and educating young audiences.
3. Vocational Training: Through the Gidi Creative Centre, he has championed training in filmmaking, graphic design, fashion design, creative writing, audio engineering, production design, and other fields that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
Furthermore, his service on the board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for four years, where he chaired both the Stakeholder Committee and the Governance Committee, showcases his understanding of institutional governance and
accountability—critical skills for his role at UBEC.
Lessons from Gidi Creative Centre
The success story of Gidi Creative Centre provides a blueprint for what can be achieved at UBEC.
Key takeaways include:
1. Industry-Driven Curriculum: At Gidi Creative Centre, training programs were designed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring that graduates possessed skills that aligned with market demands. UBEC can adopt a similar approach by working with industry leaders to update Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.
2. Hands-On Learning: Students at Gidi Creative Centre were not just taught theories; they engaged in practical, project-based learning.
This experiential approach should be integrated into Nigeria’s primary and secondary school systems.
3. Technology and Digital Education: The center recognized the importance of digital tools in education. UBEC must prioritize digital literacy and ensure that Nigerian students, regardless of
background, have access to quality digital education.
4. Mentorship and Career Development:
One of the most valuable aspects of Gidi Creative Centre was its mentorship program, which connected students with industry veterans. If UBEC institutionalizes mentorship across Nigerian schools, it could significantly enhance student engagement and success rates.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Naturally, any deviation from the norm comes with resistance.
However, leadership in education is not solely about holding degrees—it is about vision, execution, and impact.
His work at Gidi Creative Centre proves he possesses these qualities in abundance.
It is important to recognize that UBEC’s role extends beyond classroom learning.
The commission is responsible for setting
policies that shape the future of education in Nigeria.
Olorunnimbe’s experience in building an education-focused initiative from scratch, leading partnerships, and delivering measurable outcomes demonstrates his ability to steer UBEC in the right direction.
Ultimately, the decision to appoint Olorunnimbe rested with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who deserves credit for placing two exceptional individuals under 50 years of age in leadership
positions of a critical parastatal in a rapidly evolving world:
Olorunnimbe himself and Aisha Garba, who serves as Executive Secretary.
A Call to Action
As Nigerians, we must shift our focus from outdated notions of leadership to a results-oriented approach.
The future of education
in Nigeria depends on bold, innovative, and practical solutions.
We should support leaders who demonstrate the ability to drive change, regardless of whether their backgrounds fit traditional expectations.
Idris Olorunnimbe has already demonstrated his capacity to effect change. Now, he has the opportunity to bring that expertise to UBEC and redefine Nigeria’s approach to basic education. Instead of resisting this change, we should embrace it as a step towards a more dynamic and competitive education system.
Let me end with another proverb “When the music changes, so must the dance.” Nigeria’s education sector is in dire need of a new rhythm, and Olorunnimbe might just be the right conductor
Babajide FADOJU writes from the peaceful city of Ondo
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