Founder of Nigerian Teachers, an online community, Dr Peter Ogudoro, has decried the situation in which school leaders and counsellors prioritise administrative duties over teaching, guidance, and student development.

Ogudoro stated this at a Masterclass for education leaders and school counsellors in Nigeria, as part of activities commemorating the University of Reading’s 100th anniversary.

The masterclass was organised in partnership with the University of Reading’s Henley Business School; Sterling Bank, Nigerian Teachers, and Counsellors Connect, among others.

Ogudoro said school leaders are increasingly overwhelmed by administrative responsibilities, leaving less time to support teachers, improve classroom instruction and inspire students towards meaningful education.

He urged counsellors to move beyond routine administrative tasks, particularly assisting students with examination forms, and focus more on personality assessment and career guidance.

“School leaders should be helping students to develop skills that will enable them to understand their personalities and make appropriate choices, especially in a society that is changing very fast,” Ogudoro stated.

He said the rapidly changing world requires schools to rethink traditional assumptions about career choices, noting that disciplines such as English Literature and Philosophy could create opportunities in emerging industries.

“As the new academic session begins,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,” he added.

Ogudoro also advocated greater cooperation rather than excessive competition among students, saying schools should promote fairness, equity and justice, while preparing young Nigerians to contribute positively to society.

On his part, Dean, Henley Africa and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Africa), University of Reading, United Kingdom, Prof.Jon Pedley, identified flexible leadership approaches as suitable for children, schools and communities.

Pedley, in his presentation, titled: ‘Effective education leadership in a fast-changing world,’ said school leadership involves three critical rings around every child: classroom, school and community.

He explained that no single model fits every child and advised leaders to first read the situation before taking action, while working with teachers, normalising collaboration, and deploying resources deliberately.

The don disclosed that the University of Reading is committed to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria and is ready to welcome Nigerian students.

Pedley said the masterclass formed part of the institution’s centenary celebrations and sought to strengthen engagement with teachers, school counsellors and principals worldwide.

The programme featured a panel session with experts from the banking, capital markets, education, and legal sectors.

Panellists addressed key challenges confronting education stakeholders in Nigeria, with discussions focusing on education funding, wealth management and strategies for building sustainable educational institutions nationwide.