The Institute of Educational Leadership Practitioners of Nigeria (IELPN) has intensified efforts to address leadership skills gaps in Nigerian schools through targeted capacity-building programmes for school administrators and education practitioners.

The institute during its Annual Professional Development Workshop in Lagos with the theme “Leading Future-Ready Education” had more than 200 school principals, administrators and education professionals from across the country.

The workshop focused on equipping school leaders with practical skills needed to manage institutions amid curriculum reforms, digital learning trends and changing student needs.

Speaking at the event, IELPN Convener, Olufunmilayo Olusa, said the initiative was designed to strengthen leadership capacity in schools, stressing that effective school management has gone beyond routine administration.

According to her, school leaders must be equipped to drive reforms that improve learning outcomes and prepare institutions for emerging realities in the education sector.

She stated “Without strong leadership, schools cannot adapt to the realities facing students today, We want participants to leave with clear strategies to build schools that are resilient, responsive and learner-centred.”

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo, who delivered the keynote address, urged education managers to embrace continuous professional development to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving learning environment.

She noted that changes in teaching methods, technology integration and student welfare require Nigerian educators to constantly update their knowledge and leadership skills.

Adefisayo stated that schools that do not evolve risk produce graduates who are unprepared for the modern workforce, stressing that leadership quality directly influences teacher performance and classroom instruction.

Participants described the sessions as timely and impactful, noting that the training deepened their understanding of instructional supervision, school governance and institutional management.

Organisers said the workshop forms part of IELPN’s broader efforts to professionalise educational leadership in Nigeria through sustained training and mentorship programmes aimed at improving school management and learning outcomes nationwide.