The appointment of Idris Olorunnimbe as the Board Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector. This move signals a shift towards innovation, creativity, and modernity in education, as emphasized by the Yoruba proverb, “A river does not flow through a forest without making its presence known.”
Olorunnimbe’s diverse experience in education and capacity building makes him an ideal candidate for the role. His educational journey, which includes a law degree from the University of Lagos and various leadership training programs, demonstrates his commitment to lifelong learning.
Notably, Olorunnimbe’s work at Gidi Creative Centre, the educational arm of his company, Temple, showcases 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 has partnered with the Lagos State Government, leading facilitators, and the renowned Henley Business School to provide training for thousands of young creative in fields like filmmaking, graphic design, creative writing, audio engineering, production design, fashion design and other fields that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
Olorunnimbe’s 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.
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.
Historically, UBEC has struggled with outdated teaching methods, poor infrastructure, and low student engagement. 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.
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 prioritising 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. It is hope that under leadership, the UBEC can integrate these elements into primary and secondary education, and 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: Olorunnimbe 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.
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. Olorunnimbe’s appointment presents an opportunity for the UBEC to pivot towards a more progressive and inclusive educational model.
As Nigerians, it’s essential to adopt a results-oriented approach to leadership, supporting individuals who drive change and innovation. Olorunnimbe has demonstrated his capacity for change, and his expertise can redefine Nigeria’s approach to basic education.
Fadoju writes from Ondo
