Dr. Oyindamola Obabori, the 26th Principal of Queen's College, Lagos, has dedicated her career to advocating for girls' education in Nigeria, a country where cultural and religious biases, poverty, insecurity, and early child marriage threaten the education of young girls. With a background in education and a passion for empowering young minds, Obabori has become a strong voice for girls' education, highlighting its benefits to individuals and society. Her commitment to education stems from her upbringing in a large, extended family, where she often supervised younger ones and developed a desire to make a positive impact.
Obabori's journey into teaching began after she finished school at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where she studied a field other than education. Despite her father's wish for her to become a doctor, Obabori pursued a career in teaching, starting as a corps member. Her motivation has been the positive changes she has witnessed in her students, not only academically but also behaviorally and socially. These experiences have driven her to continue being a change agent and educator. As she nears her retirement from the civil service, Obabori reflects on her success stories, particularly during her tenure as Principal of Queen's College, Lagos, which she assumed in September 2022.
Upon taking office, Obabori's vision for Queen's College was to empower students to believe in themselves and stand out in society. She aimed to improve students' performance, both academically and behaviorally, and help them develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Obabori's vision has been realised, as evidenced by the positive feedback she receives from parents. Recently, a parent shared that her daughter graduated from the university with a first-class degree in computer engineering, a testament to the college's impact.
According to Obabori, leaders or teachers of all-girls schools should possess certain qualities to effectively mentor and guide their students. These qualities include being friends with the children, understanding their thoughts and feelings, and being observant of any changes in them. Teachers should also be soft but firm, self-worthy, empathetic, good listeners, compassionate, patient, motivators, role models, bold, hardworking, resilient, respectful, and honest. By embodying these qualities, educators can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters growth and development.
Obabori also emphasises the importance of responsible technology use in education, particularly for girls. In today's digital age, technology can be a powerful tool for learning, but it also presents challenges and distractions. Educators must guide students in using technology responsibly, ensuring that it enhances their educational experience rather than detracting from it. By doing so, girls can remain relevant in a rapidly changing world and develop the skills needed to succeed.
As Obabori shares her experiences and insights with aspiring teachers and school administrators, she highlights the importance of human management in educational settings. Her approach to leadership and education is centred on building strong relationships with students, understanding their needs, and providing guidance and support. By sharing her expertise, Obabori aims to inspire a new generation of educators who can make a positive impact on the lives of young girls.
As Dr. Oyindamola Obabori continues her career, her commitment to girls' education and responsible technology use remains unwavering. Her dedication to empowering young minds and fostering growth and development has made a lasting impact on the students of Queen's College, Lagos, and will continue to inspire future generations of educators and leaders.
Key points
- Dr. Oyindamola Obabori advocates for girls' education and responsible technology use to enhance their relevance in a rapidly changing world.
- Obabori's vision for Queen's College, Lagos, has been realised through improved students' performance and positive feedback from parents.
- Educators of all-girls schools should possess qualities such as empathy, compassion, and resilience to effectively mentor and guide their students.
