How Do You Define Success?

Being successful is not like playing the lottery. Success results from steps that lead to self-actualisation. Overcoming hurdles, obstacles and challenges of life is possible and the experiences of some successful people have reaffirmed this.

The word ‘success’ is subjective. It means different things to different people. Drake Baer refers to some definitions of success by some successful people:

·      Merriam-Webster - “the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame".

·      Legendary Basket Ball Coach, John Wooden - "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming".

·      Acclaimed author, Maya Angelou - "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it".

·      Winston Churchill - "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm".

·      Virgin Group Founder, Richard Branson - "The more you're actively and practically engaged, the more successful you will feel". 

I will however, use former Tanzanian marathon runner, John Stephen Akhwari’s experience at the 1968 Olympic marathon to define success. Akhwari was badly injured while running a 42km race. All 57 of his competitors had completed the race. Though badly injured, he continued the race hopping and resting at intervals. The stadium was virtually empty when he reached the finished line. He was later interviewed and was asked why he continued running, he replied, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."

Today we remember John Stephen Akhwari but may have probably forgotten the name of the winner of that tournament.

I see success as ‘completing what you started’.

What does SUCCESS mean to you? 

Delegation for Leaders (Part 2) by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

Many a times, we often think we are delegating effectively but in reality we do not do it the right way.

 

Delegation for Leaders (Part 1) by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

One of the most effective management tools a leader can employ in order to fulfil a responsibility and allow for the active contribution of subordinates is delegation. The results from the delegator observer worksheet as highlighted in the video suggested that the next time the participants engaged in delegating, they put themselves in the shoes of the observer and see if they have answered YES to all the questions in the delegation observer worksheet.

NUC Analog Thinking in a Digital Age by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

Reportedly, the National Universities Commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, recently declared:

“Nigeria will not recognise online degrees. Online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment; the Nigerian constitution does not even give recognition to such degrees. Those who ran out of Nigeria for study outside this country are those looking for cheaper degrees. It is either they cannot pass the examinations or they do not possess the minimum entry qualifications” (Amuta, 2015).

Having mulled over the NUC press release, the following questions came to mind:  

1.    Does the NUC diligently regulate its accredited universities? The NUC apparently knows what is not acceptable but cannot manage their mandated responsibilities around diligence in their universities. For example, the issue is not the way in which students receive knowledge but the environment in which students attending their universities struggle to learn. The NUC needs to get its house in order. It is time it addressed its monitoring (maintenance) procedures. Quality education cannot survive when students stand outside lecture rooms to receive teaching! Must Nigerians “recognise” NUC incompetence in addressing this debacle?

2.    Why is no Nigerian University featured in the top 2000 places in the global universities ranking? Comparatively, however, three South African universities make the top 500 (Times Higher Education, 2014; Webometrics, 2014). Worryingly, one of Nigeria’s management and human resources experts, Fola Ogunsola reported that over 80% of Nigerian University graduates (with an NUC accredited degree) do not meet the expectations of employers (Omenazu, 2015). This grassroots reality speaks for itself.

3.    Perhaps Mr Yakasai might consider that students seek other venues because of the parlous state of decaying NUC universities. Online institutions (like Harvard and Cambridge Universities) offer world-class education and use distance learning (Harvard University, 2015; University of Cambridge, 2015) – why throw out the educational baby regardless of the institution? If other countries allow Nigerians to attend their universities why does the NUC feel threatened? Is the NUC afraid of legitimate competition? Of course, one way to get rid of the competition is to give a dog a bad name and then hang it.

4.    Is there really a law in Nigeria that forbids online teaching? The constitution provides for academic freedom in which Nigerians can choose how and where to learn. The constitution gives Nigerians the freedom of information – the right to pass information to others. This information includes all records, documents and information stored in whatever form including written, electronic, visual image, sound, audio recording (Freedom of Information Act, 2011). If you are saying something is illegal, it means it against the law and there is no such law. It was for a similar reason that the Judge dismissed the case of PROF DAVID IORNEM V. NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION in Suit number FHC/ABJ/C8/439/2005. The judge was amazed that the NUC could not distinguish between a circular and a law. The NUC had purportedly issued a circular claiming it was a law. What sort of “governance” is taking place in the NUC?

5.    Why is the NUC glued to lecture room teaching? Distance learning and lecture room teaching are 21^st century realities. Instead of seeking refuge in a questionably out of date Nigerian law (which is not even in the Nigerian Constitution) that forbids online teaching, the NUC should advance the benefits of online learning to the legislators. Online education has the potential to free some of the education challenges in Nigeria. For example, if 500,000 students enrol for JAMB and the carrying capacities of the universities are 400,000, what happens to the 100,000? Online universities can help reduce this unacceptable mess.

6.    Has the NUC conducted research into distance learning? Online degrees are designed to accommodate mature adults and professionals who want to advance their education while still working. It is important that NUC accept that Blended Learning is taking centre stage in higher education in developed countries (ICEF Monitor, 2015). The blended learning combines aspects of mostly independent study using online technologies and occasional student-lecturer interaction. Importantly, degrees obtained via blended learning are not different from those who study for the lecture room qualifications.  However, which online degrees cause the NUC concern – and why? Research papers would add to the debate.

7.    There are many success stories of distance learning. For example, the legal luminary and impeccable politician, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, read his two degrees (B.Com. and LL.B.) outside the four corners of a university wall. He is one the best lawyers and politicians in the history of Nigeria. Also, the famous Nigerian academic and professor of mathematics, Chike Obi, got his first class degree studying from his home in Onitsha. There are many of such success stories including Nelson Mandela. If it was possible in those days, why is it impossible, now?

No, Mr Yakasai, Nigerians are not looking for cheaper degrees! Serious students seek credible education void of archaic practice and poorly maintained and overcrowded institutions. Nigerians want to be part of the global community that value a quality learning environment in a strife free academic setting. Many of us are sick and tired of the stifling and academically restricted NUC-controlled educational status quo! However, Mr Yakasai, it might be a good idea to check out what the law of our country is. A learned Judge disagrees with the NUC article’s vacuous claim made about Nigerian law. Perhaps, a professional approach would require such a reliable source statement, would it not?

Perhaps Mr Yakasai and his fellow NUC members might learn the lesson of the dinosaurs – they disappeared when not adapting to change. A truculent dismissal of online degrees is not a solution that enhances and sustains our decrepit tertiary educational system. The NUC needs to wake up to its 21^st century responsibilities and move beyond the archaic learning methodologies of previous eras. The current approach adopted by this otherwise respected body continues to push Nigerian education into the swamp of irrelevance and decay, motivate students to study overseas and advance online learning.  

Sources

Amuta, M (2015). NUC Says International University Degrees Received Via Online Education Will Not be Recognized in Nigeria. Bella Naija, citing Punch). Retrieved from http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/24/nuc-says-international-university-degrees-received-via-online-education-will-not-be-recognized-in-nigeria/ on 25 July 2015.

Freedom of Information Act (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nigeria-law.org/Legislation/LFN/2011/Freedom%20Of%20Information%20Act.pdf on 25 July 2015.

Harvard University (2015). What distance learning programs are offered at Harvard? Retrieved from http://www.harvard.edu/faqs/distance-learning on 25 July 2015. 

ICEF Monitor (2015). Blended learning moving to centre stage in higher education. Retrieved from: http://monitor.icef.com/2015/07/blended-learning-moving-to-centre-stage-in-higher-education/ on 25 July 2015. 

Omenazu, E (2015). ‘80% of Nigerian graduates unemployable’ Retrieved from:

 http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/04/80-of-nigerian-graduates-unemployable/ on 25 July 2015. 

Times Higher Education (2014). World University Ranking. Retrieved from: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2014-15/world-ranking/region/africa on 25 July 2015.

University of Cambridge (2015). Online courses at Cambridge. Retrieved from: http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/courses/online-courses on 25 July 2015.

Webometrics (2014). Ranking Web of Universities. Retrieved from: http://www.webometrics.info/en/world?page=23 on 25 July 2015.

NUC Analog Thinking in a Digital Age by Kohol Shadrach Iornem 

Visioning: Looking Beyond CHANGE by Kohol Iornem

A vision is a dream. It is a mental picture of a desired future (Bennis and Nanus, 1985). Individuals rarely have the same vision. However, an individual can offer his dream to others – as seen in Martin Luther King’s immortal words, “I have a dream …” – a vision that greased the wheels of change.

Importantly, an effectively communicated vision enables others to get on board and own the vision. Specificity, aligned with measurability, achievability, realism and time bound captures the allegiance of many.   

Let us consider the life of Nelson Mandela. Madiba had a vision where whites and blacks could coexist and develop South Africa. He eventually achieved his vision. Though, Winnie his wife and several others could not visualise Mandela’s vision. While Mandela advocated peace, his wife and others instigated violence. Perhaps, Winnie’s perception of Mandela’s vision was a reversal of role where it will be the blacks’ turn to dominate the whites. Could it also be that the vision was not properly explained or sold to Winnie? One could argue that it could have been as a result of what she passed through. But again, Mandela also experienced similar torture if not more.

This background brings me to some of the leadership challenges we continue to face in Nigeria. The Bible in Proverbs 27:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Our nation remains crippled. In one sense, the situation reflects the truism, “When you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail”.

Looking back at Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, the challenges we face emanate from imposing people on the electorate. Remember, Olusegun Obasanjo was freed from prison without the initial ambition or plan to lead Nigeria. Umaru Yar’Adua (of blessed memory), the anointed one took the reins because his predecessor did not want to hand over power to his vice, Atiku Abubakar.  Goodluck Jonathan took over when Yar’dua died. In brief, leadership by default is not the way forward.

It is therefore, safe to say that all past presidents since 1999 came into power by accident. Individuals without a plan or with scant knowledge of leadership will only plan to fail. Leaders cannot just learn on the job – the cost is too high and the detrimental suffering affects all Nigerians.  

We have leaders who have excelled in their leadership positions because of their commitment to their vision. Nasir El Rufai is one of such example. As former Minister of FCT from 2003 to 2007, he transformed FCT through his vision. Many believed his plan for FCT was outrageous and was not going to work. But through enforcement and commitment, he eventually succeeded. Unfortunately, subsequent administrations have not been able to sustain his vision. 

Taking a good look at Buhari’s manifesto and vision for Nigeria, we can confidently say that he has a plan! He is a patriotic citizen and a proven leader with a vision. He has fought hard for this position and after three consecutive ‘defeats’ he has triumphed. In fact, he has already clearly communicated his plans to the state governors about selecting his ministers. Some suggest that he is “slow”. I would argue that he is a tactician and not a bull in a China shop.

Mandela’s dream took 27 years to evolve! Let us work alongside our leader to build a new Nigeria.

Now that we have CHANGE, let us focus on visioning to reinforce the change that will take us to the Promised Land.

http://www.koholiornem.co.uk/apps/blog/show/43404336-visioning-looking-beyond-change-by-kohol-iornem