The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools held its annual general meeting and induction ceremony for newly appointed principals on Thursday.
The event, which brought together educational leaders from across the state, celebrated the achievements and potential of these new principals while setting expectations for their roles.
Principal of Ojoku Junior High School, Tolu Complex, Apapa, Ajegunle, Mr Tayo Shofoluye, addressed the inductees with a message of confidence and responsibility.
“These newly appointed principals, I want to believe they are not novices. They have experienced personalities in this teaching profession, but now they have all been appointed as principals.”
“The job is very easy, very simple. All they need to do is to be law-abiding. We have the ethics of the profession, we have the laid-down rules and regulations; they only need to key in and do the right thing at all times,” he said.
Shofoluye emphasised the importance of leadership, teamwork, and treating both staff and students with respect and care. He highlighted the necessity for principals to build cordial relationships with their communities, including leaders, parents, and other stakeholders. “In as much as they are ready to do this, I want to assure them to have confidence that they will not have any problems,” he added.
The Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 2, Anike Adeponye, also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for approving the appointments. She thanked the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Ali Balogun, and all other stakeholders for their support.
She advised the new principals to be mindful of the laws and regulations outlined in the public service booklet and to operate with a fear of God, ensuring fairness to the governor, commissioner, TGPS, parents, and students.
Adding to the guidance, President of ANCOPSS Lagos State, Mr Olushola Maseyi, stressed the importance of learning and experience in the role of a principal.
“In every profession, in every trade, you must learn the ethics and ethos of that profession. Being appointed a principal, you must learn the ropes as a principal. Rome was not built in a day; you must learn how to be a principal. There must be on-the-job training. It is not something you read in a classroom or study in classes; you must have firsthand experience,” he said.
Maseyi highlighted the value of the training provided at the induction.
“This type of training we are having here today is part of the accumulated experiences that we have as principals. This has improved a lot of newly appointed principals, and from now on, we will begin to notice the difference in their attitude to work and the way they respond to issues in their schools. It will be to the betterment of education in Lagos State,” he said.
Chairperson of the Induction Committee and Principal of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Oko Oba, Agege, Dr Maria Eko, spoke about the qualities expected in a principal.
“We are looking at a leader that is resourceful, creative, innovative, and can think outside the box. A 21st-century leader who can work under pressure. Lagos State has expended so much on education, and the interest they want to get in education is results—students who are resourceful and can change the narrative. By God’s grace, these leaders are up to the task,” she said.
Newly inducted principals also shared their insights from the training.
Principal of Oke Afa Junior College, Isolo, Mrs Tade Taiwo, stated, “As a dynamic principal, I need to be prone to change and have the opportunity to always adjust myself, leading the people—the students, teachers, and even the community. I should be able to adapt to anything that is going on in my environment.”
