The Weight of the Mantle: Responsibility, Leadership, and the Courage to Own Up
By
Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
In the orchestra of human conduct, responsibility plays the role of the conductor unseen but powerful, guiding every instrument towards harmony or dissonance. To be responsible is not merely to carry out one’s duties with diligence; it is also to have the humility and courage to accept when those duties fall short of expectations. True leadership wears two faces: one that smiles in triumph and another that bows in accountability.
This is why the recent action of the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, stands as a towering testament to what leadership ought to be a blend of honour, integrity, and credibility. In a nation where the blame game has become a political pastime, Prof. Oloyede chose the road less traveled: he took full responsibility for the publicly contested irregularities and widespread concerns following the allegedly mass failure in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Like a seasoned captain who refuses to abandon ship in a storm, Prof. Oloyede stood firm in the face of criticism not with excuses, not with denial, but with calm candour and statesmanlike sobriety. He did not pass the buck to his subordinates. He did not shield himself with bureaucratic ambiguity. Instead, he admitted the shortcomings in the system and shouldered the burden like a true steward of public trust. That, dear reader, is responsibility in action.
Responsibility: Two Sides of a Golden Coin
The concept of responsibility is often perceived in one dimension diligence in action, meeting deadlines, achieving results. But there is another side, just as vital: the willingness to own up to errors, miscalculations, and the consequences of inaction. It is easy to bask in the spotlight of success; it is far harder to step forward when the lights dim and things go wrong.
In truth, to be responsible is to be both the architect of progress and the face of failure. Leaders, especially those in public service, must learn that taking responsibility for failure is not a weakness, but the highest form of strength. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Eni ba mo pe eran e o le je, ko gbodo fi obe s’enu” – He who knows he cannot eat meat should not put the knife to his mouth.
In an era where many leaders seek refuge in excuses and cast shadows on their subordinates when the spotlight grows hot, Prof. Oloyede’s action stands as a bright lamp on a hill a model of accountability that Nigerian politicians and those in the corridors of power must take to heart.
Leadership is Not Perfection
No one walks the earth without stumbling. Failure is a universal companion in the journey of leadership. It is not a curse but a crucible a fiery test that separates those who merely occupy positions from those who lead with purpose. Even the most revered leaders, from Mandela to Churchill, had their valleys of disappointment. What defined them was not an unbroken record of success, but their resilience and willingness to own up, recalibrate, and press on.
Professor Oloyede’s acceptance of responsibility amidst the uproar over the 2025 UTME results echoes this rare spirit. Rather than resorting to technical jargon or blaming external factors, he acknowledged the flaws, spoke to the concerns of stakeholders, and promised corrective steps. In doing so, he reminded us that leadership is not perfection it is perseverance clothed in humility.
The Hallmark of True Leadership
Taking responsibility for one’s action or inaction is the soul of leadership. It is the point where character meets duty. It is what distinguishes a leader from a mere manager. Where some may see weakness in admission of failure, true leaders understand that transparency builds trust, and trust is the bedrock of lasting influence.
Professor Oloyede has worn the weighty mantle of leadership with uncommon grace. We must, therefore, encourage him not to be deterred by this storm. Like a farmer whose first rains disappoint, he must keep tending the soil, for the harvest lies ahead. The Nigerian education sector needs reformers like him not perfect, but passionate; not flawless, but fearless.
A Wake-Up Call to Leaders in Power
This moment presents a golden opportunity for those in political and institutional power to reflect. Nigeria’s leadership culture often stumbles not for lack of ideas, but because many who occupy high offices lack the emotional maturity to admit failure. They see apology as surrender, and accountability as loss of face. Yet, the man who apologises when wrong is more respected than the one who deflects blame in arrogance.
To our politicians and policymakers: take a cue from Professor Oloyede. When things fall apart, do not pretend all is well. When policies fail, do not hide behind faceless committees. Step up. Speak up. And like the eagle, rise above the storm with integrity as your wings.
Perfecting the Process
Let this episode also serve as a reminder to stakeholders in the public sector: innovations must be undergirded by sound logistics and infrastructure. When introducing reforms, proper planning must precede execution. Adequate provision for power supply, trained personnel, technical back-up, and timely communication is not a luxury it is a necessity.
To ignore the fine details is to set up great ideas for premature failure. As the saying goes, “The soup that is sweet, it is the firewood that suffered for it.” Success requires sacrifice, foresight, and above all, collaboration across all levels of management.
Leadership is a Verb
Leadership is not a title it is a doing word. It involves coordination of people and resources, control of processes, communication of vision, and connection with the team. Overconfidence is the silent thief of caution. Every leader must balance ambition with realism, and charisma with competence.
Professor Oloyede’s approach reflects this balance. Even in the face of national scrutiny, he did not recoil. He communicated with clarity, controlled the narrative, coordinated his response, and connected with the public. This is the essence of responsible leadership not basking in praise alone, but bearing the burden of public trust.
Conclusion
Let Responsibility Speak Louder Than Excuses
In the end, history remembers those who stood firm when it was easier to fall. Professor Ishaq Oloyede has set an example worth emulating. His action reaffirms that when leaders take responsibility, systems improve, and trust is restored.
Let this be a rallying cry: to every leader, from the classroom to the cabinet wear your mantle with courage. Let responsibility guide your actions. And when you stumble, do not hide rise, admit, reform, and move forward.
Because in the orchestra of leadership, it is not the perfection of the performance that matters most but the integrity of the conductor.
Composed by
Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
The Registrar, Best In Print Academy/ Training and Development Manager, Accessible Publishers Ltd Ibadan.
