Prefects' Training and Induction Programme

May 7 - 11, 2007

 

 

‘… I used to think that leadership was all about commanding but now I know better. It taught me how to express myself… It showed me when to use the right method in cases and how to treat learners.’
- David Lawani.
Terra House Captain, boys.

‘…Before, I used to be a little harsh when people annoy me, but now I am much more democratic and advise people on so many issues. It also taught me to be conscious of things going on around me and my colleagues. It taught me what my talent is i.e., an implementer.
-Tolu Iyanda,
Sports Prefect.

Above are some excerpts from the reactions of the prefects who participated in the first prefects’ training and induction programme for Preston International School, Akure. It was an exciting experience for the prefects as they had the opportunity of being exposed to different leadership styles, team spirit and the challenges of their individual portfolios.

The programme opened with an address by the proprietor, Mr. Toyin Ajayi which was read by the acting principal, Mr. Fajolu after the opening song and prayer to commence the training programme. This was followed by a thorough reading and discussion of Daniel Goleman’s book ‘THE LEADERSHIP REPERTOIRE’. The prefects were then split into groups of three to explore the six leadership styles analyzed in the bookas follows:

1. Visionary - Samuel Ojo, Dolor Odjegba, and David Lawani.
2. Coaching - Anne Okeya, Yomi Odediran and Fela Joda.
3. Affiliative – Dupe Fasawe, Tseyi Okorodudu and Abiola Ademola.
4. Democratic – Debo Adetoro, Jane Idabor and Tolu Iyanda.
5. Pacesetting – Chinyere Okocha, Ola Fapohunda and Victor Sodje.
6. Commanding – Toyin Ikuomola, Alli Oluwaseun and Ese Evwerhamre.

The concept of each leadership style was individually studied by each prefect before discussing and presenting the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the leadership styles in each group. All these were covered within the first two days of the programme.

The Management Team Self – Perception Inventory Matrix was another exciting session of the programme. This session was completed on Wednesday, May 9th. After completing the task of filling the matrix, the following list was generated:

1. Samuel Ojo – Team Worker.
2. Olufela Joda – Innovator.
3. Dupe Fasawe – Implementer / Team Worker.
4. Ikuomola Toyin – Implementer.
5. Okorodudu Tseyi - Implementer / Team Worker.
6. Yomi Odediran - Team Worker.
7. Ola Fapohunda – Coordinator.
8. Chinyere Okocha – Completer Finisher.
9. Odjegba Dolor – Implementer.
10. Sodje Victor – Completer Finisher.
11. Alli Oluwaseun – Implementer.
12. Okeya Anne – Team Worker.
13. Adetoro Adebowale – Shaper.
14. Jane Idabor – Implementer.
15. David Lawani – Resource Investigator.
16. Tolu Iyanda – Implementer.
17. Ese Evwerhamre - Implementer.
18. Abiola Ademola - Implementer.

Day four witnessed the definition of roles by the prefects. It was an interactive session as the students presented their roles and answered questions posed to them by both their mates and teachers present during the session.

The last day of the programme started with the presentation of the mission statements by the prefects. As they took their turns in presenting, the panel made the needed corrections on each mission statement before the final one was written. Here are some of the individual mission statements:

‘My mission is to ensure a happy and peaceful environment for the students and the school community as a whole. I will ensure that the school realizes its lofty vision and mission by cooperating with the school authority in these areas.’
– Samuel Ojo, President.


‘My mission is to ensure the carrying out of all the rules and regulations in our great school and to assist and advise the president in making sure that Preston reaches its intended goal.’
- Olufela Joda, Vice President (Boy).

‘My mission is to make sure the school’s rules and regulations are carried out. I will also help prefects/learners when needed and assist the president in carrying out his duties.’
- Dupe Fasawe, Vice President (Girl).

‘My mission is to ensure a good sportsmanship and a peaceful school environment for both the students and the members of staff.’
- Toluwani Iyanda, Sports Prefect.

‘My mission is to create an orderly, happy, sound and attractive environment; making it clean, tidy and conducive for learning.
- Adetoro Adebowale, Duty/Labour Prefect.

‘As the chapel prefect of Preston International School, I will contribute my best quota to promoting the spiritual development of all Prestonians in accordance with the school’s rules and regulations and God’s will.’
- Oluwatoyin Ikuomola, Chapel Prefect.

‘My mission is to oversee the general orderliness of my house and create a lively and peaceful atmosphere in order that every member of the house will be proud of it.’
- David Lawani, House Captain (Terra House (Boys).

‘My mission is to make sure that the library is a conducive place for reading. I will make sure the books are properly kept and learners behave well by working with school librarian.’
- Tseyi Okorodudu, Library Prefect.

‘My mission is to make sure that Aqua house is quiet, neat and excels in all competitions and activities.’
- Jane Idabor, House captain (Aqua House (Girls)

Finally, there was a brainstorming session when both the prefects and the teachers presented possible scenarios that were adequately addressed. Actually, such scenarios were ongoing matters throughout the training programme, as different questions were posed to the prefects according to their offices as they were coming out for their individual presentation.

Personally, it was a great learning period for me. Goleman’s book has been a recent companion. When I completed the Management Teams Self – Perception Inventory Matrix, I came out as a Coordinator. Candidly, the training programme was so unique. It is simply another testimony that Preston has a lot to offer, and truly, WE ARE ABLE to blaze much trail.
 

- Temitope Afowowe,
Prefects’ Mentor/Line Manager.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007.