Lawani’s Three-pronged Approach to Reposition Educational Research Council 

Three months after taking over as the acting Executive Secretary at the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr. Margaret Taiwo Lawani, appears to be redefining the agency by leveraging on three factors; experience as an insider, collaboration and her academic background. Raheem Akingbolu reports

Though a quiet agency under the Federal Ministry of Education, activities and operations of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), always attracted stakeholders in the educational sector because of its strategic relevance to research development. To, this end, the question of who leads the regulatory council is always on the front burner, attracting reviews and calling for scrutiny. 

Following the unexpected death of the former Executive Secretary, Professor Ismail Junaidu, in July, the agency was thrown into apprehension because of the sudden leadership vacuum, but that was quickly addressed with the appointment of Dr. Margaret Taiwo Lawani, then a respected director within the organisation.  

An accomplished academic and seasoned educational researcher, Lawani came in loaded with experience and strong qualification. Before assuming the role of acting executive secretary, she had already established herself as a key figure within NERDC. She had served as the director of several critical centres, including the Curriculum Development Centre, the Language Development Centre, and the Special Programmes Centre. In each of these roles, she was said to have left an indelible mark, driving significant advancements in curriculum design, language development, and the implementation of special educational initiatives. According to inside sources, this wealth of experience provided her with a deep understanding of the inner workings of NERDC, positioning her to lead with vision and expertise when she was called upon to step into the role of acting executive secretary.

On assumption of office as the acting executive secretary, NERDC was grappling with severe internal inefficiencies and lack of strategic direction. The institution, which plays a critical role in advancing educational research, curriculum development, book development, and other educational initiatives in Nigeria, had stagnated. Its academic centres were virtually moribund, and morale among the staff was at an all-time low. Many skilled professionals had left, seeking more fulfilling opportunities elsewhere, leaving the council unable to fully deliver on its mandate.

However, under Lawani’s leadership, NERDC has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of her first priorities was to address the long-standing issues affecting staff welfare – issues that had contributed to low morale and poor productivity. Through an empathetic and effective management style, Lawani fostered an environment of trust, motivation, and inclusion. Her approach has not only improved staff welfare but also reinvigorated the workforce, resulting in better outcomes for the council and, by extension, for Nigeria’s education sector.

Perhaps most significantly, Lawani breathed new life into NERDC’s academic centres, restoring them to operational relevance. This revitalisation of the council’s research and development capabilities, which could be equated with the President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, has inspired many of the previously disillusioned staff members to return to their roles, re-engaged and motivated by the renewed sense of purpose that Lawani has instilled. Her leadership has re-established NERDC as a key player in driving educational reform and innovation in Nigeria.

Her commitment to the development of education, especially in Nigeria, has earned her numerous accolades. Among these is the Best NERDC Academic Staff Award, which was presented to her in 2012. She received this esteemed recognition to further cement her reputation as a leading figure in educational research and curriculum development. 

Beyond administrative reforms, Lawani’s contributions are rooted in her deep understanding of the educational landscape. As an academic of repute, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her leadership is visionary, focused not only on addressing immediate challenges, but also on aligning NERDC’s activities with national educational priorities. Her strategic focus on research and development has reinvigorated the organisation’s mission and re-engaged stakeholders in the council’s work.

According to Mr. Aina Opeyemi, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), NERDC branch, Dr. Lawani’s leadership has “restored hope to the ranks of NERDC staff.” He noted that her pronouncement has heralded an era of inclusion to all workers and clientele of the council, that were hitherto told that only few persons are capable of delivering on NERDC’s mandate. Despite inheriting a deeply entrenched culture of decay, Aina stated that staff were eagerly praying for  Lawani’s confirmation as the substantive executive secretary, believing that “complete healing” can only occur under her continued leadership.

Given Lawani’s exemplary track record, there is no doubt that she has earned the trust and admiration of the NERDC staff and stakeholders. Her dedication to staff welfare, her visionary leadership, and her passion for educational development are exactly what Nigeria needs to ensure the continued success of NERDC. Her leadership thus far has demonstrated her capacity to drive positive change and fulfill the Council’s mandate. Dr. Lawani’s confirmation as the substantive executive secretary of NERDC will not only strengthen the institution but also ensure the sustained transformation of Nigeria’s educational research and development sector. With her proven ability to inspire and lead, Lawani stands as a beacon of hope for the future of educational reform in Nigeria.