Professor Challenges NUBESS Executives to Build Lasting Legacies

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A Professor of Business Management, Kohol Iornem, has called on leaders of the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS) in the Diaspora to prioritise results, accountability and the building of lasting legacies rather than simply occupying leadership positions.

Iornem made the call while delivering a keynote address at the inaugural NUBESS Diaspora Leadership Conference, held virtually on November 14, 2026.

Speaking on the theme, “The Essence of Leadership: Making Today’s Opportunities the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Leadership,” the professor said effective leadership should be assessed based on the impact made, problems solved and sustainable initiatives established.

He emphasised that occupying an executive position did not automatically amount to effective leadership, stressing that credibility could only be earned through actions and tangible achievements.

“A position gives you authority, but your actions give you credibility. Your achievements give you a legacy,” he said.

Iornem challenged chapter presidents to adopt a 90-day leadership plan that would involve identifying students’ needs, developing practical solutions, mobilising resources and implementing projects with measurable outcomes.

He also highlighted the importance of transparency in managing union funds, urging executives to keep proper records of their activities and achievements as evidence of their contributions to leadership.

On concerns surrounding factionalism and declining participation in NUBESS activities, Iornem called for neutral mediation to address internal disputes and restore unity within the association.

He further advised the leadership to make the union more relevant and attractive to members through the introduction of scholarships, bursaries, entrepreneurship programmes, employability skills and career development opportunities.

The professor pledged to facilitate entrepreneurial training and connect NUBESS leaders with Benue indigenes in the Diaspora to attract support for initiatives designed to improve students’ welfare.

Iornem holds an MBA and PhD from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, and is a Fellow of Advance HE.

He lectures in Business Management at the London College of Contemporary Arts and serves as Director of Programmes at the London Graduate School.

He previously worked as a Senior Lecturer at Regent College London and is a member of the British Academy of Management and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants.

He is also the author of A Social Science Student’s Guide to Surviving Your PhD, published by Open University Press.

Beyond academia, Iornem served as President of Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK) from 2019 to 2023. He also founded the Menroi Rural Priority Foundation and Mzehemen u Tiv Foundation, organisations established to promote rural development and expand opportunities for disadvantaged communities in Nigeria.

The conference, convened by NUBESS Diaspora President, Rt. Comr. Tsaha Ernest, in collaboration with the union’s Director of Inter-Camp Affairs, Rt. Comr. Iorwa Timothy Avalumun, also featured Dr Ejeh Sunday of the University of Abuja.

Sunday spoke on rebuilding NUBESS through accountability and promoting a leadership culture that goes beyond occupying official positions.