A Royal Pledge Redefines Tradition
When Rashidi Ladoja steps onto the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, he won’t be swapping his chalk for a scepter. The former deputy governor announced that he will resume teaching mathematics at a local secondary school, a promise that has stunned both monarchists and educators alike.
Ladoja’s background makes the vow less surprising than it first appears. Before entering politics, he earned a degree in mathematics and spent several years in the classroom, a stint he describes as his "first calling." After decades of public service, he now sees his upcoming coronation not as a retirement from active civic work but as a new platform to champion learning.
Principal Fasasi of the school where Ladoja will teach praised the decision, noting that "having a monarch in the classroom sends a powerful message that education transcends status." Parents, too, have voiced excitement, citing the chance for their children to learn under the guidance of a leader who understands both academic rigour and community challenges.
Implications for Education and Leadership
The pledge arrives at a moment when Nigeria grapples with low literacy rates and teacher shortages, especially in the southwest. By committing to a regular teaching schedule, Ladoja positions himself as a bridge between traditional authority and modern development agendas.
Analysts suggest several ripple effects:
- Other traditional rulers may feel encouraged to take active roles in local schools, reversing a trend of ceremonial disengagement.
- The government could leverage the monarch's influence to promote STEM initiatives, aligning cultural prestige with national education goals.
- Students gain a unique mentor who can blend moral guidance with academic instruction, potentially boosting enrolment and performance.
Critics caution that juggling royal duties and teaching responsibilities will be demanding. The Olubadan palace traditionally oversees multiple districts, mediates disputes, and presides over cultural festivals. Balancing these obligations with a full‑time teaching schedule will require careful delegation and perhaps a re‑imagining of what royal service looks like in the 21st century.
Nevertheless, the enthusiasm from civil society groups suggests a growing appetite for leaders who walk the talk. If Ladoja manages to keep his classroom promise, he could set a precedent that redefines the role of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigerian life.
