The University for Development Studies (UDS) on Friday, April 25, 2025, hosted Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and wife of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation, South Africa, as the keynote speaker at its prestigious 7th Africa Leadership Lecture Series. The event, held under the theme "Ethical and Transformative Leadership for Sustainable Development," took place at the Dr. Andani Andan Academic Board Chamber on the University's Central Administration campus in Tamale.

Queen Mulela spoke passionately on the topic, "Redefining Leadership for Africa’s Future: Ethics and Transformation," captivating a distinguished audience that included the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu; the Director-General of the Ghana Education Commission, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Maamle Andrews; the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan; members of the UDS Management team; Deans and Directors; Former Principal Officers of the University; prominent traditional rulers, including the Paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu Traditional Area; representatives from the Dungu Chief’s Palace; members of academia; students; and members of the general public.

In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Seidu Al-hassan provided a brief history of the Africa Leadership Lecture Series, recalling that the initiative was launched to inspire the University community and the wider public through engagements with outstanding African leaders. He noted that the series had been paused in 2019 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Prof. Al-hassan also explained that the revived series now includes distinguished personalities from industry and not just former presidents. Importantly, he highlighted that the 7th lecture was a historic one, as it marked the first time a woman had been selected as the keynote speaker — a deliberate step by UDS to promote gender equality and equity.

Addressing the audience, Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela underscored the urgent need for Africa to redefine its leadership paradigms to meet the demands of the 21st century. She emphasized that ethical leadership is the bedrock upon which sustainable development must be built, insisting that integrity, accountability, and service to the people should be non-negotiable values. Transformative leadership, she noted, requires a vision beyond personal gains, one that focuses on creating opportunities, empowering young people, and building resilient institutions.

She cautioned against the dangers of leadership models based on patronage, nepotism, and corruption, advocating instead for meritocracy, transparency, and inclusive governance.

Queen Mulela challenged Africa’s young generation to lead with courage, ethical consciousness, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

In a stirring conclusion, Her Majesty proclaimed, that the future of Africa is not written in the stars; it is crafted by the boldness of our vision, the clarity of our ethics, and the power of our transformative actions. She said Africa’s leaders must rise not only to occupy positions but to lead revolutions of integrity, innovation, and impact.

The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, took time to congratulate Her Majesty for her profound insights and lauded her courage in addressing hard truths about Africa’s leadership challenges. He urged the young people in attendance to internalize the values she espoused, stating, that the seeds of ethical and transformational leadership must be planted in our youth today if we hope to harvest a prosperous Africa tomorrow.

Hon. Iddrisu further pledged that the Ministry of Education would prioritize the completion and operationalization of the Faculty of Social Sciences building on UDS’s Nyankpala Campus, to support the University's growing academic needs.

The audience was visibly moved by Queen Mulela’s powerful address. Patrons, including students, praised her for her honesty and visionary outlook.

Abdul Karim Mohammed, a Political Science student, remarked, "Her Majesty spoke directly to the heart of Africa’s problems. She didn’t sugarcoat the issues, and that’s the kind of honesty we need from leaders if we truly want change."

Likewise, Sandra Nunfam, a Media and Communication Studies student, stated, "Listening to Queen Mulela was inspiring. She made leadership feel less about titles and more about responsibility and service. I feel challenged to be part of the transformation she spoke about."

The 7th UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series thus ended on a high note, leaving attendees energized and optimistic about the future of leadership on the continent.

Story by:
Abdul- Hayi Moomen and Ernestina Teng-zeng
UDS Media