By Sola Ojewusi
There are places one visits, and there are places that leave an enduring imprint on the mind. My one-week residency at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre (DMLC), Ibadan, belongs firmly to the latter category. It was far more than a period of academic retreat; it was an enriching intellectual experience that reaffirmed my belief that scholarship flourishes best in an environment deliberately designed to nurture reflection, creativity, and excellence.
Nestled beneath the lush green hills of Alalubosa GRA in the ancient city of Ibadan—a city that proudly occupies a distinguished place in Nigeria’s educational history as the home of the nation’s first university—the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre stands as a remarkable investment in knowledge, leadership, and national development. The serenity of its location immediately sets it apart. Away from the incessant noise, congestion, and pressures of metropolitan life, the Centre offers a peaceful sanctuary where ideas are born, manuscripts are completed, and research receives the uninterrupted attention it deserves.
Before arriving, I had heard much about the Centre. Like many first-time visitors, I briefly wondered whether the winding access road, portions of which are currently under construction, would diminish the experience. Those concerns disappeared almost instantly upon entering the premises. The calm surroundings, beautiful landscaping, spotless facilities, and welcoming atmosphere quickly replaced every reservation with admiration.
The Dele Momodu Leadership Centre has successfully created what many scholars only dream of—a truly scholar-friendly environment. Every aspect of the Centre appears thoughtfully planned to encourage productivity. The quiet ambience allows for hours of uninterrupted reading, writing, and reflection. There are no unnecessary distractions, only the soothing silence that every serious researcher craves.
Equally impressive is the warmth and professionalism of the Centre’s staff. From the moment of arrival until departure, every interaction was characterised by courtesy, efficiency, and genuine hospitality. Their readiness to assist residents contributes significantly to the overall experience and creates an atmosphere in which scholars feel valued and appreciated.
The accommodation deserves special mention. Comparable to that of a first-class hotel, it combines elegance with comfort. Spacious rooms, reliable amenities, impeccable cleanliness, and carefully maintained facilities ensure that residents focus entirely on their scholarly pursuits rather than everyday inconveniences. The experience demonstrates that academic retreats need not sacrifice comfort in the pursuit of excellence.
For researchers who enjoy preparing their own meals, the Centre provides an exceptionally modern and fully equipped kitchen. This thoughtful provision gives residents the freedom to maintain familiar dietary routines while enjoying the comforts of home. Such attention to detail reflects a genuine understanding of the practical needs of long-hour researchers and writers.
Yet the Centre appreciates that scholarship is not sustained by work alone. After hours immersed in books, documents, and manuscripts, residents have several opportunities to relax and recharge. A refreshing swim in the well-maintained swimming pool provides welcome relief after an intensive day of research. From the lobby, one can gaze across the rolling green hills surrounding Alalubosa, drawing fresh inspiration from nature’s quiet beauty. Gentle walks around the beautifully paved premises offer another opportunity to clear the mind before returning to one’s writing with renewed energy.
Throughout my stay, I came to appreciate the vision behind the Centre. It represents more than an impressive physical structure; it is a practical demonstration of Chief Dele Momodu’s enduring commitment to intellectual development, leadership, journalism, and national progress. For decades, Aare Dele Momodu has projected Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to global audiences, championed democratic ideals, amplified the voices of ordinary citizens, and consistently promoted excellence through journalism and public engagement. The establishment of the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre is yet another significant contribution to that remarkable legacy.
In creating a haven where scholars, writers, journalists, researchers, and intellectuals can think deeply, write freely, and engage meaningfully with ideas, he has added another commendable feather to an already distinguished cap. It is an investment not merely in infrastructure but in human capital, knowledge production, and the future of intellectual discourse in Nigeria.
One particularly remarkable aspect of the residency is the financial support extended to participants. Beyond providing outstanding accommodation and facilities, residents also receive a stipend during their stay. It is a generous gesture that reflects the Centre’s philosophy of encouraging scholarship rather than burdening it. In simple terms, scholars are given the rare privilege of concentrating fully on their research while enjoying world-class hospitality in an environment specifically designed for academic excellence.
As someone who has experienced the programme firsthand, I can confidently recommend it without reservation. Whether you are a university lecturer, postgraduate student, researcher, journalist, author, policy analyst, or creative writer searching for a peaceful environment in which to complete an important project, the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre offers an experience that is both intellectually rewarding and personally refreshing.
Applications for residency can be obtained free of charge through the Centre’s official social media platforms. Based on my own experience, the application process is straightforward, and responses are prompt.
A week at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre is not merely a retreat from everyday life; it is an investment in scholarship, creativity, and personal renewal. It offers the rare opportunity to think without interruption, write without distraction, and grow without pressure.
My sincere appreciation goes to Aare Dele Momodu for this visionary initiative. The Dele Momodu Leadership Centre stands as a shining example of how private leadership can make a lasting contribution to education, research, journalism, and national development.
Nigeria needs more initiatives of this nature. Until then, scholars fortunate enough to spend time at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre will continue to testify that it is one of the country’s most rewarding academic residency experiences.
Sola Ojewusi, Journalist, Author was recently at the DMLC as a PhD Research Scholar from the University of Lagos.
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