Bishop Andaku urges Biyaya SS students’ leaders to embrace strategic leadership

The Bishop of Madi West Nile Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Charles Collins Andaku has called on the newly elected leaders of Biyaya Secondary School in Adjumani district to remain focused and adopt strategic planning as they assume their leadership roles.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the school, Bishop Andaku emphasized the value of servant leadership, effective communication, and commitment in order to develop the school.

“As God has given you the mandate, first of all, it is God who has called you. If they are appointed by God, but now God uses the various institutions. The Ministry of Education and Sports has given us a Board. And the parents of the school have given us a PTA executive.

The student body has elected prefects. The UNSA has been elected by the members of the UNSA. And the Scripture Union has given us leaders, he said.

“And therefore, my humble appeal to all of us is to cooperate with them so that they work with us as a team to take this school to another level. We have been proud, and the school has made us proud. Now, what do you want this school to be in the coming years?”

Bishop Andaku urged students to now focus and strategize to take the school to another level. “We know the head teacher and the past leaders have done so well. May you not take it backwards and take it forward,” said the Bishop Andaku.

The head teacher, Dradi William, expressed gratitude for the bishop’s visit and counsel, noting that spiritual and moral guidance is critical in shaping disciplined and responsible future leaders.

“Bishop, I am so grateful for you because you always have Biyaya SS at heart, and I also thank you for giving your time to come and commission these leaders yourself. May the good lord continue to bless you. Now to the leaders, the powers have been given to you, now it’s you to decide whether to fail us as school authority or to succeed us,” said Dradi.

The BOG chairman, Tako Sam, has pledged commitment and transparency in their duties and appealed to the parents for teamwork.

“Now that we have been granted permission to continue for the next three years, I pray that we receive the necessary support from the different stakeholders. And my appeal to the parents is that they let rise and support the school,” said Tako.

The chaplain of Madi West Nile Diocese, Ngoma Zebidu, has condemned the leaders for ineffective leadership and urged them to exercise their duties effectively as entrusted to them by the school.

“As far as the issue of strikes in schools and the leaders being ineffective is concerned, I would like to say that as we imitate God in doing good, just like he’s good to us, he respects our weaknesses, as human beings, he remains a good God. And he has blessed us in positions of leadership. He has allowed students to study.

“So, if they know that all this is a blessing from God, they should honor God with all this opportunity to do good at all times at all costs, even when they go through tough times. They can never and never pay bad for bad. As far as strikes are concerned.

“We also condone issues of practicing ineffective leadership because we know that leadership comes from God. It is God who appoints leaders. And he has always caused us as leaders to bear good fruit. And that good fruit can only be seen in our effective leadership,” said Zebidu.

He added: “As students, be obedient to the leadership of the school, be obedient to the leadership of the government, be obedient to the leadership of the church, and all will be well for God and my country.”

Rt. Rev. Dr. Andaku concluded his remarks by reminding the leaders that true leadership is shown through service, sacrifice, and wise decision-making, even in challenging moments.

“We expect effective communication from all the leaders, know the needs of this school, then address them accordingly, continue to improve, add value, be dynamic, and be good listeners. You are working with human beings as leaders. Be able to listen.

“Listen to the voice of the students, the parents, the prefect, the teachers, the parents, and the voice of the foundation and the voice of the Ministry of Education and Sports, and be approachable and have a positive attitude. When you have a positive attitude, no matter what the situation is, always continue to have a positive attitude about this school. It’s our school,” the Bishop added.

The swearing-in event marks a significant milestone in Biyaya Secondary School’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic excellence with leadership and moral values.