Name: Banjo Adegbohun

Title: Headteacher, Educator, Lead Consultant

Organisation: Halifield Schools (full time), BeaconEdge Consulting (part-time)

Banjo Adegbohun is an accomplished educator, consultant and coach. He currently serves as the Headteacher at Halifield Schools, Nigeria, where he leads the school community in delivering high-quality education, setting standards and expectations for both students and staff and serving as a role model. In addition to his role at Hatfield, Banjo is the founder of BeaconEdge Consulting, an institution dedicated to fostering educational excellence and strategic growth.

BeaconEdge provides professional development, consulting and coaching services tailored to its clients' needs. A versatile leader and voracious learner, Banjo brings a wealth of experience to his leadership. He holds a Professional Development Certificate (PDC) from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, along with multiple certifications in areas such as leadership and coaching, green digital skills, educational technology, and digital marketing.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Banjo's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

That’s a tough question because educational leadership comes with numerous challenges. However, one that stands out for me is leading a team of educators who have a fixed mindset and are deeply rooted in traditional methods. Teaching and learning have evolved significantly over the years, and students today cannot thrive with the same approaches we experienced growing up.

The challenge lies in working with educators who resist change or struggle to adapt to these rapid transformations, particularly in the integration of educational technology. It can be frustrating and demanding to continuously train and retrain individuals who are reluctant or seem unable to embrace innovation. Helping them shift their mindset and recognize the importance of adapting to modern teaching methodologies remains one of the most persistent hurdles I face.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Leadership has been a natural part of my journey from a young age. Whether at church or school, I often found myself taking on responsibilities that put me in front of a crowd or leading a team. At the time, I didn’t give much thought to what I was doing or the impact it might have on others—I simply enjoyed it.

These opportunities often brought me into the spotlight, even when I preferred to remain behind the scenes. My skills in reading, singing, teaching, storytelling and other areas consistently drew attention and created opportunities for me to lead. As I grew older, I began to understand the influence I had on others and how my actions could affect them positively or negatively. This realization sparked my interest in leadership and influence.

At my current workplace, I started as a teacher with the ability to teach almost any subject. Over time, I became involved in various teams and projects. Some of the roles I’ve held include Supervisor, Academic Coordinator, Quality Assurance Head, and eventually Headteacher. I’ve also led numerous teams in roles such as program coordinator, Sports Coordinator, Concert Director, Play Director, Technology Team Lead, and Head of Strategy for leadership retreats.

Along the way, I’ve pioneered many firsts for my school. For me, positional leadership is the result of my influence and competencies. It has been and continues to be, a journey of growth, learning and impact.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

A typical workday for me starts at 4:30 AM. I dedicate about 45 minutes to prayer, reading the Scriptures and meditating. This time allows me to commit my day to God and focus on the right priorities. Afterward, I assist my wife in getting our son ready for school. By 6:45 AM, we’re out of the house for school and work.

Getting to work early is a key part of my routine, as it gives me the quiet time I need to reflect, review, and create my to-do list for the day. Once the day begins, I fully engage in my various responsibilities, which include supervising teaching and learning, participating in teaching engagements, strategic planning, attending team meetings, mentoring teachers (both scheduled and impromptu), engaging with parents and overseeing the daily academic activities of students.

In the afternoon, I spend time on tasks that support both my team’s performance and my personal growth. This includes reading, writing, planning, and conducting research related to my work. By 4:30 PM, I begin wrapping up, unless there are meetings or other important engagements. I’m usually home by 6 PM, where I shift my focus to family activities, watching football, and taking time to study or unwind.

One constant throughout my day is reading. Whether it’s a physical book, an audiobook, a podcast, or jotting down thoughts, I weave learning into my routine consistently. By 10 PM, we have family prayer and devotion, after which I prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

A recent lesson that has resonated deeply with me as a leader is the reality that, in many cases, people and organizations prioritise their own interests and outcomes over their personal well-being. Unless you are adding value, your presence may go unnoticed or unappreciated. Even when you are adding value, for some, it must translate into tangible or measurable gains to truly be acknowledged.

This reminder has reinforced the importance of consistently investing in yourself first—through personal growth, skill development and problem-solving. By doing so, you not only ensure your relevance but also position yourself to add meaningful value to others. When you can demonstrate tangible achievements, you enhance your worth and create opportunities to leverage your successes for future growth and impact.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey has had a tremendous impact on my life and my journey as a leader. This transformative book provides a powerful framework for cultivating habits essential for personal and organizational effectiveness. It taught me how to set clear priorities, build character rooted in integrity, enhance personal and interpersonal communication, and embrace a mindset centered on purposeful living and influence.

As I internalized the lessons from the book, I began developing habits that improved my self-management and people-management skills. These practices have helped me to produce consistent results while fostering effectiveness in my leadership. The book also helped me adopt an interdependent mindset, which has been invaluable for collaborative problem-solving and achieving shared goals with my team.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Lead with purpose and a heart for service. Focus on adding value, first, to yourself by investing in personal and professional growth. Then, channel that growth into helping and inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves. Build strong relationships, prioritize meaningful connections, and commit to lifelong learning. Leadership is about influence, and the best leaders are those who continuously grow and empower others to do the same.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

One meaningful experience that stands out for me was directing a major project—a musical production akin to a Broadway show. The stakes were high and it was my first time directing a production of that magnitude. I was both excited and terrified as rehearsals began. The project involved managing a large production team, balancing finances and budgets, and coordinating over 200 cast and crew members.

At the start, the task felt overwhelming, but as we worked through the process—refining, redefining, and overcoming challenges—a sense of unity and purpose began to emerge. Passion, careful planning, focus, teamwork and perseverance became the foundation of our progress. Each obstacle we overcame strengthened our confidence, and by the end, the production was a resounding success.

It left everyone involved with a deep sense of accomplishment and a desire for more opportunities like it. For me, this experience was more than just a professional milestone; it was a defining moment. It reinforced my belief in my ability to tackle daunting challenges head-on and highlighted the power of collaboration and determination in achieving great results.