ACHIEVING GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how the integration of emotional intelligence and leadership development in education can contribute to achieving good governance and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. The study employs qualitative research method in which analytic approach was used to review literature on emotional intelligence and its important, influence of emotional intelligence on leadership and sustainable development, the role emotional intelligent play on good governance, and how emotional intelligence can be used to nurture leadership development in Nigeria education system. Drawing from analysis of relevant literature, the author advocates the integration of emotional intelligence into the curriculum. It is believed that integration of emotional intelligence would equip educators and students with self-awareness, empathy, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills. This would empower future leaders to navigate complex social landscapes. This, in turn, would enable them to address societal issues with a greater understanding of the human dimensions involved. The researcher made further recommendations which include inter alia, that: The Nigerian government should prioritize the integration of emotional intelligence and leadership development programs among Educators. Educators should emphasize ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability across various subjects and cultivation of leadership skills among students. Furthermore, more trained Guidance Counsellors should be employed in the Nigerian educational sectors to cushion the effect of unwholesome development of emotional intelligence and enhancing good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.