“Your admission is not by chance, but a recognition of your potentials, therefore I urge you to approach your time in the institution with seriousness of purpose and think of yourself as architects of a new future” – these were the admonition handed down by the Director of Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Professor Philip Dahida to new postgraduate students.
Prof. Dahida gave the advice at the 7th Induction Ceremony last Thursday, while reaffirming the institution’s dedication to academic excellence, training and nurturing of future leaders.
The Centre inducted MSc and PhD students in Public Governance and Leadership, and Policy and Strategic Studies on November 6, 2025.
Prof. Dahida emphasised that with the right values, knowledge and leadership mindset, students trained at the Centre can become catalysts for the kind of leaders Nigeria and the African continent have been yearning for. While lamenting that “Nigeria and the continent face enormous challenges from governance deficit to policy inconsistencies, from social inequality to erosion of public trust, yet in these challenges lie eminent opportunities”.
He commended the Vice Chancellor of the University and staff of the Centre for their steadfastness and priceless contributions to shaping the nation’s future leaders. Additionally, he tasked the students to adhere to the code of conduct of the Centre and be good ambassadors of the institution.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the induction and oath-taking of Course 7 PhD and MSc students at the Abuja Leadership Centre.
“Today marks not only the beginning of a new academic journey for our inductees in PhD and MSc in Public Governance and Leadership and Policy and Strategic Studies, respectively, but a renewed commitment to leadership excellence and integrity, national service for which the Centre stands.
“Over the years, we (ALC) have remained steadfast in our innovations to develop a new cadre of leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges of governance, policy and intellectual transformation of Nigeria and across Africa.
“To the inductees, your admission into the 7th Course is not a chance, but a recognition of your potential. You have proven capacity and willingness to embrace higher leadership. You are joining a committee of scholars, reformers, and visionists who believe that leadership is not just about privilege but about purpose, not about power but about responsibility to the people and the general public good.
“Our nation and continent face enormous challenges from governance deficit to policy inconsistencies, from social inequality to erosion of public trust, yet in these challenges lie eminent opportunities.
“Think of yourself as architects of a new future. I urge you to approach your time here with seriousness of purpose, engage your lecturers and colleagues with intellectual dexterity. Let every seminar, workshop, class participation, group work and dialogue refine your understanding and stewardship and let your understanding within and outside the Centre reflect the highest standard of character and professionalism.
“To our distinguished faculty and staff members, I thank you for mentoring, guidance and inspiring students. To our partners and friends, your support continues to strengthen our resolve to build a leadership institution of global repute.
“Finally, to our inductees, as you wear the bandage of Abuja Leadership Centre, carry it with pride and also with humility – remember that true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades but by the positive impact you have made on others,” Prof. Dahida stated.
On his part, keynote speaker at the event, Major-General Lawrence Onoja (rtd), speaking on the theme: “Strategic Leadership and Nation Building: Driving Transformation Through Vision and Values”, decried that the dearth of strategic leadership in Nigeria continues to cause policy, development and governance problems and leading to decades of poor outcomes.
Onoja averred that ‘Nigeria’s governance challenges, ranging from institutional fragility, economic disparity, ethno-religious polarisation and policy inconsistency, underscore the urgent need for strategic leadership anchored on vision and values.
Adding that, Nigeria’s developmental experience has been hindered by inconsistent leadership vision, policy discontinuity and weak value internalisation.
“Leadership in Nigeria, despite successive blueprints like Vision 2010 and 2020, implementation deficit and corruption have constrained their impacts.
“In a nation characterised by unemployment, complex political diversity, youth unemployment, complex political diversity, insecurity and institutional weakness, visionary governance is not a mere wishful thinking.
“Strategic leadership rooted in values remains the cornerstone of nation-building and transformative governance in Nigeria.
“As Nigeria aspires into vision 2050, it must prioritise leadership integrity, institutional leadership and citizens’ engagement.
Onoja recommended that Nigeria adopt Rwanda’s accountability models and Singapore’s meritocratic ethos, saying, “these could enhance the translation of national vision into tangible nation-building outcomes.
He suggested that Nigeria must follow the path of Rwanda and Singapore to attain greater height moving forward, suggesting that: “Policy coherence and institutional synergy must be deepened across government ministries, departments and agencies.
“Ethical leadership framework should be codified into performance evaluation, and there should be government decentralisation.
“Strategic leaders at the subnational level should be empowered to design development plans that align with national priorities, and Nigeria must embed leadership succession planning to ensure continuity.
“Comparative insights from Rwanda and Singapore affirm that transformation is achievable when vision is strategically implemented. Ultimately, the future of Nigeria is in producing leaders with the courage to maximise its potential,” Onoja advised.
The Abuja Leadership Centre is a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
