The Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), a TETFund Center of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership at the University of Abuja, Professor Philip Dahida, has assured new students of the institution’s capacity and readiness to provide leadership training, for Nigerians and beyond, while tasking them on seriousness and discipline.
Professor Dahida made this assurance during an orientation programme organized for Master’s and Doctoral students of Public Governance and Leadership, and Policy and Strategic Studies(Course 8) on Friday, January 23, 2026. He reaffirmed that ALC is committed to academic excellence and the training of both present and future leaders.
Dahida highlighted that the Centre is staffed by knowledgeable Nigerian and international scholars who are prepared to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, while noting that the Centre was established to guide leadership training and has successfully graduated several prominent Nigerians, including both current and former political officeholders.
Furthermore, he stated that ALC aims to replace ChatHam House in exploring ideas of leaders before elections.
“I must emphasize that the Abuja Leadership Centre is a policy-driven institution. After students conduct their research and present their findings, they do so with the goal of solving specific societal needs,” he said.
“We have educated many prominent Nigerians through this institution, including the Executive Secretary of TETFund Sonny Echono, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and about eight Major Generals in the Nigerian Army, among others. There are currently serving high-ranking military officers still in the programme, along with former state governors and ministers.
“We believe that in the near future, this Centre will be instrumental in providing direction regarding leadership in Nigeria and will be pivotal in determining who becomes President, especially as we plan to transition to a permanent site. Africans will no longer need to go to ChaHham House to present their manifestos; ALC will provide that alternative.
“Our program effectively connects leadership theory with practice. Our lecturers are well-organized and experienced. The Centre has attracted notable Nigerians and international scholars to teach and engage with students throughout their time here, so you are in good hands,” Dahida assured.
General Lawrence Onoja (Rtd), one of the lecturers at the Centre, congratulated the students on their pursuit of further knowledge, stating, “There is no age limit on learning.”
Onoja urged the students to demonstrate good behavior and discipline, emphasizing that their pursuit of Master’s and Doctoral degrees should contribute to the body of knowledge.
He expressed the readiness of the lecturers to guide students through their academic journey while lamenting the pervasive corruption in the country and the system’s failure to punish wrongdoing.
Onoja pointed out that Nigeria is the only country that fought a civil war and has yet to draw the appropriate lessons from it.
His remarks included: “The reason policies fail in Nigeria is that they often neglect to consider various policy options. We have much to learn, which is why the government established the Abuja Leadership Centre.
“Remember, knowledge has no age limit. Do not be shy—knowledge benefits every society. Nigeria must develop the will to punish corrupt acts.
“As we move forward, discipline is crucial; attending your classes is important in this academic pursuit. Additionally, contributing to knowledge is another reason for your presence here.
“I assure you that lecturers will guide you through your coursework and research thesis until you satisfactorily complete your programmes and defend them in front of external examiners. Finally, I would like to welcome you to this great institution,” he stated.
No fewer than 100 students participated in the orientation exercise. Other scholars and lecturers present at the event included Prof. Tunde Akande, Prof. Adewale Banjo, Dr. Eze Ukauwa, Dr. Success Ademeso, among others.
