Senior Officer of the Nigerian Air Force and consultant gynecologist, Dr. Kolawole Olatokunbo, along with three others, has been awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Public Governance and Leadership, as well as Master’s Degrees in Policy and Strategic Studies at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as University of Abuja.
According to Professor Philip Dahida, the Director of the Centre, these academic achievements were attained following the candidates’ successful completion of all requirements, including the defense of their theses and dissertations on November 13, 2025, pending approval from the University’s Senate.
During the event, Barr. Oliver Ibeabuchi Ofordile, a Corporate Auditor at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and gender equality advocate Mulikat O. Atere were conferred with doctoral degrees in Public Governance and Leadership. Christopher Areghan Eichie earned a Master’s Degree in Policy and Strategic Studies.
After the conferment of the academic awards, the external examiner, Professor Linda Kwon-Ndung of the Federal University Lafia in Nasarawa State, congratulated the recipients and urged them to address all issues raised during their thesis defenses promptly. She emphasized the importance of being good ambassadors of the institution and representing themselves well in the larger society.
In reaction to his academic achievement, Dr. Kolawole Olatokunbo described earning his doctoral degree as “a dream come true.” He noted that challenges related to public governance and leadership continue to hinder national development.
Olatokunbo lamented the mass migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria, stating that his research thesis offers government solutions to the issues causing medical practitioners to leave Nigerian military health facilities and other public institutions for better opportunities abroad.
He urged the Federal Government to recognize that a healthy nation depends on a strong healthcare system, emphasizing that the government must focus on making the health system functional.
He stated, “There have been numerous recommendations, from improving our healthcare budget to providing better compensation packages for health workers, enhancing welfare, creating opportunities for professional training, and building better hospitals. If we implement these measures, healthcare workers will choose to stay, and Nigeria will benefit.”
Olatokunbo expressed, “Obtaining a PhD in Public Governance and Leadership has always been one of my dreams. I understand that a primary obstacle to our national development and progress is the absence of effective leadership and governance.”
Barrister Oliver Ibeabuchi Ofordile, another recipient, praised the Centre for Knowledge Acquisition and assured that he would leverage his education for the benefit of society.
Regarding Nigeria’s approach to public accountability, the Chartered Accountant called on President Bola Tinubu to strengthen and ensure the independence of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.
He stated, “The Auditor General’s office should be well-resourced, and the recruitment of auditors should be modernized. Auditors must possess the necessary skills. The biggest challenge we face in Nigeria is the independence of auditors; the president must guarantee their autonomy and ensure that their audit reports are implemented with appropriate sanctions when necessary.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that God has granted me to become a PhD holder, lawyer, and corporate auditor at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). I intend to use this opportunity to contribute to society. Leadership and governance are innate gifts, and academics will help perfect these skills,” Ofordile said.
Another PhD recipient in Public Governance and Leadership, Mulikat O. Atere, called for the deliberate inclusion of women in governance and leadership roles.
She remarked, “Achieving this doctoral degree means a lot to me; it represents a height I never dreamed I would reach. I am grateful to God, my husband, and my children. I hope to utilize this degree effectively.
“My study and research can significantly benefit our society, especially now that there is a growing campaign for gender inclusion and equality in governance. My research aims to ensure that women have a voice in governance and policymaking. It is crucial to engage political, religious, and traditional leaders and encourage them to recognize the importance of giving women opportunities to lead at all levels.”
Atere added, “I urge the government to deliberately enact laws that promote women’s leadership positions in Nigeria, with the support of the judiciary and legal framework.”
The Abuja Leadership Centre is a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership both in Nigeria and beyond.
