The University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and the Citadel School of Government (CSG) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to launch an Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft aimed at addressing Nigeria’s leadership and governance challenges.
The signing took place at the Senate Chambers of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and was attended by senior officials, faculty members, and invited guests.
Executive Director of ULBS, Professor Mike Adebamowo, described the collaboration as a visionary effort rooted in a shared commitment to national transformation.
He said the agreement would give rise to two innovative programmes—the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, and the Certificate in Local Governance and Administration.
“The vision of CSG is centered on cultivating principled, capable, and visionary public leaders equipped to govern at all tiers of government,” Adebamowo said.
“ULBS remains committed to raising world-class leaders prepared to navigate and shape our dynamic world with strategic foresight and integrity.”
Founder of the Citadel School of Government, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said the programme was the result of a vision conceived over seven years ago to provide structured training for a new generation of public leaders.
He said the diploma would combine academic instruction with practical leadership experience.
He explained that the programme would be delivered through a partnership where ULBS provides academic expertise and certification, while the Citadel School of Government supplies experienced practitioners from politics, civil society, public administration, and corporate sectors. This approach, he said, would ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world insights.
“The gap between Nigeria’s governance challenges and the available leadership capacity is glaring,” Bakare said, adding, “We must address this with the right tools — knowledge and skill.”
To increase accessibility, Bakare announced a tuition subsidy for the pioneer class, reducing the programme fee from N4 million to N500,000, payable in two instalments.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the partnership as a timely intervention in leadership development, especially given Nigeria’s youthful population.
“Leadership is a choice. While some may have natural traits, we believe it can and must be taught,” she said.
“With over 25 percent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, we must start now to shape the future,” she added.
Ogunsola further stressed that leadership must be cultivated at all levels of society, including the public and private sectors, universities, and local governments.
The programme is expected to commence later this year and aims to equip participants with ethical leadership values, strategic thinking, and public service competence. It will target professionals, aspiring public servants, policy advocates, and young leaders committed to driving positive change in Nigeria.
