Nigeria is facing a crisis of governance, with widespread corruption, insecurity, and poverty. But a group of experts and graduates are determined to change that. They are part of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), a program that aims to develop a new generation of political leaders who will listen and serve the people.
The SPPG celebrated its 2023 cohort of graduates in a grand ceremony in Abuja over the weekend, where they received inspiring messages from prominent speakers. The speakers urged the graduates to strive for positive change and accountability in Nigerian governance, and to uphold the values of character, evidence, resilience, tirelessness, integrity, and non-negotiable values.
The SPPG was founded in 2020 by Alero Ayida-Otobo, a former World Bank consultant and policy expert. She said the school was designed to address the gap between the expectations of the citizens and the performance of the government. She also thanked the MacArthur Foundation, Arise News, and the Gerrad Olisa-Asha (GOA) Foundation for their support.
The SPPG offers a 10-month intensive course that covers topics such as political economy, public policy, leadership, ethics, and communication. The curriculum is delivered by local and international faculty members who have extensive experience in politics, policy-making, and leadership. The students also engage in practical projects and field trips to learn from best practices.
The graduates of the SPPG come from diverse backgrounds and professions, such as law, engineering, media, education, health, and civil society. They share a common vision of transforming Nigeria’s governance and creating a better future for themselves and their fellow citizens.
One of the graduates, Ndidi Justina Edeoghon, who won the Benjamin and Cecilia Ujubuonu 21st Century Leadership Award, said she joined the program because she was deeply concerned about the Nigerian economy. She said the program equipped her with the skills to know what to avoid, how to avoid it, and what to do more of.
Another graduate, Abubakar Musa, who works as a journalist, said he learned how to communicate effectively with different stakeholders and how to influence public opinion. He said he also gained a network of like-minded peers who will support him in his endeavors.
The SPPG has been praised by many observers as a timely and innovative initiative that can help Nigeria overcome its challenges and achieve its potential. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister of education and co-founder of Transparency International, said Africa’s change is certain and inevitable, but it will not happen without correcting the anomalies. She encouraged the graduates to stand on character and make history.
Dr. Yetunde Anibaba, the dean of faculty at SPPG, echoed this sentiment and envisioned a future where peace and justice reign in Nigeria and Africa. She told the graduates: “Make no mistake, we will rewrite the history of this nation and continent, and when that history is read, I hope you’ll be on the right side of it.”
Source: Vanguard
