In a landmark collaboration poised to redefine public leadership in Nigeria, the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and the Citadel School of Government (CSG) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to launch an innovative programme in Public Leadership and Statecraft.
The ceremony, held at the prestigious Senate Chambers of the University of Lagos, drew academia’s finest, industry leaders, public administrators, and media representatives, all witnessing what many hailed as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s leadership development landscape.
A Visionary Partnership for National Transformation
The Executive Director of ULBS, Professor Mike Adebamowo, set the tone with his opening remarks, describing the collaboration as “a visionary alliance rooted in shared commitment to national transformation.” He credited the initiative to the foresight of the Founder/ Board Chairman of CSG, Pastor Tunde Bakare and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, whose leadership he praised as “future-ready.”
The Memorandum of Agreement, he explained, represents “the convergence of two bold visions”, one dedicated to cultivating capable, ethical leaders equipped to rebuild Nigeria’s public institutions. The partnership will birth two flagship programmes: the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft and the Certificate in Local Governance and Administration.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone in shaping Nigeria’s leadership future”, Prof. Adebamowo declared.
UNILAG’s Commitment to Early Leadership Development
Taking the podium, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on the institution’s ethos, “In Truth and In Deed”, and its alignment with the programme’s mission.
Her words: “Leadership training shouldn’t begin with those already in office; it must start early, with the next generation. That’s why UNILAG is proud to partner with Pastor Tunde Bakare and CSG to tackle this critical need.”
She emphasized the universal relevance of the programme being launched, and affirmed that “Public leadership sets the tone for national progress. This course is for everyone, today’s learners and tomorrow’s nation-shapers.”
Bridging Nigeria’s Leadership Gap
In his address, Founder of the CSG who is a 1980 Law alumnus of UNILAG, Pastor Tunde Bakare traced his leadership journey to his formative years at the university.
“Those years taught me that the ivory tower isn’t just an intellectual shrine but a cradle for practical leadership training,” he reminisced.
Pastor Bakare revealed that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was the “institutional actualization of a seven-year vision” born from his burden over Nigeria’s governance challenges. The ULBS-CSG partnership, he said, would offer students “the best of both worlds”: world-class faculty and hands-on practitioners in governance and corporate strategy.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Bakare unveiled an 87.5% tuition subsidy for the pioneer cohort, slashing the programme fee from ₦4 million to ₦500,000, payable in two instalments.
“This isn’t just a course; it’s a belief that Nigeria can work. We are equipping those called to rebuild nations,” he proclaimed.
Sealing the Pact, Opening Applications
Amid media flashes, the MOA was signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; the Registrar, Mrs Abosede Wickliffe; Founder/Chairman of the Board, Citadel School of Government, Pastor Tunde Bakare; and the Secretary of CSG, Mr. Tope Adebayo, Esq. Pastor Bakare was accompanied to the signing event by his amiable wife, Mrs. Olayide Bakare.
The event concluded with the announcement that application portal for the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft was now open at https://citadelschoolofgovernment.org/advanced-diploma-in-public-leadership-and-statecraft-application-form-2025-2026-academic-session/, with a deadline of August 8, 2025.
The nine-month programme will feature twelve courses taught by globally renowned academics and seasoned governance practitioners, culminating in a Capstone Project and a certificate jointly awarded by ULBS and CSG.
A New Dawn for African Leadership
For decades, leadership deficits have stifled Africa’s progress. But with initiatives like the UNILAG-CSG partnership, the continent’s narrative is being rewritten, one visionary leader at a time.
As Pastor Bakare aptly put it: “Nigeria’s rebirth begins with those who dare to lead differently.”
For inquiries or applications:
Visit: www.citadelschoolofgovernment.org
Email: [email protected]
Call: 0803 278 8749 | 0706 656 5246
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
