ULBS, Citadel School of Governance Launch Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft

The University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), in partnership with the Citadel School of Governance (CSG), an initiative of the Citadel Global Community Church, has formally inaugurated the Advanced Diploma Programme in Public Leadership and Statecraft.

The ceremony took place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Citadel School of Governance Auditorium, Lagos.

Seventy (70) pioneering participants were welcomed into the nine-month programme, which is designed to raise a new generation of ethical, competent, and visionary leaders for Nigeria and Africa. The event drew the participation of academics, policymakers, government officials, and civil society stakeholders, all emphasizing the urgent need for leadership renewal.

In his address, Executive Director of ULBS, Professor Mike Adebamowo, stressed the importance of ethical and pragmatic leadership in Nigeria’s governance landscape. “This collaboration became imperative because we are facing complex governance challenges that demand not just technical know-how, but visionary leadership rooted in ethics and integrity,” he said.

Professor Adebamowo noted that ULBS is committed to producing global-standard leaders capable of transforming public and private institutions. He highlighted ULBS’s international affiliations, including membership in the Business Graduate Association (BGA, London), Association of African Business Schools (AABS), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), as proof of its dedication to excellence in leadership education.

Executive Director of CSG, Mr. Omoaholo Omoakhalen, traced the spiritual foundation of the initiative to a prophetic dream received by Pastor Tunde Bakare, Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church. He recalled, “On September 11, 2024, I was tasked by Pastor Bakare with the divine responsibility of translating that dream into reality.” According to him, the CSG is dedicated to training leaders in the art and science of governance, policy design, and nation-building.

In his remarks, Pastor Bakare, the visionary behind the programme, explained that the diploma is more than an academic pursuit. “The 9-month programme goes beyond earning a certificate. It is a call to embody integrity, service, and accountability—the true hallmarks of leadership and statecraft. Leadership must be more than power; it must be purpose-driven, people-centered, and principle-based,” he said.

Former Minister of Education and governance advocate, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, delivered a goodwill message urging participants to rise above tokenism and embrace the leadership Nigeria urgently requires.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, also encouraged the participants to act as change-makers in every sphere of their influence.

The Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft was formally launched on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between ULBS and CSG at the University of Lagos Senate Chambers. The programme, which consists of twelve courses taught by internationally renowned academics and seasoned practitioners, is targeted at mid-career professionals, policymakers, and public servants.

At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate jointly awarded by ULBS and CSG, equipping them with the skills to navigate complex governance challenges and to lead with foresight and moral clarity.