A leadership academy established in the memory of Lateef Jakande, the former governor of Lagos State is set to start operations in the new year as the framework for its operations has been finalized. This follows a recent announcement by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, concerning the establishment of the academy.
On March 17th, 2021, the Governor announced that Lagos State will set up a Leadership and Fellowship academy to immortalize the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor who died on February 11, 2021. He also mentioned that the academy will be backed by an Act of the House of Assembly.
According to him, the academy will be a post-secondary School of Leadership and Governance for youths from all over Nigeria to learn the tenets and practice of leadership through the distinguished qualities and values bequeathed by the late Jakande, the Lagos State Governor from 1979 to 1983.
Nine months down the line, the internal structuring and operational framework have been set out. A staff in the Ministry of Establishments, Training, and Pensions clarified that while the framework underscores the focus, goals, and operational guidelines of the academy, it also emphasizes the criteria for the selection of the fellows.
More information was obtained by newsmen in an academy’s internal document. It was gathered that the academy would serve as a platform to grow a generation of transformational leaders, by equipping them with the necessary skills to positively influence the public service and inculcating in them the ethics and principles of decisive leadership through direct mentoring and on-the-job exercises.
It went on to describe how the fellowship would give the youths an opportunity to support Nigeria’s recovery efforts through inclusive and sustainable development solutions and policy-making.
A notable climax in the leadership journey of the aspiring fellows would be the opportunity for fellows to function as special assistants to Lagos State in particular ministries or agencies. This will offer a rare chance for the young Nigerians to actively participate in government and national development
The information about the leadership team of the academy is not fully known as of now, but concerted efforts are underway to engage motivated young Nigerians for the academy, which is officially reported to fully start operations in February 2022.
This innovative institute will be a novel approach to meet the clamour of young Nigerians to be involved in leadership.