By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, former President of the 9th Senate, has completed the prestigious ‘Leadership in Crises’ executive education programme at Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. This intensive five-day course, led by renowned faculty chairs Herman B. (Dutch) Leonard and Arnold Howitt, equipped Lawan with critical insights into crisis management, leadership resilience, and strategic decision-making.
Lawan gained valuable knowledge on navigating complex challenges, including public health crises, natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and technological disruptions, while the programme examined real-world crises, such as Japan’s Triple Catastrophe, Tuscaloosa’s Tornado Response (2011), Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster, highlighting essential principles like cross-boundary collaboration, situational awareness, and decisive leadership.
Lawan emphasized the importance of continuous leadership development, ensuring Nigeria benefits from global best practices in governance and crisis response, just he expressed his appreciation for the knowledge gained, stating: “I am honoured to have participated in this world-class programme.”
While extending his gratitude to Harvard Kennedy School, the faculty, and fellow participants, he added: “As we face evolving global and national challenges, I remain committed to applying these lessons in the service of our dear country at all times.”
As a seasoned politician and former lecturer, Lawan served as the 14th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2019 to 2023, representing Yobe North Senatorial District. He has also held various positions, including Senate Majority Leader and Member of the House of Representatives.
Harvard Kennedy School offers a range of executive education programmes, including the ‘Leadership in Crises’ course, designed to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex challenges. With a focus on practical application and real-world scenarios, Harvard’s executive education programmes are highly regarded globally.
