By Felix Khanoba
The acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, has underscored the critical role of leadership development in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Speaking during the 5th Induction Ceremony for postgraduate students at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), on Tuesday, Prof. Maikudi reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and the cultivation of future leaders.
While commending the centre’s leadership and staff for their pivotal contributions to shaping the nation’s future leaders, the acting Vice Chancellor reminded the inductees of their dual responsibilities as members of a university that champions integrity, discipline, and respect.
“I commend the centre’s leadership and staff for their unwavering commitment to excellence and their role in shaping the future leaders of our nation.
“As we embark on this academic journey, I want to remind you that being a student of the University of Abuja comes with both privileges and responsibilities. You are now part of an institution that upholds the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and respect,” Prof. Maikudi said.
Reflecting on the event’s theme, “Nigeria: Strategies for National Rebirth,” Prof. Maikudi urged the new students to rise to the occasion by becoming transformative leaders capable of driving positive change across the country.
She also encouraged them to consider how their contributions could further the university’s growth and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
The acting VC stressed the importance of adhering to the university’s values and regulations, saying, “Let this guiding principle steer you in all your endeavours, both within and outside the university.”
On his part, the Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Philip Afaha, highlighted the centre’s distinctive approach, which relies on its strong reputation.
He noted the centre’s commitment to training leaders across various sectors, including government, military, and industry.
Prof. Afaha, who also serves as UniAbuja’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), called for greater investment in Nigerian institutions and questioned the need for seeking education abroad.
He emphasized that the centre is addressing Nigeria’s leadership crisis and that the country has the capacity to provide the necessary knowledge and expertise domestically.
“Nigeria is one of the most educated nations on earth, so why do we continually seek knowledge abroad?” Prof. Afaha asked. “It’s time we stopped exporting our wealth in pursuit of knowledge that we can easily acquire domestically. We must start valuing our own educational institutions.”
He further described the Abuja Leadership Centre as a seed with the potential to grow far beyond the University of Abuja, eventually rivaling the world’s most prestigious institutions.
One of the event’s keynote speakers, Engr. Mu’azu Magaji, echoed this sentiment, stating that despite Nigeria’s numerous challenges, the country can be reborn through collective efforts.
He advocated for the introduction of “Development Federalism”—a 25-year transitional framework aimed at maintaining functional equilibrium in the federal system and leveraging regional advantages.
In a separate presentation, Dr. Umar Bindir, the first keynote speaker, identified challenges across various sectors of the economy and suggested ways to address them through enhanced leadership systems.
The AUTHORITY reports that the ALC, established at UniAbuja in 2020, is a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership. Since its inception, the centre has grown significantly, offering specialized Master’s and Ph.D. programmes in leadership.
