The University of Abuja Leadership Center is set to redefine leadership training in Nigeria as it expands its influence and ushers in a new era of academic excellence.
At its 5th Induction Ceremony, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, emphasised the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development as it welcomed a new cohort of students.
The induction ceremony was held under the themed “Nigeria: Strategies for National Rebirth.
Speaking, Maikudi commended the center’s leadership and staff for their role in shaping the nation’s future leaders and reminded students of their responsibilities as members of an institution that upholds the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and respect.
“I commend the center’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,” she stated.
Maikudi also encouraged students to consider how they could contribute to the university’s growth and development, stressing the importance of building a legacy that benefits future generations. She urged the students to adhere strictly to the university’s regulations and values.
“Let this guiding principle steer you in all your endeavors, both within and outside the university.”
She further expressed confidence in the students’ potential and wished them success in their academic journey.
The Director of the Leadership Center, Prof. Philip Afaha, highlighted the center’s unique model, which thrives on reputation rather than traditional advertising, and its dedication to training leaders across various sectors, including government, military, and industry.
He called for greater investment in Nigerian institutions and challenged the trend of seeking education abroad, emphasizing the center’s role in addressing Nigeria’s leadership crisis.
Afaha said with over 600 students enrolled, the center is poised to become a beacon of leadership training in Africa.
He outlined the center’s mission to conduct research and train Nigerians and Africans in leadership and public governance, emphasizing that leadership is the major challenge facing Nigeria and Africa.
He also encouraged people to invest in local institutions rather than sending money abroad for education, arguing that Nigeria has the capacity to provide the knowledge and expertise needed to address its challenges.
Afaha similarly, emphasised the need for Nigerians to seek education abroad, noting that the resources used in foreign countries are often provided by Nigerians.
“Nigeria is one of the most educated nations on earth, so why do we continually seek knowledge abroad? How can we justify spending millions of naira to send Nigerians abroad for workshops and seminars when we have the expertise right here at home? 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 asserted.
He emphasised that the Abuja Leadership Center is a seed that will grow far beyond the University of Abuja, with the potential to surpass even the most prestigious global institutions.
