NIPSS Dismisses Allegation Of Institutionalised Bullying, Abuse

The National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, has rejected its characterisation as an organisation where bullying is institutionalised.

NIPSS through its head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the institute does not condone bullying, harassment, intimidation, humiliation or the abuse of authority.

There were media reports and public commentary alleging institutional bullying at the Institute, particularly in connection with the experience of a former participant of the Senior Executive Course 47 (SEC 47), 2025.

But NIPSS in a statement yesterday, inisisted that it respects the rights of individuals to express their experiences, perceptions and opinions.

Samuel, who signed the statement, said it is important to place the issues in their proper institutional and factual context.

The Nigeria’s apex policy think tank maintained that the enforcement of established rules, correction of misconduct and application of prescribed disciplinary procedures were legitimate components of institutional governance and leadership development.

“Such processes, when undertaken in accordance with established rules and due process, should not be conflated with bullying simply because they may be difficult, uncomfortable or contested by those to whom they apply.”

The Institute further maintained that some of the issues currently being revisited in the public domain have already been subjected to judicial scrutiny.

“In its judgment delivered on 29 June 2026, the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed the suit brought against NIPSS in relation to the former participant’s withdrawal from Senior Executive Course 47.”

According to him, the judgment addressed the circumstances surrounding the matter, including the Institute’s exercise of its disciplinary authority and the process followed in dealing with the case.

The statement explained that the Institute considers this judicial determination an important part of the factual record and urges commentators and members of the public to take it into account when discussing the matter.

“NIPSS is, however, not opposed to criticism, scrutiny or constructive institutional reflection. Indeed, credible institutions must remain open to legitimate criticism and continuously examine their practices.

“What the Institute cannot accept is the portrayal of contested allegations as established facts or the suggestion that the existence of disciplinary action, in itself, constitutes evidence of institutional bullying.”

He also stated that NIPSS owes the country the responsibility of training leaders and decision-makers who understand and embody the principles of integrity, discipline, accountability, fairness, intellectual excellence, self-restraint and respect for human dignity.

According to the statement these are not optional attributes of leadership; they are fundamental to the responsible exercise of authority and the advancement of national development.

“Those who aspire to leadership must therefore recognise that these principles are essential to the trust and responsibility entrusted to anyone called upon to lead, whether in public service, the private sector or any other sphere of national life.”

The statement further stated that the Institute will continue to discharge its mandate responsibly and transparently, confident in its institutional processes and committed to the continuous improvement of the Institute in the service of Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP reports that the National Institute is a foremost institution for strategic leadership development. Since its establishment, the Institute has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing senior professionals from diverse sectors of national life for higher responsibilities in public service, national development and leadership.

The Senior Executive Course (SEC) is designed to be rigorous and demanding, with emphasis on intellectual discipline, leadership, accountability, ethical conduct, self-restraint and responsibility.