Centre Names Governance Institute After Ex-SGF, Gidado Idris

Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has launched the Alhaji Gidado Idris Institute of Governance and Public Policy, as part of its work to strengthen governance and public institutions.

The late Idris was one of Nigeria’s distinguished public servants, whose service spanned the late colonial period and successive civilian and military administrations. He served in several senior positions, including as permanent secretary and secretary to the government of the federation  (SGF).

The new institute will serve as Athena’s platform for research, policy dialogue and public engagement on institutional effectiveness, public-sector reform, and accountability, according to a statement from Athena’s communications officer, Paul Liam.

Athena Centre, in its statement, also announced the appointment of three institute directors and a new head of the Athena Election Observatory, as part of a broader leadership expansion across governance, education, health, and electoral reform.

The appointments are Dr Christiantus I. Anyanwu, Director of the Alhaji Gidado Idris Institute of Governance and Public Policy; Professor Temitayo Shenkoya, Director of the Arthur Nwankwo Institute for Education and Intellectual Freedom; Dr Danjuma Iyaji, Director of the Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Institute for Health and Social Equity; and Sarah Eke, Head of the Athena Election Observatory.

Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, said the new Institute reflects the Centre’s view that Africa’s challenge is fundamentally institutional.

He, according to the statement, said national transformation depends not only on sound policies, but also on strong institutions capable of implementing them effectively.

“Nations” do not transform because they have more policies; they transform because they build stronger institutions capable of implementing those policies with integrity, competence and public accountability.

The Alhaji Gidado Idris Institute is our contribution to that institutional future. It is a future in which government works more effectively for citizens, public trust is strengthened, and evidence consistently informs decision-making.”

Commenting on the appointments, Chidoka said the new leadership team reflects the Centre’s commitment to combining academic excellence with practical policy expertise.

“Our ambition is not simply to produce research. It is to produce ideas that influence policy, institutions that strengthen governance, and leaders who transform society. These appointments represent an investment in that mission.”