How Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s Public Leaders Programme Is Driving Reforms – Salami

A public service expert at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Siaka Salami, has explained how the AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP) is opening doors for young Nigerian leaders and equipping them with digital innovation skills to drive public sector reforms.

He noted that public service in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. Every day, thousands of committed civil servants enter ministries, departments, and agencies determined to improve systems that millions of Nigerians rely on. However, the reality is that even the most dedicated public servants often face deeply entrenched bureaucratic structures, limited resources, and complex political environments.

According to him, many public servants aspire to reform their institutions but lack the frameworks, tools, and networks needed to translate ambition into sustainable change. This, he said, is precisely why programmes like the Aig-Imoukhuede Public Leaders Programme (PLP) are critical, he said.”

“These programmes do not simply train public servants; they equip them with the intellectual tools, strategic mindset, and confidence required to lead reform in complex public systems,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal experience, Salami stated that two years ago, he was like many mid-career public servants—eager to contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s development but uncertain about how to transition from operational effectiveness to transformational leadership.

“The PLP became the bridge that enabled that transition,” he added.

Salami described the AIG Public Leaders Programme as more than a routine professional course. Over six months, participants are immersed in a rigorous curriculum delivered in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford.

“The programme challenges participants to rethink how the government works and how it can work better,” he said. “It begins with intellectually demanding coursework that exposes participants to cutting-edge ideas in public leadership, policy design, ethics, negotiation, and institutional reform.”

He explained that the sessions are designed not only to teach theory but also to connect it to the everyday realities of governance in Nigeria.

“One of the most demanding aspects of the programme, he noted, is the Capstone Reform Project, which requires each participant to design a real reform initiative within their organisation, he said.

“This is not a mere academic exercise; it is an applied policy intervention meant to address a concrete governance problem,” he explained.

Participants also take part in an intensive residential week in Abuja, which he described as transformative. According to him, the experience allows reform-minded public servants from across the country to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and build lasting professional networks.

Salami recalled that one of his most significant breakthroughs came during sessions on digital transformation in government.

“Before the programme, I viewed digital systems primarily from an operational standpoint. The PLP helped me understand digital transformation as institutional redesign—where technology, combined with policy thinking, becomes a tool for transparency, efficiency, and improved service delivery,” he said.

From Practitioner to Policy Architect, Salami described what he termed the programme’s “Full Stretch” as one of its most unique features in Africa. Excelling participants may qualify for the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Scholarship, which supports outstanding graduates to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Oxford.

He described the transition from implementing reforms in Nigeria to studying at Oxford as transformative.

“It is not merely a change of geography but a shift in perspective,” he said. “At Oxford, public servants engage with global policymakers and scholars, examining how governments design institutions, implement reforms, and navigate complex challenges.”

According to him, the experience elevates participants from practitioners to policy architects capable of driving systemic change.

Salami emphasised that the PLP is not just about training individuals but about transforming institutions. He revealed that the programme has over 300 alumni who have collectively implemented more than 200 reform projects across Nigeria’s public sector.

He cited examples, including a nationwide sexual harassment policy within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which introduced reporting mechanisms and protections for over 800,000 corps members annually.

Another project in Lagos Primary Healthcare improved patient flow, reducing waiting times from 82 minutes to under 30 minutes while increasing capacity from 1,500 to 4,500 patients monthly.

Other initiatives, he added, have enhanced digital regulatory platforms, strengthened financial intelligence systems, and supported export strategies for small businesses.

“These reforms demonstrate that effective leadership in government can produce measurable impact,” he said.

Salami stressed that Nigeria’s development depends not only on policies but also on the people who design and implement them.

“Strong institutions require leaders who understand systems and how to improve them. Programmes like the PLP cultivate this kind of leadership,” he said.

He added that the insights gained from the programme continue to shape his approach to public sector transformation, particularly in digital governance, institutional performance management, and policy innovation.

A Message to Public Servants: Salami encouraged mid- to senior-level public servants (Grade Level 12–17) and leaders in government institutions to apply for the programme.

He advised prospective applicants to: Be authentic and clearly define the governance problems they want to solve.

Demonstrate leadership and initiative. Focus on the impact of their proposed reforms

He also urged applicants to apply early, noting that the process is highly competitive.

A Transformative Opportunity; Reflecting on his journey, Salami described applying for the programme as one of the most important decisions of his career.

“The AIG Public Leaders Programme is more than a training opportunity; it is a platform for transforming public leadership in Nigeria,” he said.

“If you believe our public institutions can work better and want to be part of the generation that strengthens them, then this opportunity is for you. I was once in your position—the difference is that I took the step to apply.”