Nigeria is at a defining moment. With the largest youth population in Africa, the country holds immense potential to shape the future of the continent and beyond. But potential alone is not enough. Without deliberate investment in human capital—developing skilled, ethical, and visionary leaders—Nigeria risks missing out on its own promise.
In a rapidly evolving global economy, the true measure of a nation’s strength is not just its natural resources but the calibre of its people. The question is no longer if Nigeria should invest in leadership development, but how quickly it can do so to secure its future.
The UNDP report indicates a decline in Nigeria’s Human Development Index since 2019, highlighting gaps in education and leadership development. Research in the Journal of Leadership and Human Resources Development emphasises the importance of quality leaders in nurturing talent and preventing stagnation in a competitive world.
Building a new leadership pipeline
This is precisely the challenge that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) is tackling head-on. Designed to mould a new generation of forward-thinking leaders, the Academy equips young Nigerians with the technical expertise, ethical grounding, and innovative mindset needed for public service. Under my leadership, LJLA is not just training future leaders; it is instilling a culture where investing in human capital is seen as the backbone of national progress.
Why leadership development cannot wait
Education remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. According to a 2023 report by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the country faces a staggering teacher deficit of 950,000 and a shortfall of 20,000 classrooms. This educational crisis threatens to hinder the nation’s ability to equip the next generation with the skills required to compete globally.
Leadership development provides a direct solution. A well-trained workforce, guided by capable leadership, translates into higher national productivity, stronger institutions, and sustainable economic growth. History has shown that nations that prioritise talent cultivation rise to global prominence. Nigeria must follow suit.
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Model for transformational leadership
Recognising the urgency of leadership development, LJLA has adopted a structured, multi-faceted approach to training and mentorship. The Academy’s model integrates rigorous training, hands-on experience, and community-driven initiatives, ensuring that young Nigerians are not just learning leadership in theory but applying it in practice.
Notable initiatives include quarterly leadership seminars—adopting the learning curriculum from the Aspen Institute, an organisation with a focus to drive change and solve the greatest challenges through dialogue, leadership, and action. These forums provide fellows with a platform for engaging discussions, networking, and exposure to groundbreaking ideas.
The Brown Bag Series offers a unique opportunity for direct engagement with policymakers and government officials, offering deep insights into public administration and governance.
Ministries, Departments, and Agencies Placements—where fellows are embedded in key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across Lagos State, gaining hands-on experience in governance and public service.
Community Impact Projects—from education to entrepreneurship and social justice, fellows are tasked with developing and executing impactful solutions to real-world problems. In 2024, LJLA fellows launched the EKO Laws Simplifier App, making legal information more accessible to Lagos residents and enhancing legal literacy.
International Policy Trips—To broaden their perspectives and present them with an opportunity to learn from the development strategies of other nations, the Academy organises international policy trips for its fellows. The 2023/2024 cohort visited India to understand the country’s journey in economic scaling, foreign policy, urban development, and implementation strategies.
Leadership Mentorship Cycle—a recently introduced initiative designed to achieve personal and professional growth among the fellows through structured one-on-one mentorship from accomplished individuals.
LJLA’s alumni speak volumes about its impact. One former fellow noted that the Brown Bag Series, Fireside Chats, and leadership seminars challenged his perspective and equipped him with invaluable tools for leadership success.
Scaling leadership development beyond Lagos
While Lagos has set the pace, leadership development must become a national priority. A country is only as strong as its leaders, and if Nigeria is to thrive, leadership training must be scaled beyond state-level initiatives. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deserves commendation for prioritising human capital in a way that extends beyond rhetoric. The LJLA is not just preparing young people for leadership; it is laying the foundation for a more capable, forward-thinking Nigeria.
The real question is: How do we take this further?
Leadership development should not be the government’s responsibility alone. The private sector, civil society, and educational institutions must step up to create more opportunities for young leaders. If we fail to invest in leadership today, we will continue to suffer the consequences tomorrow.
Nigeria’s future will not be shaped by luck—it will be defined by the calibre of those who lead it. Thanks to LJLA, that future is already taking shape—one fellow at a time.
Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade is executive secretary at Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.
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