The Citadel School of Government (CSG), in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), invites applications for the 2026 cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft (ADPLS).
Designed for current and aspiring public leaders, policymakers, public servants, political actors, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders, the ADPLS combines academic rigour with practical governance exposure to prepare participants for impactful leadership in government, politics, public institutions, and society.
Whether your goal is to strengthen your leadership capacity, deepen your understanding of governance and public policy, prepare for elected or appointed office, or contribute more effectively to national development, the Citadel School of Government offers a unique platform for learning, mentorship, networking, and professional growth.
Applications are now open for the Onsite, Online, and Microcredential pathways of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft.
The Citadel School of Government was established to bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of governance, public leadership, politics, policy-making, and institutional transformation.
The pioneer cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft (ADPLS) benefited from a unique blend of academic instruction, practitioner engagement, mentorship, and access to influential leaders across government, politics, business, diplomacy, and civil society.
Participants were exposed not only to classroom learning but also to exclusive governance conversations, leadership dialogues, and mentorship opportunities that provided practical insights into how public institutions are led, how policy is shaped, and how change is achieved within complex political environments.
Members of the pioneer class benefited from:·
- Exclusive participation in the CSG Dialogue Series, which brought participants into the room with former ministers, ambassadors, senior public officials, governance reformers, policy leaders, and other distinguished national figures.
- Structured mentorship engagements with accomplished leaders including former governors, former principal officers of the House of Representatives, former cabinet-level appointees, civil society leaders, business executives, and experienced public servants.
- Practitioner-led sessions facilitated by renowned experts from government, the private sector, academia, development institutions, and civic organisations.· Opportunities to engage directly with individuals who have led public sector reforms, managed major institutions, contested elections, negotiated policy outcomes, and influenced national development.
- Membership in a growing network of governance-minded professionals, political actors, public servants, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders committed to advancing better governance outcomes in Nigeria and across Africa.
- Exposure to real-world governance challenges through case studies, policy discussions, leadership clinics, simulations, and interactive learning experiences.
The ADPLS is designed to cultivate not only knowledge, but also the networks, perspectives, practical insights, and leadership capabilities required for effective public service and governance.
The flagship ADPLS is an intensive governance leadership programme designed for individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of public leadership, governance, public policy, political economy, statecraft, and institutional transformation.
Duration: 10 Months (September 2026 – July 2027)
Delivery Format: Physical Classes
Class Schedule: Saturdays
Certification: Jointly awarded by the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and the Citadel School of Government (CSG)
Tuition: ₦1,000,000 (payable in instalments)
The Online ADPLS delivers the same curriculum through the Citadel School of Government Learning Management System, combining live virtual classes, recorded sessions, self-paced learning resources, and interactive discussions.This option is ideal for participants residing outside Lagos, outside Nigeria, or those requiring greater scheduling flexibility.
Duration: 10 Months
Delivery Format: Online
Certification: Jointly awarded by ULBS and CSG
Tuition: ₦2,000,000 (payable in instalments)
The Microcredential pathway allows participants to take individual courses within the ADPLS programme and earn certificates for each completed course.Participants may subsequently stack these certificates towards the full Advanced Diploma over time, allowing them to progress at a pace that aligns with their professional commitments.This option is particularly suited for busy professionals, senior executives, public officials, and emerging leaders seeking focused learning opportunities.
Delivery Format: Online
Fee: ₦350,000 per course
The programmes are designed for:
- Public servants and government officials
- Political office holders and aspiring political leaders
- Legislative aides and policy advisers
- Civil society leaders and advocates
- Development practitioners
- Political party officials
- Public policy professionals
- Entrepreneurs interested in public leadership
- Governance advocates and reformers
- Community leaders
- Professionals seeking to transition into governance, politics, public administration, or public service
Applicants should possess:
Minimum Educational Qualification
A recognised tertiary qualification from an accredited institution. Exceptional applicants with lower academic qualifications, albeit with significant participation in politics, governance, or civic leadership, will be considered.
Leadership and Governance Potential
The admissions process places significant emphasis on an applicant’s readiness for governance and public leadership. Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Commitment to public service
- Leadership experience or potential
- Community engagement
- Capacity to contribute meaningfully to public life and societal development
- Experience or interest in at least one of CSG’s seven spheres of governance, including Policy Craft/Policy Entrepreneurship, Public Administration, Partisan Politics, Jurisprudence & Legislative Governance, Citizens’ Engagement, Civic Rights Advocacy, and Corporate Governance & Social Enterprise
Minimum Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Before commencing your application, please ensure that you have the following information readily available:
Personal Information
- Full legal name
- Valid email address
- Active telephone number
- Date of birth
- Gender
Contact Information
- Residential address
- City, state, and country of residence
Guardian, Sponsor, or Next of Kin Information
Applicants will be required to provide:
- Guardian or sponsor’s name and telephone number
- Next of kin’s name, telephone number, and email address
Statement of Purpose
Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Purpose of not more than 200 words explaining:
- Why they wish to join the programme
- Their interest in governance and public leadership
- Their professional and leadership aspirations
- How participation in the programme aligns with their future goals
Academic Record
Applicants will be required to provide details of their educational background, including:
- Institutions attended
- Qualifications obtained
- Years of completion
Professional Experience
Applicants may provide information on their employment and leadership experience, including:
- Employer or organisation
- Position held
- Duration of service
- Employment status
References
Applicants are required to provide contact details of referees who can attest to their character, leadership potential, professional experience, or commitment to public service. Required information includes:
- Name
- Telephone number
- Email address
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of ₦10,000 is payable online through the application portal.
Applicant Declaration and Data Protection Consent
Applicants will be required to:
- Consent to the collection and processing of personal data for admissions and enrolment purposes
- Agree to the programme’s terms and conditions
- Acknowledge that the application fee is non-refundable
The Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft combines academic and practitioner-oriented learning through a carefully designed programme structure.
Participants undertake courses across key governance and leadership domains, including:
1. Principles of Public Leadership
2. Governance and Statecraft
3. Public Policy Design and Analysis
4. Ethics and Accountability in Governance
5. Strategic Management in the Public Sector
6. Political Economy and Development
7. Security, Diplomacy, and National Interest
8. Digital Governance and E-Government
9. Constitutionalism and Rule of Law
10. Party Politics & Election Management
11. Capstone Practicum
Alongside academic coursework, participants participate in a range of non-academic engagements designed to expose them to practical governance realities.
These include:
- Dialogue Series engagements
- Governance masterclasses
- Leadership clinics
- Mentorship programmes
- Practitioner conversations
- Special seminars and policy discussions
- Strategic deployment in governance
This dual-component approach ensures that participants benefit from the academic rigour of the University of Lagos Business School and practical governance exposure through CSG’s network of governance practitioners.
₦10,000 (Non-refundable)
ADPLS Onsite - ₦1,000,000 (payable in three installments)
ADPLS Online - ₦2,000,000 (payable in three installments)
ADPLS Microcredential - ₦350,000 per course
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Provide your personal information, contact details, educational background, references, and Statement of Purpose.
Step 2: Review Your Application
Carefully review all information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Make payment of the non-refundable application fee through the secure online payment platform.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Upon successful payment, submit your application for consideration.
Step 5: Await Further Communication
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional screening, clarification, or interview processes where applicable.
Important Dates
Applications Open: June 2026
Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Programme Commencement: September 2026
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline, as admission is competitive and places are limited.
The challenges of governance require leaders who can think strategically, act ethically, build institutions, navigate complexity, and inspire change. Citadel School of Government exists to help develop such leaders, doing this in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School.
If you are committed to making a meaningful contribution to public life, governance, politics, policy, administration, civic engagement, or national development, this is your opportunity to join a growing community of transformational leaders.
Applications Close on 16 August 2026.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Begin your application today and join a new generation of public leaders committed to transforming governance and advancing national development.
