OPENING REMARKS BY PROFESSOR MIKE ADEBAMOWO
Executive Director, University of Lagos Business School (ULBS)
At the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ULBS and Citadel School of Government (CSG)
All Protocols duly observed,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this landmark occasion—the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and the Citadel School of Government (CSG), and the formal launch of the Advanced Diploma Program in Public Leadership and Statecraft.
This visionary collaboration stems from a shared commitment to national transformation, championed by the dynamic Dr. Tunde Bakare, Founder and Board Chairman of CSG, and our ever-inspiring, future-ready Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
The vision of CSG is centred on cultivating principled, capable, and visionary public leaders—individuals who are equipped to rebuild and govern public institutions across all tiers: local, state, national, and even intergovernmental. CSG aims to bridge the leadership gap in the public sector by preparing individuals at different stages of their leadership journeys with both the technical expertise and behavioural competencies required for impactful governance.
On the other hand, ULBS remains committed to raising world-class leaders in both public and private sectors. Our programs are meticulously designed to build not just effective managers, but transformational leaders—people who are prepared to navigate and shape our dynamic, competitive world with strategic foresight and integrity.
This Memorandum of Agreement represents the convergence of these two bold visions. In the immediate term, it gives birth to two innovative programs:
- The Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft
- The Certificate in Local Governance and Administration
The CSG-proposed programs underwent rigorous evaluation through our Academic Program Committee (APC), chaired by Professor Solomon Akinboye, with active input from Professors Folake Olowokudejo, Sunday Adebisi, Abiola Sanni, Dr. Simeon Ifere, and colleagues Raheem, Oniku, and Akintunde. Following review by the Academic Board and endorsement by the ULBS Advisory Board, these programs were finally recommended to Senate for approval.
Today, we celebrate the culmination of that collaborative process—a significant milestone in shaping the future of public service leadership in Nigeria.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all who contributed to making this partnership a reality:
- The visionary leadership of our Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola
- The unwavering support of our Advisory Board, ably chaired by Mrs. Funke Osibodu
- The dedication of our Academic Board and the administrative backbone of the process, led by Mrs. Adeola Akinyeye
We are also immensely proud of the distinguished facilitators for this program—renowned experts with global recognition, many of whom are present here today. They include Professors Sulaiman, Ndubuisi, Adebisi, Shadare, Oke, Akinboye, Olayemi, Abiola Sanni, Olowokudejo, and Drs. Grant Akata, Simeon Ifere, Wura Abiola, Bola Akinbinu, Odetunde, Oshunniyi, Quadri and our short course coordinator, Dr. Femi Akintunde, who meticulously prepared all course documentation.
As we proceed with today’s signing ceremony—formally inaugurating this strategic partnership and launching the Advanced Diploma Program—I return all glory to God for what I believe is the birth of a New Dawn in the landscape of public leadership in our nation, Nigeria.
Thank you, and God bless.