A new chapter in leadership education was written as the Citadel School of Government (CSG), in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), celebrated the graduation of sixty-nine (69) participants who successfully completed the flagship Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft programme.
The graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, August 1 2026 at the Citadel Church Auditorium, marked a significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between CSG and ULBS to advance executive education and leadership development.
The event attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, captains of industry, senior academics, policymakers, clergy, development practitioners, traditional rulers, family members, and well-wishers, all united in celebrating the achievements of the pioneer graduating class and a partnership committed to raising a new generation of leaders for Nigeria and beyond.
Procession and Conferment of Diplomas
Steeped in academic tradition, the ceremony commenced with a colourful academic procession led by the Academic Liaison Officers, followed by members of the faculty, institutional leaders, and distinguished guests. The procession set a dignified tone for the occasion, reflecting the values of scholarship, excellence, and service that define both institutions.
.One of the defining moments of the ceremony was the formal certification of the graduating class by the Executive Director of CSG, Mr. Omoaholo Omoakhalen. He confirmed that all 69 participants had satisfied the academic requirements for the award of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, as approved by the ULBS Academic Board in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding guiding the partnership between ULBS and CSG.
Following the certification, the Executive Director of ULBS, Professor Sunday Adebisi, representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, formally presented the graduating class to the Founder of the Citadel School of Government, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for the conferment of the Advanced Diploma.
Responding to the presentation, Pastor Bakare formally admitted the class to the award of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, conferring on them all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities attached to the qualification. The pronouncement was greeted with prolonged applause, officially ushering the pioneer class into the community of CSG alumni.
A Renewed Commitment to Ethical Leadership and Good Governance
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s goodwill message, Professor Adebisi described the occasion as a defining moment for leadership education in Nigeria. He noted that the programme represented more than the completion of an academic journey; it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ethical leadership, responsible governance, and impactful public service.
He explained that “the Advanced Diploma programme was conceived from a shared conviction that Nigeria’s future depends not only on sound public policies but on leaders with the competence, integrity, courage, and vision to translate those policies into meaningful national development.”
Professor Adebisi further observed that the collaboration between ULBS and CSG demonstrates how strategic partnerships can strengthen leadership capacity, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and contribute meaningfully to national transformation through executive education.
Congratulating the graduating class, he commended their resilience, discipline, and commitment throughout the demanding programme and challenged them to become ambassadors of ethical leadership. He reminded them that “true leadership is measured not by titles or positions, but by service, accountability, integrity, and the positive impact made on society.”
In his remarks, Pastor Tunde Bakare described the graduation as a defining moment in the institution’s history and an important step towards building a new generation of transformational leaders committed to advancing good governance and national development.
He congratulated the graduates on their dedication and perseverance, expressing confidence that the knowledge, values, and leadership competencies they had acquired would position them to make meaningful contributions across both the public and private sectors.
Pastor Bakare also commended ULBS for its unwavering academic support and partnership, noting that the collaboration has laid a solid foundation for delivering a world-class leadership programme capable of shaping the future of governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
Awards and Closing
The ceremony reached another memorable highlight with the presentation of certificates to the graduating participants, amid loud cheers from family members, colleagues, and guests.
Outstanding participants were also recognised for exceptional performance. Among the award recipients was Professor Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Lagos, who emerged as the Overall Best Participant of the pioneer cohort. The honour recognised her exceptional academic achievement, exemplary leadership, and outstanding performance throughout the programme.
The maiden graduation ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the pioneer class but also reaffirmed the shared vision of ULBS and CSG, to develop principled, innovative, and service-driven leaders equipped to address the complex governance challenges of the twenty-first century.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
