Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) is a transformative initiative by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that places the highest priority on the development and grooming of young, change-oriented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of Nigeria.
At its core, the Academy is driven by a mission to cultivate a new generation of visionary leaders who are not only equipped with technical knowledge but also deeply imbued with values of integrity, innovation, and public service. LJLA seeks to empower these young individuals to become catalysts for positive change by providing them with a nurturing environment where their leadership potential can be fully realised.
The Academy’s grooming process emphasises character development, ensuring that its young leaders are not only competent but also grounded in ethical principles and a commitment to service. By fostering a mindset of accountability and a passion for public good, the Academy ensures that the individuals it molds are equipped to lead with integrity and inspire others.
The Academy’s approach goes beyond traditional education, offering a unique combination of hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and exposure to the real challenges of governance. By immersing young leaders in practical scenarios that test their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical decision-making, LJLA ensures they are prepared for the complexities of leadership in a rapidly evolving world. This development process is central to the Academy’s mission, as it aims to create a pipeline of leaders who are not only capable but also driven by a sense of purpose and responsibility to society.
LJLA places a strong emphasis on grooming these individuals to take on leadership roles across various sectors, ensuring they are not just prepared for the present but are also forward-thinking, equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. By investing in the holistic growth of young professionals, the Academy fosters a culture of excellence, resilience, and innovation that transcends borders and impacts communities on a national and global scale.
While the one-year Fellowship programme is a key feature of the Academy, providing merit-based opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the workings of state governance, it is the broader mission of grooming tomorrow’s leaders that truly defines LJLA.
The Academy seeks to empower young professionals to drive impactful change, offering a platform where they are equipped with the skills and insights necessary to lead in both the public and private sectors.
In tribute to the legacy of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s vision, LJLA facilitates meaningful engagements with seasoned leaders, policy debates, and international exchanges. These experiences prepare Fellows to tackle the challenges of governance and community development, enabling them to make a lasting impact.
On August 28th, 2024, the Academy graduated its pioneer cohort, celebrating a new generation of leaders committed to driving positive change. As LJLA continues to evolve, its dedication to molding visionary leaders remains steadfast, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for Nigeria and beyond.
Objective:
The objective of the Fellowship is to develop the next generation of values-based Nigerian leaders. These leaders will not only impart knowledge and share opinions but also guide and lead their country with integrity. Nigeria tends to produce a good number of skilled professionals. But too few of these intellectual come into the public sector to provide the society with statesmanlike leadership and guidance in public affairs.
This one-year intense programme aims to produce and develop those leaders that will become the future of Nigeria. In addition to deepening technical knowledge in governance, the programme will provide invaluable exposure and opportunity to develop essential leadership skills by shadowing public sector leaders.
The unique experience equips Fellows with the expertise and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s growth.
Responsibilities range from chairing interagency meetings and designing and implementing policies to drafting speeches for cabinet members to representing their agencies on various assignments.
In return for the privilege of participating in the Fellowship year, Fellows will be expected to apply what they have learned by contributing to the nation as greater leaders in their respective communities, professions, and in public service.