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Tag: Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Head of Service, Coronation launch digital programme for civil servants

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Head of Service, Coronation launch digital programme for civil servants

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in partnership with Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation and Coronation Group, has launched a digital upskilling initiative to transform Civil Service into a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused institution.

    The programme will address outdated processes and limited digital proficiency in MDAs by equipping civil servants with digital tools and knowledge that enhance data use, automation, and informed decision-making for improved public service delivery.

    According to the foundation, the training will build digital competence in four areas: Microsoft Office productivity tools, cloud collaboration and communication, enterprise systems, and digital workplace readiness. The modules will strengthen institutional efficiency and enhance citizen outcomes.

    Training on Microsoft Office applications will boost administrative accuracy and record management, while cloud collaboration will foster teamwork and agility.

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    In addition, use of Enterprise Content Management and Customer Relationship Management systems will help participants automate workflows, improve data access, and deliver faster, more responsive services.

    Beyond technology adoption, the initiative underscores a broader shift toward smarter, data-driven governance.

    Deputy Director of Programmes at the foundation, Eniola Olowu, said their goal aligns with the Federal Government’s digitalisation agenda, including rollout of the Enterprise Content Management System under Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025.

    “Digitalisation is central to building a modern, efficient, and citizen-centred Civil Service. We are empowering civil servants with practical digital skills to enable smarter decision-making, improve accountability, and enhance public service delivery”, she said.

    Also speaking,  Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, highlighted the private sector’s interest in supporting stronger public institutions.

  • Building leaders who will shape tomorrow’s continent

    Building leaders who will shape tomorrow’s continent

    Africa’s destiny will not be defined by its resources, but by the strength of its institutions, the integrity of its leaders, and the courage of its public servants. With quiet resolve and bold vision, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is reshaping governance across the continent — not through aid or infrastructure, but through people, proving that true transformation begins from within. JULIANA AGBO writes

    Africa’s future will not be written by oil-barrels, diamond mines or gas-reserves. It will be told through leadership by the nations that can govern wisely, build trust soundly and empower their people. The story of this century will not be defined by armies or abundance alone — it will be defined by innovation, governance and institutional strength. As artificial intelligence redraws the map of work, climate change alters economies, and new alliances emerge, one question looms large: who will lead the future — and who will be left behind?

    At the heart of that question stands Africa. Today, 1.4 billion people call the continent home. By 2050, that number is projected to swell to nearly 2.5 billion, with young Africans comprising almost 40 per cent of the world’s youth population. The figures are staggering. But demographics alone do not shape destiny. The future of Africa will turn not on its population, but on the quality of its governance – on the vision, integrity and courage of those who serve.

    It is precisely this conviction that drives the Aig Imoukhuede Foundation (AIF). Co-founded by Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede, CFR, and his wife, Ofovwe Aig Imoukhuede, the Foundation is quietly—but powerfully—transforming Africa’s public sector. Not through gleaming infrastructure or headline-aid, but through people: investing in public servants, strengthening institutions, building the unseen architecture of trust and competence.

    A Foundation betting on people, not projects

    Unlike many philanthropic ventures that act from the outside in, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation works from within: it invests directly in the people who make governments work and the institutions they lead. Its mission is seismic in its simplicity: to build an Africa that works by strengthening the people who make public services work. The continent is abundant in creativity, ideas and resources — yet too often progress is slowed by weak governance systems, policies that linger on paper, budgets that aren’t optimised and institutions struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The Foundation believes the solution lies not in more projects, but in cultivating capable, ethical leaders who drive reform from inside the system. As Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede often reminds his team: “Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by Africans equipped to lead.”

    One of the Foundation’s most distinguished initiatives is its partnership with Blavatnik School of Government at University of Oxford. Through this collaboration, exceptional African public servants are exposed to world-class learning in public policy and leadership — under one strict condition: they return home and apply their knowledge to strengthen their own institutions. The goal is not to create expatriates but reformers. Not administrators—but architects of change.

    Learning to lead, returning to serve

    Each year, outstanding African public servants are awarded the AIG Scholarship, fully funded by the Foundation, to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Oxford. Unlike typical scholarships aimed at individual advancement, this one carries a public pledge: scholars must go back home and reform their institutions. To date, dozens have returned not as observers, but as active leaders in their countries.

    For example, in Ghana, Abdul-Fatawu Hakeem, Head of Debt Policy and Risk Management at the Ministry of Finance, used his Oxford training to shape the country’s debt-restructuring programme and strengthen national economic stability. In Nigeria, Oluwapelumi Olugbile, the 2025 AIG Scholar from NIGCOMSAT, arrived at Oxford with a singular mission: to ensure every naira spent by government delivers tangible value. For her, finance is not just a function — it’s a form of public service.

    At a senior level, the AIG Fellowship gives seasoned leaders the opportunity to deepen their reform strategies and implement transformational change. The 2025 AIG Visiting Fellow, Funke Adepoju, Director-General of Nigeria’s Administrative Staff College (ASCON), exemplifies this drive for change. Her research at Oxford revolves around one powerful question: how can public-sector training institutions become engines of reform rather than repositories of theory?

    Ms Adepoju is redesigning ASCON into a national reform hub — embedding digital transformation, performance metrics and innovation-driven learning into its programmes. Her ambition goes beyond teaching concepts: she is embedding practical learning, real governance challenges, measurable outcomes and collaborative problem-solving so that public servants return not as bureaucrats but as change agents.

    Transformation is never the work of one person. It flourishes in networks of people who share a vision for better governance. That’s the idea behind the AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP), which brings together mid- to senior-level public servants to collaborate, innovate and tackle real challenges within their agencies.

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    The proof lies in real reforms, implemented by public servants embedded in the very systems they serve. In Lagos, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi built a secure digital platform to protect survivors of sexual violence and safeguard evidence — ensuring thousands of victims have a path to justice. At Nigeria’s National Assembly, Idowu Bakare created a digital dashboard that tracks bills and automates legislative processes, making the law-making journey visible to every Nigerian.

    Abraham Oludolapo designed a nationwide anti-sexual-harassment policy for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), protecting over 400 000 corps members and staff every year. At the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, a standardised on-the-job training manual for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel now enhances aviation safety across Africa. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) automated a dossier review process that had languished for 15 years — accelerating access to essential medicines. At Isheri Olofin Primary Healthcare Centre in Lagos, patient waiting times dropped dramatically from 82 minutes to 31 thanks to improved process-design. These are not pilot projects or academic exercises. They are real reforms by real public servants, working within the systems they serve.

    The power of investing in people

    The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is proving a quiet but revolutionary truth: development doesn’t begin with more infrastructure — it begins with people. Its Scholars, Fellows and PLP graduates are forming a pipeline of capable reformers embedded within government. The results are clear: faster service delivery, more efficient systems and renewed public trust.

    The Foundation believes Africa’s biggest opportunity lies in strengthening its public institutions from the inside out. Because when you invest in capable people, you don’t just change offices — you change outcomes, communities and lives. For investors, philanthropists and policymakers, the call to action is unmistakable: if you want to build an Africa that works, invest in its public service.

    At a time when global systems are shifting — with artificial intelligence altering the nature of work, climate shocks accelerating, and geopolitics reconfiguring partnerships — Africa’s future hinges on the strength of its institutions, the character of its leaders and the integrity of its public servants. Without that foundation, demographic dividends can turn into liabilities; promise can turn into frustration. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation steps into precisely this gap.

    It says: governance matters. Leadership matters. Systems matter. And that the key to Africa’s ascent is not just natural resource wealth but institutional capital. As the continent’s youth bulge becomes a demographic tsunami, the urgent question is not simply how many but how capable. The AIF’s vision is of an Africa where young public servants, supported by world-class training and institutional anchoring, lead from day one with competence, ethics and purpose.

    The private sector, public institutions, and civil society now stand at a defining crossroads where collaboration is not optional but essential. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation exemplifies how smart philanthropy can catalyse transformation—through targeted leadership investment, strategic partnerships, and deep institutional reform. Its approach proves that sustainable change grows from within governance systems, not from external imposition.

    Africa’s ascent in the 21st-century global economy depends on its ability to govern effectively, compete with integrity, and harness the creative energy of its people. Perfection may be distant, yet progress demands immediacy—building capability, character, and trust one reformer at a time. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation stands at the centre of this mission, turning conviction into measurable impact.

    Looking ahead, the Foundation’s ambition is to scale its reach—developing more public servants, strengthening more institutions, and accelerating reform across borders. Its strategy is both simple and bold: equip lead ers today so they can anchor the Africa of tomorrow. As the continent’s population expands, challenges intensify—but so do opportunities. Every trained leader, every strengthened institution, and every empowered community marks a step forward in Africa’s long march toward inclusive prosperity.

    The continent’s story will not ultimately be measured by the magnitude of its natural resources or the volume of its trade. It will be defined by the strength of its institutions, the courage of its public servants, and the integrity of its leadership. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation embodies this belief, investing not in symbols of progress but in the substance of transformation—people.

    Each scholar, fellow and programme participant represents a building block in a new architecture of governance. Their collective impact tells a larger story: that leadership is Africa’s most valuable renewable resource. The Foundation’s vision extends beyond immediate reform to a legacy that ensures continuity, competence, and credibility in public service. “Africa’s future will not be built by aid, but by Africans equipped to lead,” Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede once said. That conviction now echoes across ministries, parliaments, and agencies. When leaders are built to serve, nations rise with purpose. And through the quiet, deliberate work of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a generation is being prepared—not merely to inherit tomorrow, but to shape it.

  • Transforming Africa’s public service through leadership training

    Transforming Africa’s public service through leadership training

    The AIG Public Leaders Programme, launched by the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, is revolutionising Africa’s public sector by equipping leaders with the essential skills to drive transformational change. Through a combination of world-class leadership training and innovative strategies, the programme empowers public servants to address complex governance challenges. By strengthening leadership capacity across Africa, it aims to foster efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric public service, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and economic growth, JULIANA AGBO writes.

    The public sector remains a cornerstone of governance and administration, playing a vital role in a nation’s economic and social development. A well-functioning public sector significantly enhances citizens’ quality of life, with research consistently highlighting the strong correlation between public sector performance and economic growth.

    However, genuine transformation in the public sector demands the collaborative efforts of citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector. In response to this need, the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, through its Public Leadership Programme (PLP), has led initiatives to improve public service delivery and expand access to quality primary healthcare across Africa, starting with Nigeria. The AIG Public Leaders Programme, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, provides emerging African public sector leaders with a distinctive opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and capacity for driving impactful change.

    The AIG Public Leadership Programme is an executive capacity-building initiative tailored specifically for public servants across Africa. Designed for senior leaders and those advancing into higher roles, the programme equips participants with the critical skills necessary to navigate and lead in today’s rapidly evolving and complex world. By strengthening their leadership capabilities, the programme empowers these leaders to drive positive, transformational change within their institutions and beyond.

    Featuring a dynamic blend of online and in-person classes, the curriculum fosters engagement through discussions, simulations, and hands-on exercises. It is crafted to enhance leadership abilities while instilling a culture of excellence, effectiveness, and integrity within public institutions. Led by renowned global experts in public policy, the programme offers a transformative learning experience that is reshaping the narrative of public sector reform. Its long-term goal is to empower Nigerian public servants to reclaim their leadership position on the continent, echoing the era of the 1960s and 1970s when Nigeria’s public service was internationally revered for its excellence. Over the past four years, the programme has trained nearly 300 public servants, equipping them with world-class leadership skills and innovative strategies to tackle governance challenges both in Nigeria and across the continent.

    Programme impact and reach

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, emphasised that the AIG Public Leaders Programme has evolved into much more than a contribution to the development of Nigeria and Africa’s public service. Osinbajo, who delivered the keynote address at the closing ceremony for the programme’s fourth cohort, highlighted the critical role of public service in national development.

    He described the programme as a transformative initiative for building capacity within the civil service, not only locally but across the entire continent. Reflecting on the impact of public service on nation-building, Osinbajo noted that when public services are delivered by well-trained, well-resourced, and motivated professionals, economies flourish, businesses expand, jobs are created, and lives are improved.

    Explaining further, he stated that when the public service is weak, disorganized, or driven by self-interest, progress is hindered, opportunities are squandered, and the economy suffers as a result. He said: “Clearly when public systems fail, everyone suffers. But when the public service sees itself as a public resource to solve problems, the possibilities for transformational change are limitless.

    “Consider again, the daily challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to register companies, secure certifications, or obtain necessary approvals. Every time we delay their progress, telling them to come back next week instead of resolving issues today, we are not just postponing one person’s prosperity. We are postponing opportunities for many others whose livelihoods depend on that business succeeding. In short, when a public officer becomes an obstacle, they directly undermine national prosperity.”

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    Speaking on the need for effective policy, Osinbajo emphasised that policymaking must be adaptive, responding to evolving realities. He stressed that regulatory frameworks must continuously evolve to address new developments, unlocking opportunities while safeguarding the public interest. “An effective public service today must also see the private sector as crucial partners. The public service exists to facilitate enterprise and support the private sector. This fact is the fundamental of a dynamic and productive relationship between the public and private sectors in our nations. The AIG Public Leaders Programme empowers participants to imagine new possibilities, test bold ideas, and design practical solutions,” Osinbajo said.

    He highlighted that many programme participants had already implemented reform projects with far-reaching impacts, such as leveraging mobile technology to expand mental health services and developing AI-powered knowledge management tools. Osinbajo likened these public servants to “public service scientists”—innovators who, much like technology scientists, create groundbreaking systems and processes to ensure that healthcare, safety, education, and economic opportunities are accessible to every citizen, not as a privilege, but as a fundamental guarantee.

    “The prosperity of our nations depends on the diligence, integrity and vision of our public servants. With programmes like this nurturing such talent, the future of public service in Africa is bright. I am convinced that after these past six months of rigorous learning, your approach to public service will never be the same,” he added, urging graduates to embrace a mindset of problem-solving, creativity, and transformative leadership.

    Founder of the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (CFR), emphasised the programme’s broader vision of empowering a special breed of public servants capable of driving meaningful change. He explained that the AIG Public Leaders Programme is not just a Nigerian initiative; it has extended its impact across Africa, bringing together participants from eight countries since its inception. Designed for senior public officials, the programme provides advanced training on governance, integrity, and technology-driven solutions to the challenges of public administration. Aig-Imoukhuede stated, “Our challenge is not just about doing things faster; it’s about catching up. Catching up requires not just intelligence, but the courage to do things differently.”

    This call to action resonated deeply with the 68 cohort members, who have spent months refining leadership strategies that prioritise accountability, innovation, and citizen-centric governance. Their journey through the programme has equipped them with the skills needed to navigate complex public sector challenges while driving meaningful reform.

    Prof Emily Jones of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford highlighted five core themes central to the programme, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping effective governance. “The first, ‘Integrity in Public Life,’ reflects the importance of ethical leadership as the foundation of effective governance,” Jones explained. She emphasised that public servants must consistently act in the best interests of citizens to foster trust and accountability. Acknowledging the rapid technological transformation reshaping public administration, she also noted that the programme underscores the necessity for leaders to be skilled in integrating AI, big data, and digital tools to enhance service delivery.

    Another key theme, she said, is ‘Institutional Leadership and Performance Reform,’ which recognises that improving public institutions is a continuous process requiring visionary leadership and strategic planning. Jones further highlighted the programme’s emphasis on ‘Negotiating in the Public’s Interest,’ noting that public officials often engage in negotiations related to policies, budgets, and international agreements. Mastering these negotiation skills is essential for securing the best possible outcomes for citizens.

    The final theme, ‘Governing in Times of Challenge and Change,’ she explained, calls for adaptive leadership in response to global disruptions such as climate change, economic shifts, and technological advancements. Leaders must be both proactive and resilient to navigate these complexities. She also praised the reform projects completed by the cohort, citing examples of real-world impact, including one public servant who used her project to reduce hospital patient waiting times by half—an initiative now being rolled out across her state. “The stories of impact emerging from this programme are proof that real change is possible,” she said. “Each of you has the power to deliver meaningful transformation in your institutions and communities.”

    President of the AIG-Imoukhuede Alumni Association, Mr. Idowu Bakare, highlighted the growing network of public sector leaders who have graduated from the Foundation’s capacity-building programmes and are dedicated to strengthening public service delivery across Africa. He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting new graduates. With a mission to serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and the implementation of alumni-driven projects, Idowu asserted that the collective action of the association would amplify the programme’s long-lasting impact.

    Transformational change in the public sector

    Corroborating the former vice president, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, underscored the critical role of leadership development in driving public service reforms across the continent. She emphasised that by equipping leaders with the necessary tools to improve service efficiency, the Foundation is at the forefront of driving meaningful transformations that have a positive impact on the economy. Walson-Jack commended the programme for aligning with Nigeria’s civil service reform efforts, noting that many alumni are actively contributing to key national reform projects. She also highlighted that the collaboration between the public sector, academia, and philanthropic organizations marks a new era in African governance—one rooted in competence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the public good.

    “As Africa navigates the complexities of the 21st-century global economy, the importance of a strong, ethical, and future-ready public sector cannot be overstated. The AIG Public Leaders Programme is proving that with the right training and mindset, public servants can drive transformational change and elevate governance standards,” she said.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Foundation, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised the programme’s significant impact, stating that graduates are now equipped with the skills and insights necessary to excel in their roles within the public service. On the issue of effective leadership, she highlighted that the programme addresses the urgent need for strong leadership in the African public sector. By fostering sustainable development and good governance, the programme ensures participants are prepared to tackle contemporary challenges. She also noted that these graduates are not only applying their knowledge effectively but are actively sharing their expertise within their organisations and the broader public sector, thereby enhancing overall leadership capacity.

    “Our mission is to improve the lives of Africans by transforming public service delivery and expanding access to efficient service delivery. We are committed to driving meaningful change, and we are proud of the impact our programme participants are making. By applying what they have learned, they are fostering positive transformation within their organizations.

    “The AIG Public Leaders Programme continues to set a high standard for leadership training, shaping a new generation of public servants who are poised to drive significant policy and governance reforms across Africa,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation partners PSHAN to revive PHCs in Edo communities

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation partners PSHAN to revive PHCs in Edo communities

    The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a philanthropic organisation committed to increasing access to primary healthcare across Africa, in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) and Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EdoSPHCDA) has successfully revitalised four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Edo state.

    These newly renovated facilities – Atoruru PHC, Uteh PHC, Evubodia PHC and Idunmwunvgha PHC located in Owan West, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas respectively, are equipped with modern facilities and essential medical supplies, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services for the residents of the communities.

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    The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked the official launch of these PHCs, saw the attendance of key dignitaries including Professor Ali Muhammad Pate (CON), Hon. Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, represented by Dr. Erohubie Christian, Consultant, CMAC Chairman at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH)

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Edo PHC agency, HealthPort to boost oxygen access

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Edo PHC agency, HealthPort to boost oxygen access

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, non-profit organisation transforming public service delivery in Africa and advancing access to quality primary healthcare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and HealthPort Limited.

    EDSPHCDA is responsible for primary healthcare services in Edo State, while HealthPort is a health-tech company committed to improving access to quality medical care through innovative digital solutions.

    This strategic collaboration seeks to improve access to oxygen therapy in primary healthcare centres and other key facilities in Edo State. The initiative: ‘Oxygen as a Service,’ will complement the foundation’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state under Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility-Programme (ADHFP).

    “We are honoured to join forces with EDSPHCDA and HealthPort in this initiative,” said Bukky Akinsemoyin, foundation’s Director of Funding and Partnerships. “Our shared vision of enhancing access to quality primary healthcare forms the bedrock of this collaboration.

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    ‘‘Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is revitalising 18 PHCs under ADHFP to deliver affordable and reliable healthcare services to the vulnerable. The Oxygen initiative aligns with our goal of promoting innovative healthcare solutions by leveraging private sector resources. This collaboration marks a milestone in our efforts to elevate healthcare standards in the country.”

    The collaboration  aims to ensure patients access oxygen therapy, thereby eliminating need for long-distance travel to obtain such services. In addition, the foundation will collaborate with HealthPort to strengthen PHCs by providing specialised training for staff in administration, management, and maintenance of oxygen plants.

    Each partner will contribute their strengths: EDSPHCDA will facilitate access to PHCs for delivery of essential medical and non-medical services; HealthPort will oversee implementation and life cycle of the project; and the foundation will provide evidence-based technical expertise, advisory support, and guidance to ensure the project’s success.

  • Thoughts on Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s Public Leaders Programme

    Thoughts on Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s Public Leaders Programme

    By Andrew Adejo

    The African continent is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, supported by an equally globally competitive human resource base, which is yet to be fully optimised in driving her development.  As has been proven in countries like Singapore, China and India, the key vehicle for development is a contemporary and responsive public service.

    A major impetus for developing countries that have leap-frogged their development was a shift from the traditional “command and control” administrative system to a system that models the delivery of government goods and services on the best practices of the private sector to create a generation of public servants with the right mix of patriotism, professionalism, non-partisanship and impartial civil service values and ethics. An Agenda 2063 cannot be feasible if public service on the continent remains the way they are.

    In the case of most African countries, the need for a contemporary administrative system is more urgent in view of the embedded Bounded Rationality and Institutional Inertia, compounded by dwindling resources, the growing decline in capacity and increasing population.

    Past reform efforts have shown that government alone cannot engender such a transformative change, and the private sector needs to support the government in the endeavour gap because a responsive and contemporary civil service would be of greater benefit to the continent. It is this gap that the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, through its AIG Public Leaders Programme, is trying to fill by “inspiring civil servants to seek for and deploy answers that they already have within them in dealing with the challenges of efficient and effective delivery of public goods and services” to paraphrase the chairman of the foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

    The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public-sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded on closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world by improving the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare for the African continent.

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    The foundation believes, and rightfully so, that an effective, values-driven and results-focused public service would improve the continent’s socio-economic performance and lead to better outcomes for its citizens. In providing support for the federal civil service, some states and indeed African countries like Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, the foundation has deepened the concept of public-private partnerships by going beyond the traditional expectation of profit to an altruistic involvement of the private sector in facilitating public service responsibilities that would guarantee the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.  

    Through its AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP) and various support to the federal civil service, she is gradually changing the narrative on public sector reform by building a shared understanding of the requirements for improved public sector performance, taking ownership for public sector transformation, building a critical mass of public sector leaders and working with the public sector to strengthen effective policy design and implementation.

    The AIG PLP is a pioneering initiative developed in collaboration with the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University that identifies high-potential public servants in Africa and equips them with the skills and expertise needed to become transformative leaders. Conceived as the flagship programme for the foundation, it offers a comprehensive learning experience, blending the academic rigour of public policy formulation and implementation with practical insights from leading governance experts and practitioners. The foundation’s goal is to train over 3000 public servants in the next decade and create a new generation of leaders empowered to drive transformation across the African public sector.

    As part of the PLP and since 2017, the foundation has offered fully funded scholarships to 32 scholars – drawn from across Africa – for a one-year Masters of Public Policy (MPP), which is, in the words of Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, “…providing the next generation of public service leaders with a world-class education that equips them with skills and knowledge they need to make positive changes in their countries and across the continent”.

    The in-country PLP had successfully graduated 170 middle-level and senior civil servants from Nigeria and other African countries, who underwent a rigorous curriculum designed to instill a deep understanding of the complexities of today’s public sector landscape. Engaging classroom discussions, simulations, practical exercises and peer learning opportunities equipped participants to navigate the challenges of leadership and drive positive change within their respective spheres of influence.

    These graduands return to their country’s ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies (MDAs) empowered to effect change, and the ripple effects of their leadership is expected to resonate throughout the continent. Through their capstone project, some important changes have been brought to bear in their places, as depicted by standardisation of on-the-job training for Air Traffic Safety Electronic Personnel (ATSEP) communication ratings for Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; and development of software for tracking all freezing orders electronically to ensure compliance with the 72-hour law in the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

    The greatest impact of the PLP was aptly summed up by Bashir Bringa Musa, a Deputy Director in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Abuja: “AIG Public Leaders Programme is essential for the African public sector because it cultivates a cadre of skilled and visionary leaders. By addressing the region’s unique challenges, the programme plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development, good governance, and effective public service delivery.”

    The unique and sustainable feature of the PLP is that it is anchored within the support to the 2021 – 2025 Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25), which is a successor to the 2017–2020 Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP20). The involvement of the foundation in the two FCSSIPs ensured continuity in reform efforts, and the fortnightly meeting of the Office of the Head of Service and the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s steering committee allows for a consistent focus on the various reform initiatives. The value of this collaborative partnership was best captured by the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi Esan CFR: “We are committed to improving public service delivery and efficiency to ensure that the people of Nigeria have a seamless experience of federal services. The digitalisation of our work processes will enable us to be more effective, and I commend the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for partnering with us to achieve this.”

    Efforts by the government alone to ensure a contemporary and responsive civil service cannot be sufficient to create any meaningful and sustainable change. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, therefore, understands that her pioneering work in catalysing transformational and positive change within Africa’s public sector would require an expansion of the partnership base. The foundation has, thus, commenced the processes for fostering collaboration among stakeholders to promote excellence, effectiveness, and integrity in public service leadership. 

    The African continent needs to realise that the effectiveness and efficiency of its public service greatly determines how she undertakes the processes of creating growth, progress and positive change in physical, socio-economic, environmental and demographic components for the betterment of a greater majority. For Africa to begin to take commanding heights in global affairs, she needs to take advantage of her youthful population and this can only be possible if she has a public service that creates opportunities for this energetic segment of her population to contribute to her development.

    As the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation continues to champion the cause of enhanced public service delivery and improved healthcare access, she remains a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and philanthropy. However, the need for greater partnerships and collaboration calls for other philanthropists to join this laudable initiative. Nigeria did this during the COVID-19 pandemic and such initiative would be very necessary in strengthening the African public service.

    • Adejo, a retired federal permanent secretary, writes from Abuja

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation announces applications for leadership programme

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation announces applications for leadership programme

    The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the AIG Public Leaders Programme.

    Tailored for senior public leaders and delivered in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford; the AIG Public Leaders Programme offers an opportunity for participants to expand their conceptual frameworks and acquire practical tools essential for addressing challenges they face, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, political interference, the inadequacy of structures and processes for effective policy development and implementation.

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    The AIG Public Leaders Programme features a comprehensive curriculum designed to accelerate the mastery of essential competencies crucial for effective governance, covering topics ranging from governing in times of challenge and change, harnessing digital technologies, the pitfalls in decision-making, integrity in public life and strengthening public organisations.

    Through a blend of rigorous academic instruction, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer learning, participants will engage in immersive experiences that enable them to lead with confidence and competence.

    Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “At the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, we believe that building a critical mass of public sector leaders who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and tools to making a change in the public sector is essential in our mission of transforming public service delivery. The AIG Public Leaders Programme exemplifies our commitment to empowering senior public officials in their bid to drive meaningful change and address systemic issues like bureaucratic inefficiency, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for digitalisation in the public sector.”

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Microsoft to boost digital skills of civil servants

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Microsoft to boost digital skills of civil servants

    The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and Microsoft, through its implementation partner, Wootlab Foundation, has announced an initiative to enhance the digital skills of civil servants across various Ministries in Nigeria.

    This is part of a strategic move by the OHCSF to prepare the public sector workforce for the digital era of the Civil Service.

    Through this partnership, Microsoft is helping lay a foundation for digital transformation in Nigeria, providing government employees with in-demand digital skills for the 21st-century workplace and empowering them to contribute towards the digitisation of important public services.

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    In 2023, the OHCSF, supported by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, implemented an Enterprise Content Management Solution (ECMS) to automate all its work processes in line with the federal government’s e-governance drive. Recognising that the digital readiness of civil servants is a key driver of the success and sustainability of the ECMS, the Foundation partnered with Microsoft to develop a digital upskilling programme for civil servants.

    This programme will equip participating civil servants with essential digital skills, fostering a workforce that is not only digitally competent but also capable of driving continued innovation within the Civil Service.

    The official commencement of the digital upskilling programme was marked by a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at the Federal Secretariat, OHCSF, in Abuja.