Lateef Jakande Academy is set for takeoff

Plans are underway for the take off of Lateef Jakande Academy recently announced by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

It was learnt that the framework for the institution to be established in honour of the the second republic governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Jakande has just been completed.

A source close to the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions gathered that whilst the framework highlights the focus, objectives and operational guidelines of the academy, it also spells out the eligibility criteria for aspiring fellows.

A document made available to our correspondent stated that that the purpose of the Academy is to serve as a platform to develop future leaders.

The academy will equip them with the requisite skills to positively influence the public service and instill in them the ethics and values of purposeful leadership through direct mentoring and on-the-job training.

The academy, according to the document, is intended to offer life-changing opportunities to young Nigerians who desire to impact their generation.

‘It will offer first-hand experience in the process of governance at the State Government level while aspiring Fellows will participate in discussions with renowned leaders from both the public and private sectors and partake in domestic and international policy trips’.

The document further showed that the Fellowship is designed to give Nigerian youths opportunity to support the country’s recovery efforts through inclusive and sustainable development solutions and policy-making.

Fellows of the Academy will act as Special Assistants to the Governor of Lagos State in their assigned ministries or agencies.

Whilst information concerning the Governing Board for the Academy and the Steering Committee are still sketchy, it is gathered from the source that efforts are being made to commence the engagement of aspiring fellows for the academy which is anticipated to begin next year February.

It was indicated that the selection process for the programme will not only be transparent and merit-based, it will be devoid of partisan consideration and the programme will run for one year.

It will offer equal opportunities to young professionals at various stages of their careers who are innovative, dynamic, driven and have a high degree of intellectual curiosity.

Part of the benefits successful Fellows will enjoy includes mentorship from renowned leaders, exposure to innovative learning curriculum, hands-on leadership experience and involvement in community projects.

Others are one-on-one leadership coaching, continuous multi-source feedback and membership of the academy’s network of alumni.

It would be recalled that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu initiated the establishment of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to immortalize the first Governor of Lagos State for his leadership qualities and commitment to good governance.