Young Nigerians Urged to Learn Leadership Before Power Comes

(Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade. Photo credit: Punch News)

Nigeria's young leaders need to start learning from experienced ones right now, not waiting until they get titles and power.

A leadership academy has launched a new programme to connect young people with successful leaders across different fields so they can learn practical lessons about what leadership really means.

The Leadership Room is a six-month virtual series that brings together young Nigerians with people who have built organisations, made tough decisions and learned from mistakes.

Sessions happen once a month and include conversations, questions and time to think about what participants learn.

The programme starts in September and will feature leaders talking about identity, character, accountability, leadership skills, running institutions, getting things done and leaving a lasting impact.

The first session brings together a former technology minister and an economist who once served at the central bank.

The academy says young people should start developing leadership qualities while they're still figuring out who they are and what they want to achieve, not after they get promoted.

Leadership is not about having a fancy title it is about responsibility, character, service and making a real difference.

The six-month pilot runs through February 2027 and welcomes students, young professionals, business owners and emerging leaders from Nigeria and across Africa.

The academy plans to build an online library of lessons from the sessions so more people can benefit beyond just those watching live.

The broader goal is to help young Nigerians think about what kind of leaders they want to become, not just how to gain power and influence.