Niger Gov Tackles Critics, Says He Went to Harvard in State’s Interest  

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Following the criticisms that greeted his two-week programme at Harvard University, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that his going back to school was for the overall development of the state.

Several critics, including some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and social media users had described the governor’s voyage as a “mere jamboree” and a waste of public funds.

But Governor Bago in a statement he signed said: “My decision to attend Harvard wasn’t impromptu but a strategic step towards enhancing my leadership skills,” adding that his reasons for attending the programme “are manifold.”

According to the governor, “Harvard’s approach to learning through case studies is both innovative and enlightening. These real-world scenarios offer invaluable insights into the complex issues leaders face. It’s like walking a mile in another leader’s shoes, understanding their challenges, decision-making processes, and outcomes. This method provides a unique opportunity to analyse and critique these decisions, offering a rare glimpse into various leadership styles and their effectiveness.”

Further defending his mission, Bago declared that “Harvard’s legacy in shaping leaders is unassailable. Their experience in curating leadership programmes is enriched by decades of research, teaching, and direct engagement with global leaders. Harvard’s faculty are not just educators but thought leaders who have contributed significantly to their fields.”

The governor further submitted that the institution also offers a platform where theory meets practice, and learning is tailored to address the individual needs of leaders, stressing that the method adopted in the training of students “ensures that leaders are not merely theoretical in their learning but are exposed to real-life scenarios that test their judgment, ethics, and decision-making skills.”

Bago disclosed that the “knowledge and perspectives gained from Harvard are not just academic achievements but tools that will enable me to fulfill the promises made to our citizens. Whether it’s about making informed policy decisions, fostering economic growth, or ensuring social welfare, the lessons learned are directly applicable to the challenges we face in Niger State.”

He added: “My stint at Harvard is more than just personal growth. It’s a step towards fulfilling my duty to the people of Niger State. It symbolises my commitment to bringing world-class leadership and governance to our state. It’s about being the best version of a leader I can be, for the betterment of our society and the future of Niger State.”

Bago reminded his critics that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but about transforming it into actionable strategies that benefit the people.