Transforming Public Service Across Africa through the AIG Leaders Programme

In a continent brimming with potential yet burdened by governance challenges, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is bent on transforming the public sector in Africa. Through its AIG Public Leaders Programme, AIG PLP, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that they exemplify this commitment by equipping public sector leaders with the skills and tools needed to tackle complex challenges, drive reforms, and create lasting impact across their respective

organisations and communities

At the heart of the mission of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is the belief that effective leadership is key to transforming public service delivery and enhancing the lives of citizens.

The special purpose vehicle for this was by instituting AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP). Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, this flagship initiative has been equipping public sector leaders with the necessary tools and skills they need to tackle any challenge, while driving reforms, and creating lasting impact in their various organisations and communities.

Commitment to Public Sector Excellence

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation is dedicated to improving lives through transformed public service and better access to primary healthcare.

Collaborating with governments, academic institutions, civil society, and private sector organisations, the foundation has made significant strides in strengthening public sector reform initiatives, providing capacity-building programmes, and supporting healthcare access.

One of its central goals is to foster public sector leadership development, recognising the critical role that ethical, competent, and reform-minded leaders play in driving good governance. The Foundation has trained over 700 public servants to date, each one serving as a change agent within their ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

The AIG Public Leaders Programme

Launched in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the AIG PLP is an executive leadership programme tailored to senior public servants across Africa. Now in its fourth year, the programme is a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to building a critical mass of ethical and skilled leaders who are empowered to address the unique challenges of the African public sector.

With a six-month curriculum that combines online and in-person learning, participants engage in discussions, simulations, and practical exercises designed to enhance their leadership capabilities. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on capstone projects—real-world reform initiatives that participants develop to tackle pressing challenges within their organisations. These projects ensure that learning translates into actionable solutions, creating ripple effects of positive change.

The latest cohort, which began in November 2024, comprises 68 public servants from across Africa. Participants will convene for an intensive residential week starting 18th November, where they will collaborate on group work, develop their capstone projects, and share insights with like-minded leaders.

Filling the Gaps in Leadership Development

Many public servants excel in technical expertise but lack the leadership competencies necessary for impactful decision-making. The AIG PLP bridges this gap by focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and high-stakes decision-making. Alumni leave the programme as well-rounded leaders capable of driving responsive, citizen-centred governance. This focus has already borne fruit, with alumni spearheading transformative reforms in diverse sectors.

For instance, Abraham Oludolapo’s project on combating sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has provided a framework that ensures the safety of over 400,000 corps members annually. His work underscores the AIG PLP’s emphasis on ethical leadership and accountability, which are cornerstones of effective governance.

Networking and Collaboration

Public sector challenges are rarely confined to individual MDAs. Recognising this, the AIG PLP fosters collaboration among participants from different countries and sectors. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and peer learning, the programme helps leaders develop innovative solutions to shared problems. This collaborative approach is key to ensuring more efficient and effective service delivery across the continent.

Driving Policy and Social Impact

The exposure to world-class training and best practices from developed countries equips AIG PLP alumni with the tools to drive policy innovation and systemic reforms. Dr Ibiwunmi Olokun’s reform project at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, which reduced patient wait times from 70 to 30 minutes, is a testament to the programme’s impact. By improving operational efficiency, her initiative has enhanced healthcare delivery for thousands of patients while setting a benchmark for other primary healthcare centres.

Similarly, Mohammed Ahmed’s efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria through improved intelligence-sharing and regulatory compliance illustrate the transformative power of strategic leadership. His work has strengthened financial integrity and accountability, vital components of a robust economic system.

PLP as a Catalyst for Change

The achievements of AIG PLP alumni speak volumes about the programme’s transformative potential. From Arc Joy Osaretin Baderin’s implementation of a performance management system in Nigeria’s Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to Dr Chidinma Ogbonnaya’s health database upgrade at the Nigeria Immigration Service, each success story highlights the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development.

Notably, the programme’s reach extends beyond Nigeria. Caroline Kendagor, a High Court Judge in Kenya and an alumnus of the third cohort, credits the AIG PLP for preparing her to navigate the demands of judicial leadership. Her story underscores the programme’s role in fostering ethical governance and strategic decision-making across Africa.

Promoting Ethical Leadership and Accountability

At its core, the AIG PLP champions ethical leadership and accountability. By nurturing leaders committed to transparency and integrity, the programme helps build public trust and reduce corruption. Alumni are trained to recognise and mitigate biases, fostering a culture of fairness and accountability within their institutions.

Vision for Africa’s Future

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade. By aligning its initiatives with national civil service reform strategies, such as Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), the Foundation ensures its efforts are both relevant and impactful.

The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens.

The Call to Action

As the AIG PLP continues to expand its impact, the need for partnerships with private sector and philanthropic organisations has never been greater. Collaboration is essential to scaling these initiatives and ensuring that the gains made in leadership development translate into widespread improvements in public service delivery.

For policymakers, donors, and citizens alike, the message is clear: investing in leadership development is not a luxury but a necessity. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s efforts demonstrate that with the right training and support, public servants can rise to the occasion, delivering the transformative change that Africa so urgently needs.

Undoubtedly, the AIG Public Leaders Programme exemplifies the power of leadership in driving systemic change. By equipping public servants with the skills, tools, and networks they need, the programme is building a future where public institutions work for the people they serve. As alumni continue to implement reforms and rise to positions of greater influence, the ripple effects of the AIG PLP will be felt across the continent, improving lives and shaping a brighter future for all.

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The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade…

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Participants of the Cohort 4 AIG Public Leaders Programme with Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON; Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; and Executive Vice Chair, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, in Abuja for the Residential Week of the AIG PLP programme…recently