Alumni from Oxford University visit the Lateef Jakande Academy.

Alumni from the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford recently visited the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJA) to collaborate with the Associates on enhancing their skills and capabilities. These Alumni were recipients of the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), a sponsored Public Leadership Programme (PLP). Among the Alumni were Lagos State Government employees, and they were among the selected 40 individuals from across the nation to participate in the esteemed program at Oxford University.

During the interaction with the Alumni, Mrs. Folasade Coker, the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, encouraged the youth of the State to view themselves as architects of their futures rather than being controlled by the socio-economic circumstances of the present. Coker shared a favorite quote from Simon Sinek, “We are not victims of our situations, we are architects of it,” and motivated the Associates and young people of Lagos not to succumb to a victim mentality. She emphasized that they possess the potential to rise above challenges and austerity.

One of the Oxford Alumni, Mr. Abdul Rahman Lekki, who is the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board and a seasoned management consultant, provided insights on the topic: “The Theory of Change and Management of Capstone Project.” Lekki highlighted the advantages of employing the Theory of Change, which includes efficient resource allocation, program monitoring and evaluation, and effective stakeholder communication. He encouraged the Associates to excel and continuously enhance their skills, becoming the embodiment of excellence.

Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho covered the subject of “Storytelling Techniques for Effective Workplace Communication.” She encouraged the Associates to harness the power of storytelling, a crucial skill for effective communication in the workplace. Other Alumni who contributed during the multi-day discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions included Dr. Funke Ayeni, Raheem Bolanle, and Adedayo Adereti.