SPPG, governance school founded by Ezekwesili, to hold convocation Oct 8

The School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) says it is set to hold its convocation ceremony on October 8.

Founded by Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former minister of education, the SPPG is described as an “unconventional institute built on the #FixPolitics mission to elevate the ‘Office of the Citizen’ to its proper position in the society and create a political class of servant-leaders”.

In a statement on Thursday, Alero Ayida-Otobo, chief executive officer of SPPG, said the convocation ceremony will hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The #FixPolitics initiative was established in February 2020 by Ezekwesili in collaboration with the Robert Bosch Academy.

According to Ayida-Otobo, the school is focused on producing a well-informed new generation of political leaders and 21st century politicians recognised for their “value-driven personalities”.

“In January, the inaugural convocation took place, virtually and physically, at the Executive Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja,” the statement reads.

“For the second, however, there will be an alumni association launch on October 6 by 4pm at Grand Pela Hotels and Suites, Abuja; Solidarity Walk on October 7 by 9am from Unity Fountain; and Graduation Dinner on October 8 by 6pm at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

“The school aims to transform politics in Africa as part of the values of the #FixPolitics Initiative. The institute intends to create a massive base of a new value-based and disruptive-thinking political class with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead.

“It is also guided by values such as accountability, respect and tolerance, stewardship and responsibility, social justice and inclusiveness, ethical leadership, a moral compass founded on integrity and honesty, as well as adherence to the rule of law.

“Despite its wealth of human and natural resources, Africa continues to lag behind other regions of the world in the most objective and measurable indicators of human and economic development.”

According to the statement, Ezekwesili described the school as “a top-notch learning institution, developing fresh perspectives on enhancing Nigeria’s value systems, empowering the electorate and changing the country’s political, constitutional and electoral landscape”.

Ezekwesili added that the school educates citizens to become dignified and responsible leaders determined to work towards the development of the country.

“We are training a cadre of leaders on our continent that are going to have dignity in themselves and a sense of value, where they are not subordinating the public good for self-interest. We are addressing the mindset shift; that is the kind of curriculum we are delivering,” she added.