Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellows Return from Insightful International Policy Trip to Singapore

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping globally minded public sector leaders, as its 2024/2025 Fellows return from a transformative International Policy Trip to Singapore.

This immersive experience, a cornerstone of the Academy’s leadership development curriculum, provided Fellows with invaluable exposure to global models of governance and policy execution, while reinforcing the realities and ambitions of Nigeria’s development journey.

This visit offered Fellows deep exposure to one of Asia’s most admired policy ecosystems, with engagements focused on urban innovation, economic development, inclusive social policies, and future-focused public leadership.

Through a carefully curated programme combining academic instruction, institutional visits, and cultural exploration, they examined how long-term planning and disciplined policy implementation have shaped Singapore’s rise as a global model.

Building on the momentum of the 2023/2024 cohort’s visit to India, this year’s trip strengthened the Academy’s emphasis on experiential learning.

Key engagements included academic sessions at the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), where Fellows explored Singapore’s transformation into a Smart Nation, its economic planning frameworks, and its management of multiculturalism and social equity.

Now, with Singapore,  globally recognised for its governance discipline and innovation capacity, the Academy continues its commitment to experiential learning that bridges global exposure with local impact.

Speaking on the significance of this trip, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of LJLA, stated, “This trip offered far more than international exposure; it provided concrete models, practical lessons, and thoughtful dialogue that will shape our Fellows’ contributions to governance in Nigeria. They’ve returned with sharpened insights, renewed purpose, and a stronger grasp of what it means to lead with global competence and local relevance. We believe that immersive experiences like this inspire new thinking and empower our future leaders to act with confidence, clarity, and a global perspective.”

During this visit, Fellows participated in a blend of cultural immersion and academic engagement, exploring spaces such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage, and the Singapore City Gallery—touchpoints that reflect Singapore’s integration of sustainability, innovation, and urban planning.

Academic sessions will also take place at the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), where a four-day curriculum explores Singapore’s journey to becoming a Smart Nation, its disciplined approach to economic planning, and its strategies for managing multiculturalism and social equity.

Complementing the academic programme were tourist visits to institutions including the Singapore Business Federation, the Housing Development Board Gallery, and innovation firms.

Fellows also engaged in fireside chats with experts on public housing, policy leadership, and Singapore’s evolving relationship with Nigeria and the African continent.

The International policy trip represents more than an academic exercise; it is a signal of the Academy’s growing global partnerships and its long-term vision to integrate real-world learning into the leadership development pipeline.

As LJLA continues to expand its international footprint, experiences like this reflect a deliberate strategy to raise the standard of public service leadership in Nigeria.

With each cohort, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to developing leaders who are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the confidence, context, and character to serve.

The insights gained in Singapore will travel back with the Fellows—informing their contributions, influencing policy thinking, and strengthening their resolve to deliver meaningful change at home.