A former Minister of Education and Founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has called on emerging African leaders to embrace a new leadership order anchored on integrity, courage, and the welfare of citizens.
She also called for rejection of culture of political compromise that has long hindered governance on the continent.
Speaking at the SPPG Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony in Abuja, themed: “Embracing and Preparing Leaders of a New Global Order Where Africa Builds on Its Own Terms,” Ezekwesili challenged graduates to redefine power as service, not privilege.
Ezekwesili, who was Nigeria’s Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2019 general elections, recounted her decision to withdraw from the race, describing it as a defining moment that tested her values.
She stated: “Leadership is neither a title nor a privilege of a select few,” she said. “It is a responsibility — a sacred trust to safeguard the dignity and aspirations of the people.”
“The day I withdrew on the basis of values I cherish, I cried,” she admitted. “But that decision had to be made, because our politics needed to be fixed; otherwise, governance would continue to fail.”
Ezekwesili revealed that her foray into politics was inspired by her activism during the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, where she witnessed firsthand the neglect of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
She added: “I didn’t want to run for office. My journey began when I saw the children of the poor abducted and treated with disdain. It didn’t matter to me what part of the country they came from or what religion they practiced. What mattered was that no child should go to school and disappear.”
She emphasised that the SPPG was born out of the need to “fix politics” — the first step, she said, in transforming governance across Africa.
“The SPPG is not a source of income for us,” she said. “What we invested is the equity of our strength, knowledge, and determination that our continent will no longer be a mockery to the community of nations.”
Only 262 out of over 400 students completed the rigorous ten-month programme, a figure Ezekwesili said reflected the school’s high ethical and academic standards.
“At SPPG, we tell our students that knowledge without character will turn you into a locust,” she said. “You must never compromise your integrity. You must remain courageous in adversity and always place the citizens at the heart of your service.”
One of the Graduates, Dr. Yinka Olatunbosun, described her experience at the school as “transformational,” noting that SPPG had redefined her understanding of leadership.
“I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to attend the School of Politics, Policy and Governance,
“I was offered admission in 2022, but due to my tight schedule, I had to defer it twice. I’m so happy that I was finally able to commence the programme in November 2024 and complete it successfully in September 2025,” Olatunbosun said.