NIPSS Inducts Akande, 95 Others as Members of the National Institute

By Rukiyat Ogunwade

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, has conferred the honour of Member of the National Institute (mni) on renowned educationist, Dr. Kazeem Akande, alongside 95 other Nigerians.

The induction ceremony, held on Saturday 13th December, 2025 followed the successful completion of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025 by the awardees.

The inductees were presented with their certificates after undergoing a rigorous 10-months intensive training programme focused on the Blue Economy and sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.

The mni award is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious distinctions in strategic leadership and policy development. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding competence, discipline, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR commended the graduands for their sustained and rigorous research into the maritime domain. He noted that their findings underscored the fact that securing Nigeria’s waterways, coastlines, and inland communities extends beyond safety concerns to issues of livelihoods, food security, environmental protection, and national cohesion.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON, urged the graduands to remain focused, stressing that Nigerians expect them to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, provide honest feedback on policy implementation, and drive institutional reforms across critical sectors, particularly security, governance, and development.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, stated that with the support of the Federal Government, the institute has continued to expand its role in promoting effective policy formulation as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy and enhance national prosperity.

He added that, through a partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, courses on anti-corruption were introduced, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening integrity systems, enhancing accountability, and rebuilding public trust.