The Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja has awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees to eight of its students in Public Governance and Leadership, and Policy and Strategic Studies.
According to the Director of the Centre, Professor Philip Dahida, the academic achievements were granted after the candidates successfully completed all requirements, including the defense of their theses on September 2 and 3, 2025.
Notable recipients of the Doctoral Degree include, Hon. Abdulrahman Abba Terab, the Head of Technology, Transfer, Innovation and Investment at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) who was awarded a doctoral degree in Policy and Strategic Studies, while the duo of Ahmed Ishaq Ningi and Muhammad Al Amin Musa Amshi, both serving Special Assistants to the President of Nigeria were awarded doctoral degrees in Public Governance and Leadership.
Others are Abdulmajid Suleiman, a staff of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund); Susan Obi, Coordinating Director, at National Broadcasting Commission (NBC); Francisca Aiyetan, a former Secretary at NBC, Oluwasegun Bode-Ajayi and Tijani Taiwo Ayodotun, all received doctoral degrees in Public Governance and Leadership..
Professor Dahida was full of praise for the external examiner, Professor Olugbemiga Afolabi of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, for his display of professionalism, knowledge transfer, and passion in evaluating the doctoral candidates.
He also lauded the university’s School of Postgraduate Studies, lecturers and staffers of the institution for their roles in graduating the doctoral candidates. Dahida also commended the PhD awardees for their resilience in pursuing knowledge, while tasking them to ensure the knowledge gained is appropriately applied to better the lots of the Nigerian society at large.
Reacting to the academic milestone, Hon. Abdulrahman Abba Terab, the Head of Technology, Transfer, Innovation and Investment at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) described his research work which dealt on housing deficit as “extremely important to the development of Nigeria”.
Terab urged for seriousness, a well structured and deliberate investment in housing, advising Nigerian government seeking a trillion dollar economy that it can be achieved faster and easier through housing alone with Nigerians in diaspora involved.
He tasked Nigerians (old and young) not to relent on acquiring more education as it can go a long way in addressing the numerous sentiments slowing down progress in the country for decades.
“One of the major problems that is facing Nigeria and most part of the world is housing deficit. We are in need of 20 million houses as we speak between Nigeria.
^Despite government support, private sector investments and the rest. So, the need for us to continue to seek for alternative funding to support housing development in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The records are there.
“And one of the major areas that we need to look at which will have two-pronged or three-pronged value is diaspora capital. We have a large and thriving diaspora community who, if given the proper opportunity, will invest in Nigerian housing sector. They will invest it for so many reasons.
“So, we should create an enabling environment for diaspora investment in housing. I am sure, if that is done, even what this (Tinubu) government is looking out for, a trillion dollar economy, can be achieved through housing alone with the diaspora,” Terab counselled.
On his part, Ahmed Ishaq Ningi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Digital Media and Emergency Managemen (Office of the Vice President) vowed to integrate the knowledge gained in his workspace and immediate environment, While stressing the need for the continuous acquisation of knowledge by leaders at all level.
Ningi hailed the Professor-Dahida-led Center for providing the ground for knowledge upgrade through research, noting that his thesis “contributes to scholarship and policy by providing practical recommendations for strengthening leadership effectiveness, promoting transparency, and rebuilding public trust in governance.”
“My research topic spans across all aspects of governance, I will definitely integrate it where I work presently. I will also apply this knowledge and the whole experience in things coming henceforth. All levels of leadership need to acquire such knowledge because it affects basically any leader, not just government.
“I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, examiners, my distinguished colleagues, and family for their guidance and support throughout this economic journey,” Ningi stated.
The Abuja Leadership Centre at the University of Abuja is a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership both in Nigeria and beyond.
