A senior public servant at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Geoffrey Wetjwak Jwan along with three others, has been awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Public Governance and Leadership, as well as in Policy and Strategic Studies, from the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.
According to Professor Philip Dahida, the Director of the Centre, these academic achievements were conferred after the recipients successfully completed all requirements, including the external defense of their theses on Monday, March 9, 2026, pending the approval of the University’s Senate.
Geoffrey Wetjwak Jwan, who serves as a Deputy Director overseeing the Oil and Gas, Weights and Measures Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, received PhD in Public Governance and Leadership. Isiyaku Nafiu and Ben Akor David also earned their Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the same field, while Chika Nnamdi Ukwo was awarded a PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies.
During the event, Professor Rafatu Abdulhamid, the Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate School, commended the Centre Director for his contributions and the vital role he plays in developing exceptional leaders in Nigeria. She also praised the students for their dedication and resilience in pursuing knowledge.
Professor Abdulhamid noted that the Abuja Leadership Centre is not merely a place for certificate acquisition; it is designed to enhance the university’s reputation by producing quality individuals at the postgraduate level. She urged the Centre to maintain the quality of its graduates and sustain its current momentum.
She commended the external examiner, Professor Charles Nwekeaku from Nasarawa State University, for his thorough and professional evaluation of the doctoral candidates. She reiterated the university’s commitment to the programmes at the Centre, highlighting their significance in shaping future leaders in society.
“I want to congratulate all of you who are here today for your final defense. This is indeed a remarkable achievement, and we are impressed that you have successfully reached this point. Well done to you all once again,” Abdulhamid stated.
In response, awardee Geoffrey Wetjwak Jwan attributed his milestone to Almighty God. He shared that his research focuses on “the need to create awareness about citizens’ rights and the government’s responsibility to protect individuals against fraud.” He believes his work can help authorities better fulfill their responsibilities.
Jwan praised the Centre for its significant contributions in educating and transforming leaders in the country, applauding the quality of lecturers and the research conducted at the institution. He urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to recognize the valuable research produced by the Centre’s graduates and put it into practice.
“My research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness so that citizens understand their rights and that the government has a responsibility to protect them from those who seek to defraud them. It is crucial for the government to take notice of this research and implement changes accordingly.
“I see this work as an eye-opener for consumers of goods and services in Nigeria. Many people go to the market, and there is a risk of misrepresentation. Misrepresentation occurs when consumers assume that the quantity shown on a metering pump at a filling station reflects what they are actually receiving. For instance, if a pump is not calibrated correctly, it may dispense less than the stated 20 liters, which constitutes fraud.
“The establishment of a Centre like this was long overdue. If Nigeria had initiated such efforts earlier, we would be further along than we are today. Thankfully, we now have a calibre of researchers emerging from this Centre who can help the government develop better policies for a brighter future in Nigeria,” Jwan advised.
The Abuja Leadership Centre at the University of Abuja is recognized as a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
