The proposed institution is expected to provide a structured platform for executive leadership development, applied research, governance advisory services, digital learning and knowledge exchange among state governments.
According to a concept note prepared by the NGF’s Policy, Strategy and Research Directorate, the Academy will focus on building competent, reform-oriented and future-ready leaders capable of addressing emerging governance and development challenges at the subnational level.
The initiative will target three categories of public officials: governors, deputy governors and senior state officials, including commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors-general, heads of government agencies and technical officers.
Under the proposed framework, governors will benefit from executive leadership programmes, policy retreats and structured induction, while deputy governors will receive training in strategic leadership, governance oversight and reform implementation.
For senior government officials, the Academy will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, technical expertise and the ability of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to translate government policies into measurable development outcomes.
Its proposed programmes will cover strategic leadership, public sector ethics, negotiation, adaptive management, change implementation and sector-specific governance challenges.
The Academy will also establish innovation and foresight laboratories to facilitate the development of practical solutions to governance challenges through research, digital tools and collaborative learning.
A key component of the initiative is the provision of technical advisory services to state governments, particularly in institutional reforms, fiscal sustainability and performance management.
The concept note also proposes structured inter-state learning platforms through which governments can exchange experiences, share policy innovations and replicate successful development interventions.
To support the initiative, the NGF plans to deploy its existing e-Learning Management System (eLMS) as the primary digital learning platform. The system is expected to provide virtual classrooms, mobile learning, artificial intelligence-enabled learning tools and digital certification for participants across the 36 states.
It will also integrate with existing NGF digital resources, including the Forum’s repository and electronic library, while providing role-based learning programmes, performance-tracking dashboards and offline access for states with limited internet connectivity.
The proposed Academy will operate under a two-tier governance arrangement comprising a Governing Council and an NGF Academy and Leadership Directorate.
The Governing Council, which is expected to include NGF Secretariat leadership, development partners and sectoral experts, will oversee programme quality, approve work plans and budgets, and provide institutional accountability.
The Directorate will coordinate programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and performance tracking.
The implementation framework covers 2026 to 2036 and provides for four phases, beginning with strategic planning, institutional arrangements, curriculum development and pilot programmes.
The second phase, scheduled for October 2026 to June 2027, will focus on strengthening operational structures, developing the digital learning platform, engaging faculty and technical personnel, and formalising strategic partnerships.
The third phase, running from July 2027 to March 2030, will concentrate on expanding leadership and sectoral programmes, applied research and governance advisory services.
The final phase, covering April 2030 to December 2036, envisages nationwide programme delivery, the establishment of regional learning hubs and the operationalisation of an NGF Leadership Endowment and Innovation Fund to support the institution’s long-term sustainability.
On partnerships, the NGF plans to engage Nigerian universities, government agencies, private sector organisations, African governance networks and international development institutions.
Potential partners identified in the concept note include the Forum of Federations, Canada; National Governors Association, United States; World Bank Institute; Oxford Blavatnik School of Government; Lagos Business School; Mo Ibrahim Foundation; UNICEF; World Health Organisation; United Nations Development Programme; and Ford Foundation.
The partnerships are expected to support curriculum development, applied research, faculty exchange, access to international expertise and funding opportunities.
At the foundational stage, the Academy is expected to operate through the existing institutional structures of the NGF, particularly its Policy, Strategy and Research Directorate and other relevant Secretariat directorates. Funding from the Forum and contributions from development partners are identified as the primary sources of financing.
The concept note has accordingly invited the Forum to endorse and approve the proposed framework as the basis for establishing the Academy and Leadership Centre.
The initiative, if approved and implemented, is expected to provide a common institutional platform for strengthening public sector leadership, improving policy implementation and promoting more effective governance across Nigeria’s subnational governments.
