Pastor Tunde Bakare: Citadel School of Government will raise nation builders

Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly), Pastor Tunde Bakare, says the newly established Citadel School of Government is designed to raise nation builders in Nigeria who will promote a cutting-edge philosophy of governance across public leadership.

Bakare spoke at the official inauguration of the school and the induction of the pioneer class of the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, held in Lagos in partnership with the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS).

Explaining his vision, Bakare, who is also the Founder and Board Chairman of the institution, said the school was created to provide solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Official Opening of the Citadel School of Government. This is a momentous occasion, the significance of which words cannot quantify. Without a doubt, the seed we are planting here today will blossom into a mighty forest, whose roots will take hold in our nation and whose branches will stretch across the earth, bearing in its fruit the fragrance of transformative governance,” Bakare said.

He congratulated the 70 pioneer students of the diploma programme, describing them as the first wave of changemakers who would embody “a new breed without greed” and oppose corruption.

“With your admission into this programme, I am confident that Nigeria is about to experience a new wave of transformative leadership across sectors,” he added.

Bakare dismissed speculation about political motives behind the school, insisting the aim is to raise leaders who will bridge the gap between academia, policy, and governance.

He further explained:

“At the Citadel School of Government, we have a bold and clear vision to become a globally renowned institution facilitating the emergence of cutting-edge nations, beginning with Nigeria. These are nations with agile and responsive governments whose impact is closely felt by the people; nations that adopt, adapt and author technological innovations; nations where knowledge and wisdom guide decisions, and where service is at the heart of leadership.”

Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, stressed that leadership remained Africa’s greatest challenge, lamenting that corruption had eaten deep into both public and private institutions.

She said:

“We have no business to fail. Failure is not our destiny. Corruption is corrosive; it corrodes society like cancer. If you decided to join this school, it cannot be just because Bakare established it. You must understand the urgency of this country and this continent.”

Ezekwesili charged the students to rise above mediocrity and corruption, warning them not to acquire diplomas only to perpetuate the same practices that have undermined Nigeria’s progress.

“Leadership is the bane of Africa’s development. No matter how competent or careful you are, if you lack character, you won’t progress,” she cautioned.

The school’s pioneer class was inducted during the ceremony, with Bakare expressing confidence that they would form the nucleus of a generation of nation builders ready to transform Nigeria and beyond.