Nigeria's Duke's Masterclass Launched to Enhance Governance and Communication

Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, former Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, has unveiled the Duke's Masterclass, a new initiative designed to elevate leadership standards across Nigeria's public and private sectors. This high-level platform aims to strengthen governance, enhance strategic communication, and promote effective reputation management among the nation's decision-makers.

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The purpose of the Masterclass, as the name implies, is the top level of learning, trying to educate people on how things should be done.

Ashiru, also the Otunba Adeona Fusigboye of Ijebu Land, explained that the Masterclass will equip participants with global best practices to improve institutional performance, crisis management, and overall leadership effectiveness. The program is set to convene accomplished global leaders and professionals who will share practical insights with policymakers, corporate executives, and senior public officials. "The purpose of the Masterclass, as the name implies, is the top level of learning, trying to educate people on how things should be done," Ashiru stated.

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We picked the right kind of people to educate others. We realised that beyond training students, we need to engage the decision-makers and people with practical experience because they are the ones shaping institutions and public policy.

The faculty comprises respected international figures, including former diplomats, senior public servants, corporate leaders, and policy experts. Ashiru emphasized the importance of engaging individuals with proven experience, as they are the ones shaping institutions and public policy. The initiative was inspired by a desire to expose Nigerian leaders to international best practices and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professionalism.

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I have served as commissioner twice in Ogun State. Our civil servants are very intelligent and very smart. But if you come in and tell them they don’t know what they are doing, they will simply wait for you and frustrate you. There must be mutual respect, collaboration and teamwork.

Drawing from his experience as a two-time commissioner in Ogun State, Ashiru observed that while Nigerian civil servants are highly capable, poor leadership engagement often hinders their effectiveness. He stressed the need for mutual respect, collaboration, and teamwork. A key focus for this year's Masterclass is improving strategic crisis communication, which Ashiru identified as a significant weakness in Nigerian governance. "Our communication system is weak in this country. Ministers and heads of agencies must communicate with Nigerians. It is not the President’s job alone to tell people what government is doing," he asserted, noting that many ministries fail to publicize their achievements, leading to misinformation and public distrust.

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Our communication system is weak in this country. Ministers and heads of agencies must communicate with Nigerians. It is not the President’s job alone to tell people what government is doing.