Continuing his legacy. Empowering social change
ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA LEADERSHIP CENTRE
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966) was Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, a teacher turned statesman whose calm voice and unifying spirit earned him the nickname “The Golden Voice of Africa.” Born in Bauchi to humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks of education, politics and leadership – championing unity, diplomacy, and service to the people. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence and received Nigeria’s sovereign flag in 1960.
Rooted in integrity, humane service to the people, humility, and national vision – his leadership legacy whispers still: lead with integrity, service with humility, dream for the whole nation.
Library & Museum
beautifully captured moment of a legend
About Us
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Leadership Centre serves as a dynamic centre for interdisciplinary research, dialogue, capacity-building, scholarship in leadership studies, and fostering collaboration among leaders from diverse sectors. Established in honour of the leadership legacy of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria first and only Prime Minister, the Centre honours and sustains his legacy of selflessness in service, integrity and good governance by equipping current and future leaders with the tools, values, skills and opportunities to address complex governance and societal challenges effectively. It provides leadership exchange programmes that are tailored to meet the needs of leaders in government, business, and civil society.
At the core of the centre’s offering is the prestigious Tafawa Balewa Leadership Fellowship, a flagship programme that provides an intensive, immersive experience for emerging leaders, with focus on cultivating critical thinking, policy development, and ethical governance through lectures, cultural-exchange, and collaborative projects led by expert faculty and practitioners. By advancing the values espoused and exemplified by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Centre aspires to build a cadre of transformative leaders committed to shaping a sustainable and equitable future.
As a thought leader in public policy and leadership, the Centre bridges academia, government, and civil society to address critical societal challenges and shape a sustainable future.
Key Programmes
Executive Certificate Courses
Tailored programmes for mid-career professionals, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and leadership excellence.
Research Fellowships
Supporting scholars conducting groundbreaking research in governance and development.
Tafawa Balewa Leadership Fellowship
The Tafawa Balewa Leadership Fellowship is the Centre’s flagship pilot initiative, designed to identify and nurture high-potential individuals committed to driving transformative change in their communities and organizations.
Leadership Development Programmes
Comprehensive training initiatives tailored for public officials, corporate leaders, and non-profits, with a focus on: Ethical governance, Strategic leadership ,Inclusive decision-making
Policy and Research Initiatives
The Centre’s research addresses key issues in governance, leadership, and development, focusing on: Governance and Accountability, Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation, National Cohesion, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, Youth Empowerment and Social Justice
Public Engagement and Advocacy
The Centre organizes: Annual Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Leadership Lecture: Bringing together global leaders to discuss pressing issues and share solutions, Community Dialogue Series: Grassroots engagement to amplify marginalized voices, Publications and Media Outreach: Disseminating research findings and policy recommendations.
Publications and Outputs
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Leadership Centre is committed to thought leadership and disseminates its findings through various channels:
Policy Briefs
Practical insights and recommendations for policymakers
Research Papers
Original studies tackling critical development challenges
Case Studies
Educational tools capturing lessons from successful initiatives and reforms
Books and Monographs
Comprehensive analyses of governance and policy trends
Vision
To be a foremost centre for leadership excellence and public policy innovation.
Mission
- To nurture ethical and transformative leaders equipped to address global and local challenges.
- To drive policy innovation through cutting-edge research and practical solutions.
- To foster collaboration and dialogue across sectors for inclusive and sustainable development.
- To advance and continue the legacy of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Why Choose the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Centre?
Innovative Education
Combining global insights with local relevance to address Africa’s unique challenges
Impact-Driven Research
Focusing on practical, actionable solutions for real-world problems
Case Studies
Educational tools capturing lessons from successful initiatives and reforms
Upcoming Events
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Leadership Lecture
Making Nigeria Work for Nigerians: We Are the Leaders We Have Been Waiting For