Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged graduates of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, to move beyond academic accomplishment and ensure that policy ideas are translated into practical actions that drive national development.
He gave the charge while speaking at the 2025 graduation ceremony, describing the programme as “a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s future” and expressing confidence that the nation remains in safe hands with the emergence of strategically trained leaders.
“By completing this course, you have been entrusted with a responsibility that goes beyond your certificates. You are now tasked with turning policies into action for national development,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also assured that the Federal Government would carefully consider the recommendations from the course, describing the final report as “a potential game changer for the nation if fully implemented”.
Ninety-six participants completed the 10-month Senior Executive Course 47, which focused on the theme “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”. The programme combined rigorous classroom engagement, extensive field research, and local and international study tours aimed at strengthening strategic thinking and policy formulation.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, called on the graduates to live up to the responsibility attached to the NIPSS badge by offering practical, solution-driven contributions in their various organisations.
“You have been challenged to become solution providers to our national development. Your memos should be richer and more developmental after this training,” the governor said.
He expressed optimism that the insights from the programme would positively impact the blue economy sector and reaffirmed Plateau State’s commitment to sustained collaboration with NIPSS.
The Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, stated that the institute remains a key driver of policy development and strategic decision-making in Nigeria.
“Our assignment is to design policy frameworks and inform decision-making as Nigeria continues to strengthen efforts around critical sectors like the blue economy,” he said, urging graduates to adopt a deeper, more critical perspective on the nation’s marine and aquatic resources.
In a symbolic highlight of the ceremony, participants took an oath of service and integrity, after which their spouses formally adorned them with NIPSS badges, underscoring the collective responsibility and support underpinning their leadership roles.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the Course 47 Monitor-General, Colonel Mukhtar Daroda, said the programme had reshaped their thinking, values, and commitment to national service.
“This course has made us see Nigeria’s rivers and marine resources as opportunities for growth and development. We are ready to think clearly, speak boldly, and offer solutions where needed,” he said.
The event attracted top security officials, senior government figures, and family members of the graduates, as expectations remain high that the new alumni will apply their recommendations, strengthen collaboration, and promote innovation to advance Nigeria’s blue economy and overall development.
What you should know
The Senior Executive Course at NIPSS is one of Nigeria’s highest policy and leadership training programmes, designed to equip senior officials with strategic skills for governance and national development.
Course 47 focused on the blue economy, a sector covering marine and aquatic resources with strong potential for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability.
Graduates are expected to return to their institutions as policy drivers, translating research and recommendations into actionable strategies that support national priorities, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and improve Nigeria’s long-term development outcomes.
