LAGOS TO RECRUIT LEADERSHIP FELLOWS INTO CIVIL SERVICE

The Lagos State Government is set to create a pathway for qualified fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to join the state civil service.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the initiative on Friday during the graduation ceremony of the academy’s third cohort and the induction of the 2026/2027 fellows at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja.

The governor said the new Excellence Pathway was designed to bridge the gap between leadership training and public service by giving high-performing fellows an opportunity to move into government roles.

Sanwo-Olu said the academy was established to develop young Nigerians who can take on leadership responsibilities and contribute to the administration of Lagos beyond the current government.

He noted that more than 16,000 people applied for the new cohort but stressed that the programme would prioritise quality rather than simply increasing the number of participants.

According to him, the academy has also been backed by legislation to ensure that it continues to operate regardless of changes in government.

Sanwo-Olu urged the new fellows to focus on integrity, responsibility and public service, saying Lagos needs capable people who can strengthen institutions and manage public resources effectively.

The initiative is expected to provide a direct link between leadership development and opportunities within the state’s public service.