Kila at public lecture seeks youths’ growth as Dangote, FAAN boss, others bag excellence awards.

Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof. Anthony Kila, has emphasised the critical need for a national and institutional shift towards deliberate excellence.

Kila stated this at the Commonwealth Institute End-Of-The-Year public lecture and awards ceremony held in Lagos on December 4, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.

The NIIA auditorium buzzed with anticipation as students, academics, and professionals from different sectors.

The theme, “Creating a Culture of Excellence,” hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. Professor Kila, known for his incisive intellect and captivating delivery, began not with a grand statement, but with a simple, almost conversational question. “How many of you,” he asked, scanning the faces before him, “consciously choose excellence every single day?

Kila then skillfully wove the Nigerian context into the discussion. He spoke of the vast potential within the country, the youthful dynamism, the entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, he lamented the pervasive acceptance of “good enough,” a subtle enemy of progress.

“Our graduates,” he asserted, “must not merely be competitive within Lagos or even within Africa. They must be equipped to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in London, New York, or Shanghai. Geography cannot define the ceiling of our ambition; excellence must.”

He shared anecdotes about past CIAPS awardees, whose journeys were illuminated by their unwavering pursuit of high standards. These were not just names on a plaque, he explained, but living embodiments of the culture he advocated.

“We create these ceremonies not just to celebrate,” he explained, “but to demonstrate. To show our students that excellence isn’t an abstract ideal, but a tangible, achievable reality, personified by the very people you see honoured here tonight.”

Asked how he arrived at the choice of names of the awardees who have shaped society, Kila said, “We thought about quality.” We knew what we wanted. We told ourselves that we want our graduates to be inspired. We thought, what can best encourage them? The first thing is that the type of achievements we hope for them should not be something a few cabal or government can take away from them. It should be something bigger than where they were. It has to be something global. This global thing we talk about sounds so big. Are there people similar to our graduates who have done it within their space so that it doesn’t look impossible?”

The Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development also said the institute plans to build up the public lecture annually, adding that, starting in 2026, they would begin preparing for the December 2026 event.

“Whatever happens, we are sure of doing it. We have a plan to make sure this does not fizzle out. After that, we will have a standing committee to ensure we have continuous public lectures like this, and we keep on calling people like you.”

Among the awardees are President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. He was recognised for his achievement in building the world’s largest refinery. Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, recognised for her leadership, including her role as Vice Chairman of the aviation council in Africa, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs – NIIA.

Others are Chief Tajudeen Akande (PKF Regional CEO) for his achievements and contributions to the finance industry, and Miss Nafisah Abdullahi, who was awarded for her academic performance, having emerged as the World’s Best in English Language after securing the first-place scholarship at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals English Competition.

The ceremony also included the graduation of 37 professionals from various CIAPS programmes.

Wole Shadare