Institution building and ethical leadership must take priority over personal ambition for public office holders, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, has told graduands of the Citadel School of Government.

Asikhia delivered the charge while giving the keynote address at the school's inaugural graduation ceremony. The Citadel School of Government was founded by Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Speaking on the theme "Leadership, Innovation and Institutional Excellence: Preparing Change Makers for a Competitive and Disruptive World," the professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship argued that Nigeria's development challenges stem partly from weak institutions, poor policy implementation, and gaps in ethical leadership.

He stressed that sustainable national development requires institutions built on integrity, accountability, transparency, innovation, and strategic planning, adding that leaders should focus on building systems that outlive their tenure rather than concentrating power around individuals.

Asikhia urged the graduands to embrace ethical and servant leadership, evidence based policymaking, digital transformation, strategic foresight and policy entrepreneurship. He referenced development experiences from Singapore, Rwanda, Germany, South Africa and the United States, noting that institutional reforms alongside investment in education, technology, entrepreneurship and human capital had driven progress in those countries.

He further challenged Universities and leadership institutions to move beyond awarding certificates, calling instead for graduates equipped with practical problem solving abilities and the values required for public service.

Bakare, founder and chairman of the Citadel School of Government, explained that the institution was established to prepare leaders capable of contributing to national development through responsible public service.

"We are raising leaders who will not merely occupy office but rebuild the foundations of governance and restore the dignity of public service," Bakare stated, adding that the future of any nation depends on deliberately preparing people who understand responsibility, sacrifice, and service.

The school's pioneer graduands completed the Advanced Diploma in Public Leadership and Statecraft, a programme centred on leadership and governance.

The ceremony drew participants from government, academia, the private sector, civil society, and development organisations, including the Executive Director of the school, Omoaholo Omoakhalen, faculty members, representatives of the University of Lagos Business School, parents, guardians, and the pioneer graduands.