AUST launches African leadership project, appoints Peterside director

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has launched the African Leadership Legacy Project (AFRILEAP), appointing former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, as its director.

The initiative, established through the university’s Centre for Pan-African and Peace Studies (CePAPS), is designed to assess leadership impact, promote institutional continuity and strengthen accountable governance across Africa.

Bosco Chukwudumebi Okolo-Obi, Centre Leader of CePAPS, will serve as Programme Manager.

Speaking at the launch, Peterside said the project would challenge leaders to examine the enduring consequences of their decisions and contributions.

“AFRILEAP asks every leader one fundamental question: What do you want to be remembered for long after you are gone?” he said.

President of AUST, Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, pledged the university’s support, saying the initiative aligned with its commitment to research, innovation and human capacity development.

Director of CePAPS, Chudi Uwazurike, also pledged the centre’s commitment to the project’s implementation.

AFRILEAP will examine leadership legacy across five dimensions: values transmission, institutionalisation of systems, human capacity development, socioeconomic impact, and public and organisational memory.

Its initial research will focus on Nigeria, with comparative studies planned in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Rwanda.

The project will develop indicators for an African Leadership Legacy Index over the next 18 months, alongside a leadership assessment framework, knowledge hub, policy briefs and executive masterclasses.

Other planned initiatives include a 12-month Future Legacy Leaders Fellowship designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills required to build sustainable institutions.

The project has invited development organisations, corporate institutions and philanthropic foundations to support its research and leadership development programmes.