Report of the Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series held in University of Abuja

Report of the Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series held in University of Abuja

• Date and Time: February 5, 2026, 10:00 AM
• Venue: Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja
• Guest Speaker: Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Amnesty International (Nigeria), and Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
• MC/Moderators: Mr. Johnson Maichibi Musa and Mr. Auwal Sani

The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) event, organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in partnership with the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja, took place successfully on Thursday, February 5, 2026. This marked the second university edition of ILERIS in Abuja (following the inaugural session at Nile University) and the first for 2026, drawing students, faculty, and participants eager to engage with themes of leadership, governance, accountability, and youth civic participation. The program ran for approximately three hours, adhering closely to the planned agenda and fostering an interactive, mentorship-focused atmosphere.

The session started with the recitation of the National Anthem by all. A Welcome address was delivered by the Head of Department (HOD) of the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, Dr. Aishat AbdulRauf-Salau, who appreciated CITAD for organising this programme in their department.

Introduction of ILERIS and its purpose by Yesmin Salako, CITAD Abuja Team Lead, who welcomed the participants on behalf of CITAD’s Executive Director and staff, thanked the university for the partnership, and explained ILERIS’s mission: to connect youth with accomplished mentors who share honest stories of challenges, lessons, and practical steps for success. She highlighted that this was a continuation of a tradition featuring past speakers such as Dr. Halilu Adamu, Dr. Umar Yakubu, Dr. Kole Shettima, and Prof. Attahiru Jega. She encouraged students to listen, ask questions, reflect, and act on insights gained.

A Goodwill message from the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies represented by Deputy Dean Dr. Barnabas Gban, who appreciated CITAD and the guest speaker for positively shaping young lives.

Following a formal introduction, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) delivered an interactive, heartfelt session. He shared his personal journey from childhood in Kano, through his student activism at Bayero University Kano (where he fought for students’ rights in the early 1990s as part of the student union and National Association of Nigerian Students), to founding CISLAC around 2005 and building his career in advocacy, anti-corruption, legislative reform, and democratic governance.

Key quotes and insights included:

“Nigeria and the world cannot move forward without young people who are informed.”

“There is a difference between activists and the people who are working in the development sector. Activists hardly take government appointments.”

The talk emphasized leadership, accountability, youth participation in governance, and real-life lessons from overcoming challenges.

This was followed by a question-and-answer segment, which was notably engaging, with students actively questioning and reflecting on the speaker’s experiences.

A vote of thanks and closing remarks was delivered by Johnson Maichibi Musa, who appreciated the speaker, the department, and the students for making the event a success. A presentation of CITAD’s publications was made to the speaker and the HOD by the CITAD team lead. The department also made some presentations to the CITAD team and the speaker. The event ended with a group photograph and media interview with the guest speaker.

Attendance and Impact

The event attracted a vibrant audience of 285 students from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, faculty members, and other participants. Feedback highlighted the inspirational value of the speaker’s candid sharing of his activism-to-advocacy journey and the practical emphasis on informed youth engagement in Nigeria’s development. Social media posts from CITAD, CISLAC, and individuals (including photos of the speaker addressing the audience, Q&A moments, and group shots) captured the event’s energy and positive reception.

Conclusion

The ILERIS session at the University of Abuja achieved its goal of mentoring and inspiring young people through direct interaction with a seasoned leader in civil society and governance. It reinforced CITAD’s commitment to youth empowerment and civic education, setting a strong tone for future editions.