The Federal Government in 1979 established the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to serve as a high level centre of reflection, research, and dialogue where academics of intellectual excellence, policy initiators and executors and other citizens of practical experience and wisdom drawn from different sectors of national life in Nigeria would meet to reflect and exchange ideas on the great issues of society, particularly as they relate to Nigeria and Africa in the context of the dynamics of a constantly changing world.
To date, over 1784 participants have graduated from NIPPS. The list includes serving and past top level executives from various walks of life which include the presidency, state government houses, civil service, armed forces, academia, labour and para-military institutions, among others.
As a respected Member of the National Institute and secretary general of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), I bear witness that over a thousand policy research papers have been commendably generated from NIPSS through the annual Senior Executive Course (SEC). Currently NIPPS runs Senior Executive Course (SEC 37) after 36 years of existence.
I therefore use this opportunity to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to change the story of under-utilisation of NIPSS and make sure his government uses some of the policy recommendations from the Institute.
No doubt, NIPSS is a policy bank for all the ideas that will assist this administration to realize its three-point noble agenda, namely, security, anti-corruption and economy.
President Muhammadu Buhari must ensure tested AANI members are put in positions of responsibility to enhance public service delivery and compliment his change agenda.
However, the management of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) should also connect the Institute to the larger society. The Institute must be consistent with its Vision and Mission towards a better society.
Being remarks at a study visit to the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria by Course 20 participants of Policy Strategy and Leadership Course (PSLC), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Friday, October 16, 2015.
COMRADE ISSA AREMU
