Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, has awarded Doctor of Philosophy degrees to four graduates who completed doctoral programmes in Public Governance and Leadership, as well as Policy and Strategic Studies, through the Abuja Leadership Centre.
The academic achievements were conferred after the recipients completed all requirements, including the external defence of their theses on Monday, 9 March 2026, pending the approval of the University's Senate, according to Professor Philip Dahida, the Director of the Centre.
Among the awardees is Geoffrey Wetjwak Jwan, a Deputy Director overseeing the Oil and Gas, Weights and Measures Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who received a PhD in Public Governance and Leadership. Isiyaku Nafiu and Ben Akor David also earned their Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the same field, while Chika Nnamdi Ukwo was awarded a PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies.
Professor Rafatu Abdulhamid, the Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate School, commended the Centre Director for his contributions and the vital role he plays in developing exceptional leaders in Nigeria during the event. She also praised the students for their dedication and resilience in pursuing knowledge.
She commended the external examiner, Professor Charles Nwekeaku from Nasarawa State University, for his thorough and professional evaluation of the doctoral candidates. She reiterated the University's commitment to the programmes at the Centre, highlighting their significance in shaping future leaders in society.
"I want to congratulate all of you who are here today for your final defence. This is indeed a remarkable achievement, and we are impressed that you have successfully reached this point. Well done to you all once again," Abdulhamid stated.
Responding, Geoffrey Wetjwak Jwan attributed his milestone to Almighty God and shared that his research focuses on "the need to create awareness about citizens' rights and the government's responsibility to protect individuals against fraud." He believes his work can help authorities better fulfil their responsibilities.
Jwan praised the Centre for its significant contributions in educating and transforming leaders in the country, applauding the quality of lecturers and the research conducted at the institution. He urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to recognise the valuable research produced by the Centre's graduates and put it into practice.
He described his work as an eye opener for consumers of goods and services in Nigeria. "Many people go to the market, and there is a risk of misrepresentation. Misrepresentation occurs when consumers assume that the quantity shown on a metering pump at a filling station reflects what they are actually receiving. For instance, if a pump is not calibrated correctly, it may dispense less than the stated 20 litres, which constitutes fraud."
Jwan stated that the establishment of a Centre like the Abuja Leadership Centre was long overdue. "If Nigeria had initiated such efforts earlier, we would be further along than we are today. Thankfully, we now have a calibre of researchers emerging from this Centre who can help the government develop better policies for a brighter future in Nigeria," he advised.
The Abuja Leadership Centre at Yakubu Gowon University is recognised as a TETFund Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, with a mandate to enhance public governance and leadership practices in Nigeria and beyond, positioning itself as a critical institution for producing research driven leaders capable of transforming the nation's public sector.
