APC Kicks-off The Progressive Institute, Appoints Dr. Olanrewaju Adebayo as DG

'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially launched its new Policy Think Tank and Intellectual Resource Centre, known as The Progressive Institute (TPI). This significant development was marked by the appointment of the institute's pioneer management team in Abuja, signaling the commencement of operations for what is poised to be a key resource in the party's strategic initiatives.

According to Mohammed Garba, Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has approved the appointment of TPI's management team, selecting one director from each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. "The appointment was based on merit, with credentials of the appointees thoroughly scrutinized," Garba stated. While three directors have been cleared, the remaining three are still under review, highlighting the party's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of leadership at TPI.

Garba also revealed that preparations for the institute's launch are well underway, including the finalization of its takeoff funding. "TPI is moving at a fast pace and is set to be self-sustaining within a short period. We expect to unveil the institute in the coming weeks," he added.

At the helm of TPI is Dr. Olanrewaju J. Adebayo, who has been appointed as the Director-General (DG) in recognition of his pivotal role in establishing the institute. Dr. Adebayo's extensive expertise in journalism, management consultancy, and public policy, coupled with his academic background, made him the ideal candidate for this critical role.

Dr. Adebayo's impressive academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration with a specialization in Public Policy Analysis and Comparative Government from the University of Benin, Nigeria (1999). He also holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Keele, England (1984), and a Higher Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the College of Journalism, Fleet Street, London (1982). His academic journey began with a Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 1980.

Dr. Adebayo's professional experience is equally distinguished. He has worked as a reporter for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and as a freelance journalist for West Africa Magazine, London. He later transitioned to academia, where he served as a lecturer in Public Policy and Public Administration at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). During his tenure, he chaired the department's Postgraduate Committee, which introduced the Master’s Degree programme in Public Administration.

His public service career includes significant contributions as the Head of the Political Education Department of the defunct Directorate for Social Mobilization in Ogun State. Dr. Adebayo played a key role in rural development initiatives, particularly through the Rural Development Network, a critical platform for community and rural mobilization.

Between 1994 and 2002, Dr. Adebayo served as the State Director for the National Orientation Agency in Ogun and Ondo States, before being appointed as the Executive Director in charge of Political and Civic Education in 2002. His tenure saw the initiation of the National Technical Committee on Civic Education, which developed the Civic Education Manual—an intellectual foundation for Nigeria's current civic education curriculum.

Dr. Adebayo's work extended to the international arena, where he served as the Executive Secretary of the Centre for Applied Policy and Social Advocacy between 2010 and 2013. During this period, he secured and supervised a British Council-funded peace-building programme in Nigeria's North East.

Before his recent appointment, Dr. Adebayo was the Director-General of the Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa, an international non-state intellectual and professional resource center focused on governance and leadership training and research.

Joining Dr. Adebayo on TPI's management team are other notable figures, including Prof. Ademola Abass (Director of Administration), Malam Muhammad Sanusi Kiru (Director of Training and Programmes), and Barrister Ego Zuma (Director of Legal Services).

The Progressive Institute represents an unprecedented initiative by the APC to enhance its internal governance through quality training, improve its leadership recruitment process, and promote its policy support role through rigorous research. The institute is officially recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Board for Technical Education, and is chartered by the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria.

With the launch of TPI, the APC is positioning itself at the forefront of political innovation, aiming to cultivate a new generation of leaders and strengthen its governance capabilities across the nation.