By Emmanuel Onwubiko
No doubt, Nigeria is very resource endowed. It is equally true that Nigeria can boasts of hundreds of thousands of thinkers, academic experts, scholars and even amidst Nigeria’s peculiar dearth of good exemplary leaders, there abound some distinguished Nigerians whose focus in public service is not about self aggrandisement but rather altruistic and patriotic services to Nigerians and Nigeria. This aforementioned assertion has severally been validated by many researched works and pieces authored by international journalists.
Financial Times, a fireign based news tabloid recently investigated why Nigerians are about the most successful immigrants in most advanced western societies and agreed with this writer that Nigeria is endowed with a broad spectrum of experts and scholars that are contributing to the rapid advances that the human race is recording progressively.
Financial Times wrote as follows: “Anthony Joshua, world heavyweight boxing champion; John Boyega, Hollywood actor; Pearlena Igbokwe, Universal Studios group chair and Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist. These are just a few names in a long list of Nigerians in diaspora who have achieved success on an international scale in a wide range of fields.
61% proportion of Nigerian immigrants in the US to hold at least a bachelors degree
In the US, Nigerians are the most highly educated of all groups, with 61 per cent holding at least a bachelors degree compared with 31 per cent of the total foreign-born population and 32 per cent of the US-born population, according to 2017 data from the Migration Policy Institute.
More than half of Nigerian immigrants (54 per cent) were most likely to occupy management positions, compared with 32 per cent of the total foreign-born population and 39 per cent of the US-born population.
Similar Nigerian success is reflected in the UK, where many in a highly-educated diaspora work in financial services, IT, and the legal and medical professions. What drives Nigerians and the diaspora, and can future generations continue their success?
The economic future of Nigeria and the success of Nigerians abroad are closely tied, as is the lack of opportunity that drives many to leave home in the first place.
Financial Times continued her postulation on the successes of Nigerians abroad, thus: “In the past three years, Nigerians abroad have sent home more than $25bn annually in remittances, according to President Muhammadu Buhari, who this summer emphasised the importance of support equivalent to about 6 per cent of the country’s GDP and 80 per cent of the annual budget.
A strong desire to succeed in life, enabled by education, is also a common theme in Nigerian homes. In 2016, the continent’s most populous nation sent the largest number of African students abroad — 95,000 — and ranked fifth in the world in terms of overall number of students in foreign study; the UK and US were among their top destinations for Nigerian students, according to figures from Unesco.
“Education is an essential part of our culture,” says Emeka Okaro, a consultant obstetrician and lead clinician for benign gynaecology at St Bartholomew’s and Royal London Hospital, who was born in Moscow to Nigerian-born parents and now lives in London. “[When] I went to school, we were encouraged to excel. Parents expected it of us.”
His wife Joy Odili, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at St George’s Hospital, adds: “As a people we are very proud and we like to do well. I had a parent who absolutely believed I could be anything I wanted, therefore I grew up [believing] there was no obstacle to whatever I wanted to achieve.”
Where others might see chaos, Nigerians see opportunity
Resilience is another big part of the Nigerian identity. A “special case of lack of infrastructure [in Nigeria] engenders in us is a real creativity, so where others might see chaos, Nigerians see opportunity,” says award-winning Nigerian writer and novelist Chibundu Onuzo who lives in the UK and will publish her third novel — Sankofa — next year. “Sometimes that is why Nigerians in diaspora — especially the first generation — can be reluctant to talk about race and racial barriers, because we are conditioned to not say, ‘It is not going to work for me because . . . ’. They don’t want to talk about racial bias. They want to talk about the opportunities.”
June Angelides, a venture capitalist who was born in London but attended secondary school in Nigeria, says growing up surrounded by family and friends who were entrepreneurs, gave her the confidence to start Mums in Technology. The baby-friendly coding course trained more than 250 women to become tech literate, and some alumnae went on to start their own companies.
Women are [also] realising they have to take charge. They cannot wait to be given permission any more
“It’s in our blood. One thing I love about Nigerians is we have this inherent ability to make things happen where it may seem impossible to others. We are extremely resourceful as a nation,” says Ms Angelides, who was awarded an MBE for services to women in technology this month.
“Women are [also] realising they have to take charge. They cannot wait to be given permission any more. But we still need more visible female role models [in leadership].”
Michael Eboda compiles the annual Powerlist to showcase the most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in Britain. He and Femi Ogunkolati, the UK-based chief executive of consultancy Synterra Energy Assets, say that travelling back to Nigeria for secondary school and university also made them more ambitious, as they saw black people in professional roles. UK-born Mr Eboda says that since the Powerlist was launched 15 years ago, the number of people of Nigerian heritage recognised for doing well has grown. “It’s a function predominantly of the demographic,” he says. “[Mass] immigration from the Caribbean [largely] stopped in the 1970s, but from Nigeria and West Africa, more generally, it has continued.”
Happily, these classical achievers of Nigerian origin based abroad, should be happy that in Nigeria, there are several citizens both in leadership and private fields who are doing the country proud.
Besides, in the annals of Nigeria’s public service, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stands out as a paragon of effective leadership, dedication, and integrity. His multifaceted career, encompassing military governance, diplomatic service, and his transformative role as Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), offers a rich case study in effective governance and nation-building. As Marwa celebrates his 71st birthday, there is a compelling argument for incorporating his leadership ethos into the academic curricula of Nigerian universities, particularly within the fields of political science, public administration, and human resource management.
Marwa’s leadership is marked by three fundamental attributes: forthrightness, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His tenure as the Military Administrator of Lagos State and his current role at the NDLEA underscores his unique ability to manage complex operations efficiently and effectively. These attributes not only set him apart but also make his leadership a valuable model for academic examination.
Currently, Nigerian universities predominantly focus on Western political thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. While these figures have significantly shaped political thought, it is equally vital for Nigerian institutions to study their own leaders who have made impactful contributions to governance. Marwa epitomizes this homegrown leadership, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within Nigeria and Africa.
Incorporating case studies on leaders like Marwa into academic curricula would provide students with practical insights into modern governance. His leadership style, characterized by a balance of firmness and empathy, along with his results-oriented approach, offers valuable lessons for future leaders. Marwa’s career provides a practical framework for navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape, making his leadership a critical subject for academic exploration.
Marwa’s career includes several notable achievements that offer instructive lessons for students. His tenure as the Military Administrator of Lagos State from 1996 to 1999 was marked by significant reforms and infrastructural developments that have had a lasting impact on the city. Marwa’s administration is remembered for its innovative initiatives, such as the introduction of the “Keke Marwa” tricycle transport system. This initiative provided affordable transportation to millions of Lagosians and continues to be a vital part of the city’s public transport network.
Under Marwa’s leadership, Lagos experienced substantial improvements in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and security. His administration tackled the chaotic state of public transportation, enhanced revenue generation, and improved public service delivery. These achievements not only made a significant difference in Lagos but also served as a model for effective governance in other Nigerian states. Students of political science and public administration can glean valuable lessons from Marwa’s approach to managing Lagos’s complexities and implementing impactful reforms.
One of Marwa’s most notable achievements during his time in Lagos was his focus on urban planning and infrastructure development. Recognizing the pressing need for modern transportation systems, Marwa spearheaded the development of new roads and traffic management systems, which alleviated congestion and improved the overall quality of life for Lagosians. His administration also prioritized the development of educational institutions and healthcare facilities, laying the groundwork for long-term improvements in these critical sectors.
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Marwa’s career is his current role as Chairman and CEO of the NDLEA. Upon assuming this role, the NDLEA was struggling with inefficiency and lack of direction. Marwa’s leadership has brought about a dramatic transformation, earning global recognition for the agency’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse. His work at the NDLEA has positioned Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s counter-narcotics operations, with international acclaim from regions such as Europe and America for reducing the inflow of illicit drugs into their territories.
Marwa’s success at the NDLEA is not solely due to his personal efforts. He demonstrated exceptional leadership by assembling a competent management team and creating directorates aligned with his vision for the agency. His strategic appointments and ability to inspire his team to embrace the agency’s mission have been crucial to the success of the NDLEA’s reforms. The remarkable progress achieved within a relatively short timeframe highlights Marwa’s charismatic leadership, vision, and commitment to nation-building.
Marwa’s consistent vision across different roles further underscores why his leadership is deserving of academic study. Whether during his impactful reforms in Lagos or his transformative work at the NDLEA, Marwa’s approach has been driven by a deep commitment to public welfare. His ability to inspire his team, implement reforms, and achieve tangible results serves as a powerful example for students in political science and human resource management.
Marwa’s work ethic is another crucial aspect of his leadership that merits examination. His results-driven approach and hands-on execution are evident in his achievements. At the NDLEA, Marwa demonstrated strategic leadership by appointing capable individuals and creating directorates that align with his vision. His success in motivating his team and implementing significant reforms offers valuable lessons for students studying organizational leadership and human resource management.
Additionally, Marwa’s international recognition for combating drug trafficking underscores his effective global partnerships. His collaborations with global drug enforcement agencies highlight the importance of international cooperation in leadership, providing essential lessons for students of diplomacy and international relations. Marwa’s ability to forge strong international partnerships and enhance Nigeria’s role in global counter-narcotics efforts exemplifies effective leadership in a globalized context.
Studying Marwa’s career provides more than just an appreciation for his achievements; it offers practical, homegrown examples of leadership rooted in integrity, discipline, and commitment to nation-building. In Nigeria, where public service is often characterized by inefficiency and corruption, Marwa’s career offers a refreshing reminder of the possibilities inherent in principled leadership.
In a country where many young people are disillusioned by the pursuit of material wealth over public service, Marwa’s leadership offers a counter-narrative. His career demonstrates that effective public service is about using one’s position to serve the people rather than seeking personal enrichment. This lesson is crucial for the younger generation, who need real-life examples of effective leadership and the importance of long-term thinking and integrity.
For Nigerian universities, incorporating Marwa’s leadership into academic programs would create a valuable body of knowledge for future leaders. Just as universities worldwide study figures like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, Nigerian institutions should recognize and teach the contributions of their leaders. Marwa’s legacy should be formalized into case studies, research projects, and leadership programs, particularly in political science, public administration, and human resource management.
Including Marwa’s leadership in academic curricula would offer students a rich source of local knowledge and leadership principles. It would provide them with insights into modern governance and the essential qualities of effective leadership. By studying Marwa’s career, students would learn about the importance of vision, discipline, ethics, and commitment to public service, all of which are crucial for building a better society.
Furthermore, studying Marwa’s leadership could inspire a new generation of Nigerian leaders who are grounded in the values of integrity and dedication to public service. His career provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of governance, demonstrating how to address challenges with innovation, resilience, and a focus on the greater good. Marwa’s example could also help reshape the narrative around leadership in Nigeria, showing that true success in public service comes from a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others rather than personal gain.
In conclusion, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) represents a beacon of hope for what leadership in Nigeria can and should look like. His enduring contributions, from his impactful tenure as Military Administrator of Lagos State to his transformative role at the NDLEA, offer valuable governance and public service lessons. As he celebrates his 71st birthday, it is time for Nigerian universities to embrace and teach the leadership principles demonstrated by Marwa. His career is a powerful example of effective leadership and nation-building, making it essential for future generations to study and learn from his exemplary service. By incorporating Marwa’s leadership into academic curricula, universities can equip students with the knowledge and inspiration to build a better Nigeria.
*Emmanuel Onwubiko is head of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.
