About SPLN
Graduating into something — not out of it.
The SPPG Public Leaders Network is the lifelong, co-managed community of graduates of the School of Politics, Policy & Governance — a pillar of the #FixPolitics initiative founded by Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili.
Our story
Every class asked the same question on the way out: what happens next?
SPPG's founding question was never just "how do we train leaders for the system that exists?" It was "how do we build leaders who can transform it?" That thread runs from the Robert Bosch Academy — where, in 2019, Dr Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili convened thinkers in Berlin to ask how Africa could build a new political order — to today's graduates across four countries.
Graduation always raised the same problem: once a cohort leaves, does the connection to SPPG's mission survive? Every class asked the same question on its way out the door — what happens next?
SPPG first tried the conventional route: a graduate association run the way most schools run alumni relations. It didn't fit. So SPPG went back to first principles and reimagined graduate engagement as something co-managed and co-created with graduates, not managed for them. That is SPLN.
Every SPPG graduate who earns the 3Cs attestation transitions into lifelong membership. A Director of the Network leads day-to-day operations, reporting into SPPG's Thought Leadership Department, supported by a Secretariat that works closely with three elected Class Representatives from every cohort.
Milestones
From a Berlin convening to a pan-African network.
2019
A convening of thinkers at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin plants the intellectual seed for SPPG.
2021
SPPG is founded by Dr Oby Ezekwesili. The first Nigerian cohort graduates.
2021–24
Four Nigerian cohorts graduate. The conventional graduate-association model is tried and found wanting.
2023
55+ SPPG graduates contest office in Nigeria's general elections.
2025
Senegal's pioneer class graduates in partnership with UCAD, Dakar. SPLN's structural build-out begins in April.
Aug 2025
The Global SPLN launch, keynoted by Professor Jeffrey David Sachs. PeerBridge mentorship launches.
2026
Kenya's pioneer class graduates and joins the network. Nigeria's sixth class graduates. Ghana admissions begin.
Vision
To become the most trusted and catalytic network of African public leaders shaping governance across generations — grounded in local realities, guided by global insight, and united by a shared resolve to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.
Mission
To cultivate and connect a distinguished community of African public leaders who translate bold ideas into public good through trusted collaboration, courageous action, and a commitment to systemic change.
Our defining framework
Character. Competence. Capacity.
The three Cs shape everything in the SPPG ecosystem — from who is admitted, to how they're taught, to who is inducted into SPLN.
Character
Ethical formation and leadership credibility. Integrity that holds when no one is watching.
Competence
Understanding governance at every level and in every context — policy, institutions, politics.
Capacity
The practical ability to execute, communicate, analyse and lead — to run to win and govern good.
What SPLN exists to do
Four pillars.
SPLN is not just a network. It's a launchpad — a place where SPPG graduates are equipped, inspired and connected to lead boldly in public life.
Lifelong Learning & Leadership Development
Training, workshops and learning labs; current tools, case studies and thought leadership; preparatory pathways into public service and political leadership.
Collective Action & Knowledge Exchange
Joint projects across cohorts, professions and countries; communities of practice on key policy issues; a shared narrative and common impact agenda.
Mentorship & Career Advancement
PeerBridge mentorship, political leadership coaching, policy fellowship tracks, career visibility and a deliberate pipeline into public office and the civil service.
Institutional Continuity Rooted in Values
Institutional memory anchored in democratic values; values-based accountability; graduates mobilised as reformers and changemakers in civic life.
Our values
What we hold each other to.
SPLN is proudly non-partisan. We respect every member's party affiliation, and take no political side.
Accountability
We answer to the people we serve — and to each other.
Respect & Tolerance
Across parties, faiths, languages and borders.
Stewardship & Responsibility
Public resources and public trust are held, not owned.
Social Justice & Inclusiveness
Leadership that widens the circle of opportunity.
Ethical Leadership
Integrity, honesty and respect for the rule of law.
The SPPG Graduation Pledge
We, the graduates of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, standing together as public leaders across Africa, solemnly pledge:
- To uphold the highest standards of character, competence, and capacity in public life.
- To lead with integrity, courage, and compassion, putting people above self-interest.
- To defend justice, equity, and accountability, wherever we serve.
- To work across borders and generations, building bridges of collaboration and solidarity.
- To commit ourselves to the transformation of Africa into a continent of prosperity, dignity, and good governance.
This we pledge
For our people. For our nations. For Africa. For generations to come.
Take the pledge — join the next class