Our Alumni
AIG PUBLIC LEADERS PROGRAMME ALUMNI IMPACT STORY
Olanike Adegoke is the Assistant Director, Change Management Department at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Olanike joined the inaugural class of the AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP) with the expectation of gaining world-class learning from a diverse teaching faculty that different span sectors. She states that the programme was everything she had hoped for.
“The content of the programme was eye-opening. From the course on Integrity, the Machiavellian thoughts on leadership, to different interactions with world leaders both locally and internationally, it was all an experience I had never had before. I learned a lot from the sessions with Uche Orji, Bola Adesola and Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan. Also, Professor Chris Stone's interview with former President Ghani of Afghanistan before and after he left office brought a real-life dimension to leading in times of challenge and change. I can go on and on, but in a nutshell, it was a life-transforming leadership grooming experience for me. The lessons learnt have become a part of me, and I can never forget them.’’
PLP candidates carry out a capstone project in their organisations, using learnings they have gained from the programme. Olanike’s project was titled “Adopting Relational Contract Approach to Automation Contracts in FIRS." The project was designed to solve the problem of failed projects in FIRS and Nigeria at large, especially automation projects that require more than output delivery but outcomes realisation to be successful.
“A lot of funds have been spent on automation projects, with hardware and software supplied, yet they all failed; this is because contract terms and conditions are based solely on a “supply and pay’’ agreement with contractors, which means they have no financial or contractual obligations to FIRS to ensure that the outcomes are achieved.’’
Olanike notes that her project is a new approach to contracts hinged on the vested methodology that establishes a “What’s in it for us” between a supplier and a purchaser of specialised services. Henceforth, FIRS will provide relational contract clauses on automation project contract agreements. This will ensure vendor agreements are no longer limited to supply but require that they partner with FIRS to deliver tangible change.
Networking with public servants across Nigeria during the programme gave Olanike insight on how being an effective leader can change not just her sector but the Nigerian public sector as a whole.
The programme has impacted my overall work output by sharpening my leadership skills. Now, as a public leader, I am focused on winning the war and not necessarily all the small battles. The end justifies the means - I now look more at the big picture.