PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
FLED International Leadership Institute (FILI)
Affiliate of African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Prepare to Lead. Develop the Competence to Govern. Create Public Value.
JANUARY 2027 INTAKE
Hybrid delivery – Onsite & Online
Public leadership requires more than authority, administrative knowledge or the ability to manage people. It requires sound judgement, ethical responsibility, strategic thinking, institutional understanding and the ability to translate vision into meaningful results.
The Professional Diploma in Public Leadership & Governance is designed to help participants develop the knowledge, competencies and practical orientation required for responsible and effective leadership in public institutions and other organisations serving the public interest.
Grounded in the principles of Fledism Philosophy, the programme places emphasis on leadership as stewardship: the responsible exercise of authority, the development of human capacity, the strengthening of institutions and the creation of public value.
APPLY FOR ADMISSION
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The Professional Diploma in Public Leadership & Governance is a professional development programme offered by FLED International Leadership Institute in affiliation with the African University of Science & Technology, (AUST), Abuja to prepare individuals for the responsibilities and challenges of public leadership.
Across Africa, the quality of leadership affects institutional performance, public trust, policy implementation, service delivery and development outcomes. Effective public leadership therefore requires professionals who can understand governance systems, make responsible decisions, work with diverse stakeholders and lead institutions towards clearly defined public purposes.
This programme provides a structured learning experience through which participants can strengthen their understanding of public leadership and governance while developing practical competencies applicable to their professional and institutional responsibilities.
The programme combines leadership theory, governance concepts, ethical reflection, practical learning and applied work. Its distinctive orientation is the integration of professional competence with stewardship, accountability and respect for human dignity.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The programme is intended for individuals seeking to develop their competence in public leadership, governance and institutional management.
Potential applicants include:
- Public servants and civil service professionals.
- Public-sector managers and administrators.
- Elected and appointed public office holders, subject to applicable admission requirements.
- Policy advisers and public affairs professionals.
- Professionals working in government agencies and public institutions.
- Civil society and nonprofit organisation leaders.
- Development practitioners and programme managers.
- Professionals working with communities and public-interest organisations.
- Graduates aspiring to careers in public leadership, governance and policy-related fields.
- Other eligible professionals whose responsibilities involve leadership, institutional development or public service.
Applicants must satisfy the programme’s approved admission requirements.
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
Participants will develop their understanding and practical capacity in areas such as:
Public Leadership and Stewardship
Understand leadership as a responsibility to serve, develop people, protect institutional purpose and create value.
Governance and Institutional Effectiveness
Examine the principles, structures and practices that support responsible governance and effective institutions.
Ethics and Responsible Decision-Making
Strengthen ethical judgement, accountability, integrity and the ability to navigate complex leadership choices.
Strategic Thinking and Policy Understanding
Develop the capacity to analyse public challenges, consider policy options and connect institutional objectives with practical action.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Improve the ability to communicate effectively, engage diverse stakeholders and support collaborative problem-solving.
Leadership Application
Connect learning with real-world professional and institutional challenges through practical assignments and an applied project.
The precise learning outcomes will be aligned with the approved curriculum and assessment framework.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme is organised into three stages of learning, supported by the approved curriculum, assessments and practical application.
Stage One: Foundations of Public Leadership ((3 Months)
This stage establishes the conceptual and ethical foundations of public leadership. Participants examine leadership responsibilities, governance principles, institutional purpose and the importance of stewardship in public life.
FOCUS: Foundations of Public Leadership and Governance
Sample Courses (PLG 700)
PLG 701: Philosophies, Theories and Practice of Public Leadership
PLG 702: The Fledism Leadership Module
PLG 703: Communication Skills for Public Leadership
PLG 704: Principles of Good Governance and Public Administration
PLG 705: Ethics and Accountability in the Public Leadership
Stage Two: Governance Competence and Professional Practice (3 Months)
This stage develops participants’ understanding of governance processes, strategic leadership, responsible decision-making, stakeholder engagement and institutional performance.
FOCUS: Core Competencies for Effective Governance
Sample Courses
PLG 721: Spiritual & Moral Formation Module
PLG 722: Public Policy Analysis and Development
PLG 723: Personal Financial Stability for Responsible Leadership (PFSRL)
PLG 734: Strategic Communication and Public Relations in Government
Stage Three: Applied Leadership and Capstone Project (3 Months)
Participants integrate their learning through an applied project addressing a relevant leadership, governance, policy or institutional challenge, subject to the approved project requirements.
FOCUS: Specialization and Practical Application
- PLG 735: Africa Foreign Policy Dialogue & Engagement
- PLG 736: Leadership Practicum/Mentorship
- PLG 737: Hybrid Capstone Project
Elective Specialisations
The programme includes elective specialisations intended to allow participants to explore selected areas of professional interest.
List of Electives Specializations
PLG E01: Public-Private Partnerships and Concessions
PLG E02: National Security and Strategic Studies
PLG E03: Health Policy and Management
PLG E04: Education Policy and Administration
PLG E05: International Relations and Diplomacy
PLG E06: Urban and Regional Planning and Development
PLG E07: Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance
PLG E08: Social Sector Leadership & Governance
OUR LEARNING APPROACH
FILI seeks to connect leadership education with professional practice.
The programme’s learning approach may include the following approved methods:
- Structured teaching and facilitated learning.
- Case studies and practical exercises.
- Group discussions and peer learning.
- Leadership reflection and ethical analysis.
- Applied assignments.
- Mentorship and professional guidance, where provided.
- A capstone project.
These approaches are intended to help participants move beyond familiarity with leadership concepts towards their thoughtful application in real institutional settings.
FLEDISM PHILOSOPHY: THE STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION
A distinctive feature of FILI’s approach to leadership education is its grounding in Fledism Philosophy.
Fledism Philosophy understands leadership fundamentally through the lens of stewardship: the responsible use of authority, resources, knowledge and opportunities in service of people and institutional purpose.
Within this orientation, effective leadership involves integrity, competence, empathy, accountability, purposeful innovation and respect for human dignity.
The programme therefore encourages participants to consider not only what leaders can achieve, but also how they exercise responsibility, how their decisions affect people and whether their leadership strengthens the institutions entrusted to them.
Leadership is not merely a position to occupy. It is a responsibility to discharge.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of HND or Bachelors degree in any field from a recognized institution.
Applicants with Relevant Professional Experience
Where the approved admission policy permits consideration of applicants with other qualifications and substantial relevant experience, such applications will be assessed against the stated criteria.
Such consideration should not be presented as an automatic entitlement to admission.
Application Documents
Applicants may be required to submit:
- A completed application form.
- Academic certificates or statements of results.
- An academic transcript, where required.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A valid means of identification.
- A recent passport photograph, where required.
- Other documents specified by the Institute.
DURATION AND MODE OF DELIVERY
Programme duration: 9 months
Mode of delivery: Hybrid participation.
Next intake: January 2027
Prospective students should confirm the schedule, attendance expectations, assessment arrangements and any onsite participation requirements before applying.
TUITION AND PAYMENT
The tuition fee for the programme is determined by the Institute’s approved fee schedule for the relevant intake.
Application fee: N15, 000/$15 (non-refundable)
Payment structure
Tuition: N450k/$450
1st Installments: 60%
2nd Installments: 30%
Final payment: 10%
AWARD AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Professional Diploma in Public Leadership & Governance is offered by FLED International Leadership Institute.
FILI has an academic affiliation with the African University of Science & Technology (AUST), Abuja.
Professional Diploma in Public Leadership & Governance
The award is subject to the applicable programme requirements, successful completion of assessments and fulfilment of all relevant conditions.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to read the published qualification and awarding information carefully before enrolling.
WHY STUDY WITH FILI?
FLED International Leadership Institute was established in 1999 with a focus on leadership education, professional development, institutional development and the advancement of leadership knowledge.
FILI’s approach places importance on:
- Leadership as stewardship and responsibility.
- Professional competence and ethical conduct.
- Institutional development and continuity.
- The relationship between knowledge and practical application.
- Africa’s leadership and development challenges.
- The development of individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their organisations and society.
The Institute seeks to develop leaders who understand that the effectiveness of leadership should be assessed not only by individual achievement, but also by the value created for people, organisations and society.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply?
Individuals who meet the approved admission requirements and have an interest in public leadership, governance and institutional effectiveness may apply.
Is the programme suitable for working professionals?
The programme is intended for professional development. Applicants should confirm the approved schedule, delivery format and workload to determine suitability for their circumstances.
How long does the programme take?
The official duration is 9 months. Applicants should consult the current intake information for the applicable schedule.
How much does the programme cost?
The applicable tuition is N450, 000/$450.
What qualification will I receive?
Successful participants receive Professional Diploma in Public Leadership & Governance jointly issued by the African University of Science & Technology & FLED International Leadership Institute.
How do I apply?
Use the official application link below and follow the application instructions. Ensure that all required documents are submitted and that you receive confirmation of your application.
Whom can I contact for more information?
Contact FLED International Leadership Institute through the official contact details provided on its website.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Public leadership shapes institutions, influences people’s lives and affects the future of society. Developing the knowledge, judgement and professional competence required for this responsibility is an important investment in your leadership journey.
If you are ready to strengthen your understanding of public leadership and governance, explore the programme’s admission requirements and consider applying.
Prepare to lead with competence. Govern with responsibility. Serve with purpose.
APPLY FOR ADMISSION
FLED International Leadership Institute (FILI)
APPLY TO JOIN THE COHORT
FLED Institute is Africa’s premier the for graduate leadership school established in 1999.
For inquiries, contact
The Dean
School of Postgraduate Studies
FLED International Leadership Institute
Plot MF 57 Cadastral Zone, KMC Street
Karu Site, Abuja
Tel/WhatsApp: +234-9063069744, 08033261363
Email: admissions@flededu.org
