The Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy has received a delegation from James Hope University (JHU) for discussions on strengthening academic-government collaboration, staff capacity development and professional excellence in the public service.
The delegation, led by the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluyele Akinwale Akinkugbe, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The delegation was received on behalf of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Adesegun Ogundeji, alongside heads of departments and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Welcoming the delegation, Ogundeji conveyed the Commissioner’s appreciation for the university’s interest in exploring areas of mutual collaboration with the Ministry.
During the meeting, the university presented proposals for a strategic partnership covering staff capacity-building, joint research, co-hosting of professional programmes and development of specialised training modules tailored to the Ministry’s operational needs.
The university also highlighted its postgraduate and professional programmes, including flexible and hybrid learning options designed to enable public servants to pursue further education while maintaining their work responsibilities.
The delegation explained that the university offers flexible payment arrangements, discounts and need-based scholarship opportunities, while also providing part-time and short professional courses. It further outlined the duration and structure of its programmes, including the IIE programme and other potential areas of collaboration.
According to the university, its accredited programmes are delivered through a digital-first approach, with experienced faculty and contemporary learning resources aimed at equipping working professionals with relevant knowledge and practical skills.
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, Ogundeji said any prospective partnership must align with the development objectives of the Lagos State Government and the operational needs of the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
He identified strategic communication, information management, digital innovation and public service delivery as key areas where capacity-building initiatives could strengthen the performance of the Ministry’s workforce.
Both institutions agreed that the engagement could provide a framework for a mutually beneficial partnership focused on education, professional development and digital innovation to enhance the capacity of public servants and improve service delivery.
At the end of the meeting, the Ministry expressed appreciation to the Founder and Chairman of James Hope University, Mr Jim Ovia, CFR, for his contributions to education, human capital development and professional capacity building in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director, Information Production, Mrs Folashade Kadri; Director, Social Media, Dr Jide Atansuyi; Director, Public Affairs, Mr Kayode Sutton; and Director, Public Enlightenment, Mr Tunde Olalere, among others.
