Sanusi blames NIPPS for failure of national policies, seeks real change

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II yesterday indicted Nigerians who passed through the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for contributing less to national policies and development of the country.

He argued that the policy and strategic experts had failed to justify their wealth of knowledge, particularly to improve government’s policy formation and implementation.Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said this while receiving the national leadership of NIPPS Alumni Association at his palace.

He expressed concerns that the country was yet to benefit from sustainable policies for desired growth and development. “NIPPS was known for highly reputable pedigree, which offers strategic knowledge and discipline to senior and highly positioned civil servants in the country but it is sad to note that products of this institute are contributing little or no impact to government policies in the country.

“We don’t have policies on girl child education and so many failed policies of government are worrisome. And it is disheartening that despite the huge number of graduates occupying strategic position at both state and federal government levels, government policies are yet to provide sustainable growth,” he said.

Sanusi, who is worried over what he described as the high rate of out of school children and influx of Almajiris to the North, advocated urgent action to address the menace.

While expressing fears that the country may face unpleasant changes unless government puts in place a peaceful change process, he advocated for a new paradigm shift on the part of the leadership to address the challenges currently facing Nigeria.“Considering the number of out of school children and Almajiris roaming major streets in the North, we have no choice than to seek alternative change.

“We must have attitudinal change of the political, traditional and religious leadership at all levels to change the situation. Except we stop too much talk and face the reality, we may have forceful change, which we don’t pray for,” he said.

President of NIPPS Alumni, Khalid Bolaji, insisted that the NIPPS graduates could not make much impact in governance since government had not provided the needed opportunity.

“The Emir has just pointed at the reality of things in the country and that is the truth, but I must say our members have not been given the opportunity to serve let alone making impact,” Bolaji added.He noted that they were at the Emir of Kano’s palace to hint him about the association’s conference coming up in Ogun State.