Ex-Senate President Lawan Completes Harvard Executive Programme

By Musa Baba Adamu

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has completed the prestigious ‘Leadership in Crises’ executive education programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Senator Lawan, who recently attended the intensive five-day course led by renowned faculty Chairs Herman B. (Dutch) Leonard and Arnold Howitt, described the programme as an invaluable opportunity to deepen his understanding of crisis management, leadership resilience, and strategic decision-making in emergencies and beyond.

The former Senate President expressed his appreciation for the knowledge gained, stating: “I am honoured to have participated in this world-class programme, which provided critical insights into navigating today’s complex and unpredictable challenges. From public health crises and natural disasters to infrastructure failures and technological disruptions, leaders must be equipped with the right skills to respond effectively under pressure.”

Through Harvard’s renowned case-study methodology, Senator Lawan and a diverse cohort of global leaders examined real-world crises, including: Japan’s Triple Catastrophe (Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Crisis); Tuscaloosa’s Tornado Response (2011); Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; and Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster.

These discussions reinforced essential principles such as cross-boundary collaboration, situational awareness, and decisive leadership in crisis mitigation.

The programme also explored the delicate balance between political leadership and emergency management — a key lesson for policymakers.

Senator Lawan extended his gratitude to Harvard Kennedy School, the faculty, and his fellow participants for an enriching experience, adding: “As we face evolving global and national challenges, I remain committed to applying these lessons in the service of our dear country at all times.”

The former Senate President’s participation underscores the need for continuous leadership development, ensuring Nigeria benefits from global best practices in governance and crisis response.