To strengthen leadership and board management skills, AIESEC Alumni Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) have entered a long-term partnership to develop leadership programmes and build capacity among members and other stakeholders.

President of AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, Marcel Mba, said the partnership was based on the alignment of both organisations’ objectives, particularly in leadership development and creating positive impact in society.

He noted that many AIESEC Alumni members occupy leadership positions in companies, the public sector and non-governmental organisations, making the collaboration important for enhancing their leadership and board management skills.

He added that the partnership would also enable CIoD to attract more members while giving AIESEC Alumni members opportunities to improve their capabilities.

Mba stressed that the collaboration would be long-term and go beyond membership and training, as both organisations plan to co-develop programmes that would have sustained impact.

Mba said AIESEC Alumni Nigeria focuses on leadership, training and societal impact, while CIoD is committed to building leaders and strengthening board governance.

He added that the programmes would benefit not only AIESEC Alumni members but also other individuals seeking to develop their leadership and board management skills.

President and Chairman of Council, CIOD, Adetunji Oyebanji said the collaboration with AIESEC aims to expose young people to ethical leadership and corporate governance principles early enough to prepare them for future leadership roles.

He noted that collaboration remained a pillar of his administration.

Oyebanji said AIESEC, which comprises students and alumni of various universities, allows CIOD to begin building leadership and governance capacity among young people who could eventually become directors.

According to him, the collaboration aims to build the capacity of young people studying management and related disciplines.

He said: “The initiative was about catching them young by training and exposing them to the principles of corporate governance from an early age.”

Oyebanji stressed that the knowledge gained through the collaboration was expected to remain with the beneficiaries throughout their careers and guide them when they assume leadership positions.