President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a bill seeking to establish the National School of Government, Nigeria, to improve leadership development, policy delivery and the training of public officials.
The proposed institution is expected to replace the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) under a new legal framework that would guide its operations and responsibilities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter transmitting the National School of Government Bill 2026 to the Senate during plenary on Wednesday.
In the letter, the president called on lawmakers to give the bill prompt attention, explaining the need for a dedicated institution that would help develop leadership skills and improve the ability of government officials to carry out public policies.
Tinubu formally submitted the proposed legislation to the Senate in line with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The bill seeks to repeal the existing Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act, listed as A-4 in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and replace it with legislation establishing the National School of Government, Nigeria.
Under the proposed arrangement, the new institution would serve as a national centre for leadership development, executive training and improved policy implementation.
The Federal Government is seeking to create an institution that would help public officials develop the knowledge and skills needed to turn government plans into practical results.
The proposed school would focus on building the capacity of leaders and strengthening the ability of those in public office to carry out their duties effectively.
The initiative is expected to place leadership training and policy delivery at the centre of efforts to improve the performance of government officials.
Following the reading of the president’s letter, Akpabio informed senators that the bill’s clauses and other provisions had been attached to the communication for their consideration.
He subsequently referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.
The committee is expected to take the necessary procedural steps in line with the Senate’s established processes before the bill proceeds to the next stage of consideration.
The proposed repeal of the ASCON Act would pave the way for a new legal framework to govern the institution if the bill receives the required legislative approval.
However, the president’s letter did not provide further details about the proposed school’s governance structure, funding arrangements or location.
It also did not explain how the institution would work with existing public service training centres or whether changes would be made to their current responsibilities.
These matters will depend on the specific provisions of the bill and the decisions lawmakers make as they examine the proposed legislation.