The Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof. Anthony Kila, has challenged Nigerians and institutions to build systems that deliberately recognize and reward excellence.
Speaking at the institute’s End-of-Year Awards on the theme “Creating a Culture of Excellence,” he argued that national progress depends on a clear cultural shift that prioritizes high standards.
Prof. Kila explained that excellence is not merely an abstract dream but a tangible social construct that must be defined and validated by society.
He noted that while everyone claims to appreciate quality, less than one percent of individuals or organizations actually commit the conscious effort required to be excellent.
According to the Director, excellence begins with a simple decision to stand out, which must be demonstrated through consistent behavior.
The Don highlighted that small but essential attributes such as punctuality, reliability, and respect for established processes form the fundamental building blocks of this culture.
He expressed concern that many Nigerian organizations hinder their own growth through careless attitudes and weak processes, particularly regarding customer service and workplace management.
The CIAPS Director, emphasized that for excellence to thrive, there must be comparison, validation, and consequences for performance.
Asserting that excellence is never a “solo project,” Kila stated that people must clearly understand what behaviors are rewarded and which are sanctioned.
True communication, he argued, requires more than just speaking; it demands clarity, active listening, and the creation of a shared understanding among all parties.
He urged Nigerians to become “allergic to what is wrong,” noting that the country can only move beyond mediocrity by refusing to accept anything less than the best.
In goodwill messages, business leader Alhaji Aliko Dangote represented by Mr. Dan Kunle, lamented Nigeria’s declining appetite for knowledge, saying society now celebrates entertainment over ideas.
He commended CIAPS for nurturing genuine thinkers and pledged support for its mission.
Other speakers, including media personality Chief Tolani Adeniyi and businessman Chief Tajudeen Akande, praised CIAPS for shaping globally competitive professionals.
Their remarks were followed by the presentation of Excellence Awards to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Tajudeen Akande, the DG of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, FAAN’s MD, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku and Miss Nofisa Abdullahi, while graduands of CIAPS received their certificates.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen