NIPSS Defends Disciplinary Process, Responds to Memoir on Alleged Institutional Bullying
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has responded to claims contained in the recently released memoir, MNI Versus MNIPR in NIPSS: Tackling Institutional Bullying, authored by former Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 participant, Alhaji Yushau A. Shuaib, insisting that its disciplinary processes were lawful and should not be misconstrued as institutional bullying.
In a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel, mni, mnipr, the Institute said it was compelled to clarify the issues following media reports and public commentary generated by the publication, which chronicles Shuaib’s experience during the 2025 Senior Executive Course and alleges a pattern of institutional intimidation that culminated in his withdrawal from the programme.
While acknowledging the right of individuals to recount their personal experiences and opinions, NIPSS maintained that the issues raised in the memoir should be viewed within their proper institutional and factual context.
Describing itself as Nigeria’s apex policy think tank and foremost leadership development institution, the Institute stated that the Senior Executive Course is deliberately rigorous, with emphasis on intellectual discipline, accountability, ethical conduct, leadership, self-restraint and responsibility.
According to NIPSS, enforcing institutional rules, correcting misconduct and applying disciplinary measures are integral components of leadership development and should not be interpreted as bullying simply because they may be uncomfortable or contested.
“The Institute categorically rejects the characterisation of NIPSS as an institution where bullying is institutionalised,” the statement said.
“NIPSS does not condone bullying, harassment, intimidation, humiliation or abuse of authority. At the same time, the enforcement of established rules, correction of misconduct and application of prescribed disciplinary procedures are legitimate components of institutional governance and leadership development.”
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The Institute further argued that disciplinary procedures undertaken in accordance with due process should not be conflated with institutional bullying.
Responding to issues raised in the memoir, NIPSS also referenced the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on June 29, 2026, which dismissed the suit instituted by Shuaib challenging his withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course.
The Institute said the judgment examined the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary action and affirmed its exercise of disciplinary authority.
“The Institute considers this judicial determination an important part of the factual record and urges commentators and members of the public to take it into account when discussing the matter,” the statement added.
However, NIPSS stressed that it remained open to criticism and constructive institutional reflection, noting that credible institutions should continually review their practices.
It cautioned, however, against presenting disputed allegations as established facts or suggesting that disciplinary action alone amounts to evidence of institutional bullying.
According to the Institute, its responsibility extends beyond policy research to preparing senior leaders who embody integrity, fairness, accountability, intellectual excellence, discipline and respect for human dignity.
“These are not optional attributes of leadership; they are fundamental to the responsible exercise of authority and the advancement of national development,” it stated.
The response comes amid growing public interest in Shuaib’s memoir, MNI Versus MNIPR in NIPSS: Tackling Institutional Bullying, in which the veteran journalist and public relations practitioner recounts his experience during SEC 47 and raises broader questions about institutional accountability, leadership culture, disciplinary procedures and the protection of constitutional rights within elite public institutions.
NIPSS concluded by reaffirming its commitment to discharging its statutory mandate responsibly and transparently while continuing to strengthen its institutional processes in service of national development.
By PRNigeria
