NIPSS Responds to Memoir Alleging Institutional Bullying
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has formally responded to allegations 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 procedures were lawful, legitimate and should not be misconstrued as institutional bullying.
A central figure in the memoir is a naval officer, Rear Admiral Abubakar A. Mustapha, a Senior Directing Staff at the institute, whom Shuaib describes a as the key actor in a series of confrontations, queries and disciplinary actions he characterises as intimidation and bullying within the elite leadership‑training environment of NIPSS.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel, mni, mnipr, the Institute said it was necessary to clarify issues raised in the book following media reports and public commentary. The memoir chronicles Shuaib’s experience during the 2025 Senior Executive Course and alleges a pattern of institutional pressure that culminated in his withdrawal from the programme.
NIPSS acknowledged Shuaib’s right to document his personal experience but maintained that the events should be understood within their proper institutional and factual context. As Nigeria’s apex policy think tank and foremost leadership‑development institution, the Institute said the Senior Executive Course is deliberately rigorous, with strong emphasis on intellectual discipline, accountability, ethical conduct, leadership, self‑restraint and responsibility.
According to the statement, enforcing 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.
Read Also:
“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.”
The Institute argued that disciplinary procedures undertaken in accordance with due process should not be conflated with institutional bullying.
Addressing specific issues raised in the memoir, NIPSS referenced the **Federal High Court judgment delivered on June 29, 2026**, which dismissed the suit filed by Shuaib challenging his withdrawal from SEC 47. The Institute said the judgment examined the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary action and affirmed NIPSS’s exercise of disciplinary authority.”
However, NIPSS stressed that it remains open to criticism and constructive institutional reflection, noting that credible institutions must continually review their practices. It cautioned against presenting disputed allegations as established facts or suggesting that disciplinary action alone constitutes evidence of institutional bullying.
The Institute reiterated that its mandate 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
