A nation’s growth and prosperity hinge on the quality of its human capital and investment in skills development. For Nigeria, bridging the gap in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership is crucial to achieving economic progress and global competitiveness.
Former World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim once noted that human capital accounts for about 65% of wealth in high-income countries but only 40% in low-income nations, highlighting the urgent need for skills development in countries like Nigeria.
Currently, Nigeria ranks 168th out of 174 countries in human capital development, with a Human Capital Index (HCI) of 0.36 and a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.548. These figures reflect deep-rooted challenges in the education and healthcare sectors, leading to poor socio-economic outcomes and widening inequalities.
Recognizing these challenges, 4 Streams Academy (4SA) is stepping up to bridge the skills gap, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in both the private and public sectors.
A Mission for Total Transformation
4 Streams Academy is dedicated to personal and professional transformation, offering tailored programs for fresh graduates, professionals, pre-retirees, retirees, and individuals seeking clarity on their life’s purpose. The academy officially launches on Friday, March 28, beginning with its School of Entrepreneurship.
At a pre-launch event in Lagos, Tony Olukoyede, President of 4 Streams Academy, described 4SA as a personal development institution that provides practical training and skills acquisition across four core areas:
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Governance
- Innovative Technology
The academy’s Board of Studies has designed hands-on learning experiences, ensuring students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world market conditions.
“We have partnered with experienced facilitators—many of whom have successfully run their businesses for over 15 years—to mentor our participants,” Olukoyede explained. “Some will engage in structured mentorship, while others may opt for customized learning approaches.”
Building Leaders for a Changing World
4 Streams Academy’s curriculum includes specialized training for individuals in politics and governance, helping them refine their leadership skills and develop a visionary approach to public service.
Olukoyede noted that many people abandon their dreams due to a lack of clarity and structured execution plans. To address this, 4SA offers a revolutionary mapping template, guiding participants through an eight-step vision mapping process that covers:
- Spiritual growth
- Health and well-being
- Financial management
- Business and career development
- Personal growth and networking
- Community impact and giving back
“Our trained coordinators help participants create personal vision boards, ensuring their goals are not just ideas but structured, actionable plans,” Olukoyede emphasized.
A Culture of Accountability and Lifelong Learning
To ensure that graduates continue to uphold the values instilled at 4 Streams Academy, Ifeyinwa Okafor-Akpan, a member of the Board of Studies, announced the establishment of a peer review system within the academy’s community.
“Inspired by the African Peer Review Mechanism, where heads of state hold each other accountable, our system ensures that graduates will be accountable to their peers—upholding excellence, accountability, and authenticity in all they do,” she said.
Additionally, 4SA is launching a consultancy alongside the academy to provide ongoing leadership training for those already in government and public sector roles.
“For governors, senators, House of Representatives members, and other public officials, we will deliver continuous leadership training directly in their states, eliminating the need to travel to the academy,” Okafor-Akpan added.
Through 4 Streams Academy, Nigeria is set to equip a new wave of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, ensuring that businesses thrive, governance improves, and economic progress accelerates.
