In a world where effective leadership is the cornerstone of progress, Professor Christian Harrison stands as a beacon of insight and innovation. As a Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Bolton and the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment, his life’s work is rooted in shaping leaders who inspire change, uphold integrity, and drive societal transformation.

With a career that spans groundbreaking research, influential publications, and leadership development across global institutions, Professor Harrison’s expertise is both profound and practical. His passion for ethical, transformational, and entrepreneurial leadership reflects a deep commitment to addressing complex challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where leadership holds the key to unlocking the nation’s vast potential.

In this interview, with Ipledge2nigweia.net webteam Professor Harrison offers a powerful vision for leadership that transcends titles and positions. He shares actionable strategies for cultivating leaders who prioritize service, innovation, and inclusivity, leaders who not only envision a better future but actively build it. His insights are a call to action for those ready to embrace leadership as a force for meaningful, lasting change.

Leadership is a critical issue in Nigeria, where corruption, weak governance, and inequality often stifle progress. For Professor Christian Harrison, an expert in leadership and enterprise at the University of Bolton, these challenges are not insurmountable but require strategic solutions rooted in ethical and transformational leadership.

Harrison explains that “Ethical leadership prioritizes value-based decision-making, transparency, and accountability—key elements in combating corruption and restoring public trust.”

 His research emphasizes that ethical leaders not only uphold integrity but also inspire emerging leaders across various sectors.

 Harrison believes, that transformational leadership, which drives progress by fostering innovation, collaboration, and long-term vision. According to him “

Transformational leaders bridge ethnic and regional divides, inspiring others to pursue shared national objectives.  For a country as diverse as Nigeria, this leadership style is vital in uniting communities and fostering a collective pursuit of progress. At the same time, transformational leadership inspires youth to engage in entrepreneurship and civic initiatives, tackling unemployment and fostering socio-economic growth.”

As the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment, Harrison’s vision extends beyond theory. His mission is to cultivate leaders who can drive meaningful change in Nigeria by emphasizing servant, entrepreneurial, and inclusive leadership.

“Servant leadership emphasizes accountability and fairness, values essential for rebuilding trust in institutions,” he says.

“The Centre integrates these principles into its training programs, aiming to foster a new generation of leaders committed to societal welfare.

Talking  about other pillars of his work, Harrison said that,

“Visionary thinking and innovation are crucial for uniting diverse groups and pursuing long-term goals. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and community engagement, the Centre nurtures entrepreneurial leaders equipped to address Nigeria’s unique challenges.”

The Centre also champions capacity building by facilitating partnerships with Nigerian institutions and creating platforms for governance and development dialogue. This approach, bridges theory and practice, empowering leaders to champion sustainable development and drive positive change.

Beyond leadership, Harrison’s expertise in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) provides valuable insights for Nigerian universities seeking to enhance their research output and global competitiveness. He advocates for a strategic focus on capacity building, resource optimization, and fostering a research-driven culture.

“Nigerian universities should prioritize strategic research areas that align with national and global challenges. Focusing on niche fields where Nigeria has unique opportunities can amplify their impact on global knowledge.”

According to him, “Investing in faculty development is equally crucial. Training in advanced research methods, grant writing, and international collaboration will equip researchers to compete on a global stage should embraced.

Enhancing infrastructure and diversifying funding sources can also provide the necessary support for cutting-edge research”, he added.

Speaking on the importance of collaboration and networking  to innovation professor Harrison stated that: “Partnerships with international institutions can foster joint research projects and access to global publications. Clear governance structures and incentives for quality research will further motivate scholars and elevate institutional performance.

For Harrison, Nigeria’s leadership challenges call for a paradigm shift toward ethical, transformational, servant, entrepreneurial, cross-cultural, and adaptive leadership. “Ethical leadership fosters trust and sustainable growth. Transformational leaders inspire collective goals and drive change,” he emphasizes.

Servant leadership, focused on putting people first, is vital for inclusive growth, while entrepreneurial leadership can unlock economic potential. Cross-cultural leadership, he notes, is essential in navigating Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.

“Adaptive leaders are needed to address dynamic challenges like global economic shifts and climate change. By integrating these paradigms, Nigerian leaders can build a governance framework that promotes unity, innovation, and resilience.”

Harrison’s work underscores the power of leadership as a catalyst for transformation. His vision for Nigeria is one where leaders uphold integrity, foster innovation, and inspire collective action. Through research, education, and capacity building, he is shaping a future where leadership becomes the driving force for sustainable development and national progress.