Inclusive Governance
Championing transparent, accountable systems where every citizen — especially young people and women — has a meaningful voice in shaping public policy and national development.
A journey guided by purpose, driven by service
Meet Azeezat
A unique blend of medical expertise, public policy and youth advocacy — positioning Dr. Yishawu as one of Nigeria's most compelling voices in governance and development.
The Profile
Medicine, policy and the practice of leadership.
Dr. Azeezat Yishawu is a medical doctor, youth policy strategist and governance leader with extensive experience advancing youth development, democratic governance and public policy. She has built a distinguished career at the intersection of government, civic leadership and international development — driving initiatives that promote inclusive governance, strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for young people.
She currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Policy, Development and Analysis at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, providing strategic policy support and contributing to the design and implementation of initiatives that advance national youth development priorities.
Dr. Yishawu made history as the first female Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, leading legislative engagement among young leaders and championing meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making. Throughout her career she has worked with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and international stakeholders to design evidence-based solutions across governance, leadership, gender inclusion, civic participation and sustainable development.
Recognized for her commitment to service, innovation and transformational leadership, she continues to champion policies and partnerships that empower young people, strengthen democratic institutions and drive sustainable national development.
The Journey
Three chapters of a career in service.
01
A Foundation Built on Service
She earned her MBBS from Lagos State University College of Medicine in 2019, where her passion for improving lives extended beyond medicine into leadership and community development. Recognizing that sustainable change requires both technical knowledge and effective public leadership, she has continuously invested in her expertise.
In 2021 she completed Leadership in Management Health at the University of Washington, followed by Public Policy Analysis at the London School of Economics in 2023. In 2024 she was selected for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States Government — and she is currently pursuing an MBA.
02
Breaking Barriers in Youth Leadership
In 2021 she became the first female Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (5th Assembly) — a defining moment that inspired a new generation of young leaders. Under her leadership, the Parliament organized security-focused town halls across twenty states and facilitated the first dialogue between young people and political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Beyond the chamber, she championed the #SafePad campaign for menstrual health, founded Safebodi.com for community health education, launched the PVC4HER Movement for women's political participation, and co-founded Constitution Lab — building the capacity of hundreds of young leaders in governance and policy advocacy.
03
Shaping Policy, Strengthening Institutions
Building on years of grassroots advocacy and legislative leadership, she transitioned into national policymaking as Senior Special Assistant on Youth Policy, Development and Analysis at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development — focusing on policy research, programme design, stakeholder engagement and governance reform.
Her influence extends beyond Nigeria: from CHOGM in Kigali to the UN Women Conference in New York and UNCAC in Doha, she contributes to global conversations on youth leadership, democratic governance and inclusive development — while serving with Involve Africa and as an Agenda35 Ambassador with ElectHER.
Our Vision
Five commitments that guide the work.
Empowering the Next Generation
Cultivating ethical, innovative, solution-driven leaders equipped to influence policy and lead transformational change across Nigeria and Africa. Young people should not simply inherit the future — they should actively shape it.
Advancing Women's Leadership
Accelerating the full participation of women in governance, politics and public leadership by creating pathways for representation, mentorship and influence.
Building Stronger Institutions
Promoting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening institutions that are responsive, resilient and people-centred — through partnership across government, civil society, academia and the private sector.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Contributing to an Africa where leadership is defined by integrity, service and impact — leaving behind stronger institutions, empowered communities and opportunities for future generations to thrive.
Areas of Expertise
A twelve-domain practice.
- Youth Policy & Governance
- Public Policy Analysis
- Legislative Engagement
- Democratic Governance
- Youth Development & Leadership
- Gender Equality & Women's Political Participation
- Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Programme Design, Management & Evaluation
- Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
- Climate Justice & Environmental Governance
- Institutional Strengthening
- Public Sector Leadership
Education & Development
Learning without borders.
- MBBS (Medicine & Surgery), Lagos State University College of Medicine — 2019
- Leadership in Management Health, University of Washington — 2021
- Public Policy Analysis, London School of Economics — 2023
- International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), United States — 2024
- Political Leadership Training, Young Women Political Leadership School
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) — in progress
International Engagement
- United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) — Doha, Qatar
- United Nations Women Conference — New York, USA
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) — Kigali, Rwanda
- International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) — United States