The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (also called The National Institute or NIPSS) was established by Decree number 20 of 1979, now Cap N-51 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Institute was conceived as a high-level institution with the primary objectives of serving as the nation’s foremost policy think-tank to develop a crop of top-class technocrats of high intellectual capacity, who will conceptualize and anchor the implementation of innovative and dynamic policy initiatives and strategies, critical for national development.
The National institute serves as a high-level Centre for reflection, research and dialogue where, academics of excellence, seasoned policy initiators and executors and other citizens of mature experience and wisdom drawn from all walks of life, meet to reflect and exchange ideas on the great issues of society, particularly as they relate to Nigeria and Africa within the context of a constantly changing world.
To underscore its importance and functions, the National Institute is a federal parastatal in the Nigerian Presidency. At the top of the organizational chat of the Institute, is the Board of Governors, charged with giving general directions and governance for the Institute.

The Faculty of the National Institute is made up of eminent Nigerians including serving and retired senior military and para-military officers, career diplomats, university professors and other senior scholars, as well as top-ranking officials in both the public and private sectors who are often invited as guest lecturers to enrich delivery of the course content.

Participation in the National Institute’s training programmes is strictly by nomination of qualified Nigerians. In particular, for the Senior Executive Course, which lasts for ten months, from February to November each year, apart from nomination by sponsoring organizations, final approval for participation is by the office of the President.

The programme of the course is organized into eight modules;
– Understanding the Nigerian State
– Research Methodology
– Leadership, Policy and Strategy
– Science, Technology and Innovation
– Economic and Management Studies
– International Relations
– Defence and Security Studies
– Peace and Conflict Studies (Crisis management)

Currently, the training programmes of the National Institute are strictly for qualified Nigerian citizens. This may, however, be reviewed to allow participation by non-Nigerians.

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), is an umbrella body for all graduates of the Senior Executive Course . The Alumni Association was set up to promote the noble ideals of the National Institute as embodied in its motto: Towards a better society. In this respect, the Association seeks to promote understanding, unity, brotherhood and co-operation among the members and strengthen the relationship between the association and The National Institute with a view to maintaining synergy, strengthen interaction with the Federal and State governments of Nigeria as well as organizations and associations with similar objectives. The National Institute alumni include some past Presidents and Heads of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highly placed Traditional Rulers, State Governors, Ministers, captains of industries, respected diplomats and other eminent citizens from all walks of life.