Local Ideas, Global Freedom.
We develop a new generation of thought leaders who translate indigenous African Ideas of Liberty into bold policies for a modern, prosperous, and free continent.
"Four groups should run the affairs of the state: Experienced men, Experienced Women, Experienced Youth and Experienced Foreigners."
Orunmila, Father of Yoruba Classical Philosophy
See Our Work
Explore our impactful projects and initiatives that are making a difference
Our Publications
Explore our research papers, reports, and thought leadership publications
The life expectancy crisis in Nigeria - A Public Health Report
A CIDS Position paper on Nigeria's latest ranking as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world.
Ecowas Waka - A Freer Border Initiative
Transform your ideas into stunning mobile applications that captivate and engage your target audience.
Our Ownership Culture - Property rights in Africa
Africans from various corners of the continent have always respected private property rights. However, there are unique challenges in the modern practice of property rights in Africa.
Nationalisation of Private Missionary Schools in Nigeria
Published by the George Ayittey Society, in it's review of African ........This paper traces the decline in the quality of education in Nigeria, to the Nationalisation of private missionary schools.
Are we not free?
The freedom struggle in Africa has come a long way since the abolition of slave trade. However, the the struggle for political independence and today, the frontiers of African freedom struggle, is mostly economic but there remains some human rights issues.
Trade and Prosperity
In indigenous African thinking, trade and prosperity are inseparably linked. This report details the intricate linkages between trade and prosperity; the opportunities this presents for African development and the implications of neglecting African Continental Free Trade.
Our African Philosophy
Philosophical roots for African Development
A special report on Yoruba Classical Liberalism
Africa needs original thinking that amplifies indigenous voices and connects the vision for an African future, with ancestral roots. We believe that Yoruba Classical Liberalism offers all the deep insights needed to lay a solid foundation for African Development.
DownloadThe Four Groups
According to Yoruba Classical Philosophy, four groups should run the affairs of the state: Experienced men, Experienced Women, Experienced Youth and Experienced Foreigners-Orunmila, in Owonrin Obere. At CIDS, we are building a rich community that comprises of and is managed by experienced men, experienced women, experienced youth and experienced foreigners. Sign Up to join the movement
Experienced Men
To run the program, to study and modify, to redistribute copies, and to distribute modified versions.
Experienced Women
Africans from various corners of the continent have always respected private property rights. However, there are unique challenges in the modern practice of property rights in Africa.
Experienced Youth
The freedom struggle in Africa has come a long way since the abolition of slave trade. However, the the struggle for political independence and today, the frontiers of African freedom struggle, is mostly economic but there remains some human rights issues.
Experienced Foreigners
Published by the George Ayittey Society, in it's review of African ........This paper traces the decline in the quality of education in Nigeria, to the Nationalisation of private missionary schools.
Our Courses
2026 Events Calendar
The Four Freedoms
We adopt the open source philosophy, for our core programs, publications and activities. Our programs are available for anyone to join and participate in for free; for anyone to study, modify and replicate it; for anyone to redistribute copies of it and; for anyone to distribute modified versions of it.
Freedom to join our programs or read our publications
to run the program, to study and modify, to redistribute copies, and to distribute modified versions.
Freedom to study it and to modify it
Africans from various corners of the continent have always respected private property rights. However, there are unique challenges in the modern practice of property rights in Africa.
Freedom to redistribute copies
The freedom struggle in Africa has come a long way since the abolition of slave trade, through the the struggle for political independence and
Freedom to distribute modified versions
In indigenous African thinking, trade and prosperity are inseparably linked.
Readings
The Primacy of the Individual
Ori, Chi and XYZ: Indigenous African
Conceptions of Individualism
Individualism has often been portrayed as alien to Africans. In this essay, we explore the indigenous African conceptions of Individualism and demonstrate unique African insights into the universal primacy of the individual, in any society.
DownloadPolicy Briefs
Explore our policy publications
Ondo FTZ Policy Review
With the commencement of the long-awaited construction of the coastal road, directly linking Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State, to Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ondo State, it is time for Ondo state government to take a clear position.
The return of Mission Schools
The deterioration of mission schools in Nigeria over the last 5 decades since they were forcefully taken over by the military government, alongside the success stories of “returned” schools, makes a compelling case for the return of all misson schools in Nigeria.
City aesthetics and public health
Nigerian cities do not pass the stroller test, which means that on the average street, a mother cannot take walks with a baby in a stroller due to open sewers, garbage, street trading, indiscriminate car parking, lack of shade trees along the streets and lack of streetlights at night and general safety challenges. This has to change....
Universal Basic Education
Published by the George Ayittey Society, in it's review of African ........This paper traces the decline in the quality of education in Nigeria, to the Nationalisation of private missionary schools.
The Alternative Medicine Policy
The freedom struggle in Africa has come a long way since the abolition of slave trade. However, the the struggle for political independence and today, the frontiers of African freedom struggle, is mostly economic but there remains some human rights issues.
Minimum Wage in Nigeria: A review
In indigenous African thinking, trade and prosperity are inseparably linked. This report details the intricate linkages between trade and prosperity; the opportunities this presents for African development and the implications of neglecting African Continental Free Trade.
The Market Solution
The Economic Problem is best solved by the Market
A special report on Yoruba Classical Liberalism
In traditional Africa, both historically and in contemporary times, the marketplace has always been the go-to, for solutions to all sorts of problem outside security and arbitration. People went to the kings for security and arbitration, and to the market for all other solutions.
DownloadTestimonials
Sarah Johnson
"Chale Institute provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue my dream career in biotechnology. The faculty support and research opportunities were exceptional."
Michael Chen
"The collaborative environment and diverse perspectives at Chale Institute helped me grow both academically and personally. I made lifelong connections here."
Aisha Patel
"The exchange program opened my eyes to different cultures and approaches to problem-solving. It was a transformative experience that shaped my worldview."