On Monday, June 29, 2026, the Lagos Business School (LBS) community gathered to mark a cherished annual tradition: the feast of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei. Pan-Atlantic University, of which LBS is a part, was established in response to his vision and teachings, which continue to shape the institution’s identity and mission.
Widely known as the “saint of ordinary life,” Saint Josemaría taught that holiness can be found in the faithful and excellent execution of everyday tasks. His message, that ordinary work, when done with purpose and integrity, can become a path to personal and societal transformation, remains deeply embedded in the ethos of Lagos Business School.
This philosophy is reflected in LBS’s commitment to forming responsible leaders who see work not merely as a means of production, but as a vocation imbued with dignity and service. It is an invitation to elevate professional practice, interpersonal relationships, and economic activity, encouraging every individual to approach their responsibilities with care, excellence, and a strong sense of purpose.
The 2026 Founders’ Day celebration featured a keynote address by Dr Jess Castellote, the architect behind the design of the LBS campus. Drawing from his long-standing relationship with the institution, he shared reflections on the vision that informed the physical and cultural development of the school. He noted that two buildings can look exactly identical on paper, yet one feels easy to inhabit while the other does not, because the experience of the building is shaped primarily by the people in it”, emphasising the role of people in shaping culture and character.
The event also included a panel discussion featuring Professor Chris Ogbechie, immediate past Dean of LBS, and Mrs Catherine Ogbemudia, the school’s pioneer restaurant manager, fondly remembered for the enduring phrase, “Enjoy it!” Together, they offered unique insights into the evolution of LBS and the lived experience of its values over the years.
Professor Ogbechie reflected on leadership and stewardship within the institution. He underscored the importance of continuity, noting that each generation within LBS carries forward a shared responsibility to strengthen its culture.
Mrs Ogbemudia spoke warmly about community, care, and the human touch that defines the LBS experience, reminding the community that even the simplest acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions.
Despite their diverse roles, all three speakers, each of whom has played a pivotal role in shaping the LBS culture, echoed a shared message: every role within the institution is significant. From faculty to administrative staff, from leadership to service teams, each contribution forms part of a larger mission. They collectively encouraged the community to fully embody the school’s values, treating one another with respect, professionalism, and genuine care.
The Founders’ Day celebration ultimately served as a moment of reflection and renewal. It reinforced the idea that the work carried out within the LBS community transcends awards and compensation. Instead, it contributes – brick by brick- to the building of a more just, ethical, and prosperous society.
