On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Lagos Business School (LBS) proudly celebrated the graduation of 212 accomplished leaders from seven of its flagship Executive Education programmes. The vibrant ceremony, held at the Honeywell Auditorium on the LBS campus, was a powerful testament to the graduates’ dedication and the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering excellence.
The event commenced with an opening prayer by the school chaplain, Father Boniface Okafor, followed by a warm welcome address from Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School. Professor David-West lauded the graduates’ perseverance and commitment to continuous learning, stating, “Your rebirth started when you walked through our doors, arriving on time, critically thinking about diverse problems, challenging assumptions, and framing and reframing until arriving at a decision, wearing the shoes of many a protagonist, guided by responsible management principles, and making lifelong connections.”
A Call to Ethical Leadership
A major highlight of the ceremony was the insightful keynote address delivered by Dr Oluwatoyin Sanni, Founder and Executive Vice Chair, Emerging Africa Group. Dr Sanni, an accomplished LBS alumna who completed the Chief Executive Programme (CEP) in 2016, spoke passionately about ethical leadership, credibility, and sustainability. She urged the graduates to preface every decision with the critical question: “Am I building for the future or just meeting today’s targets?” Her powerful address was met with enthusiastic applause from the graduates and esteemed guests.
Honouring a Legacy of Excellence
During the ceremony, LBS also paid a poignant tribute to the memory of Mr Peter Okoloh, a member of the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) cohort 42, who sadly passed away during his programme. Dr Emmanuel Imafidon, the programme’s academic director, delivered a heartfelt tribute, extolling Peter’s life of excellence and impact. “Peter’s career was marked by excellence and a deep commitment to human-centred leadership. His impact went beyond titles. He nurtured talent, leading with empathy and humility.” Following the tribute, Mrs. Evelyn Okoloh, wife of the late Peter Okoloh, was invited to receive the certificate on behalf of her husband, a moment that resonated deeply with all in attendance.
Presentation of Certificates and Alumni Induction
Following the addresses, Mr. Victor Banjo, Director of Executive Education at LBS, presented the graduates to the Vice-Chancellor, confirming that they had fulfilled all the requirements for the award of their certificates. The academic directors of each graduating class then coordinated the presentation of certificates for the programmes, including:
- The Global Chief Executive Officer Africa Programme (GCEO-A)
- Advanced Management Programme (AMP)
- Senior Manager Programme (SMP)
- Owner-Manager Programme (OMP)
- Agribusiness Management Programme (AgMP)
- Management Acceleration Programme (MAP)
- Human Resources Academy (HRA)
The graduates were then officially inducted into the Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) by its president, Dr Owen Omogiafo. Dr Omogiafo congratulated the new members and exhorted them to embrace their individual and collective responsibility to support the school and its leadership as it advances its vision of developing responsible leaders to inspire Africa’s growth.
Reflections on a Transformative Journey
Speaking on behalf of their respective classes, each class president shared insightful reflections on their transformative journeys at LBS. Mr. Jerry Chukwueke, president of the graduating GCEO Africa class, spoke eloquently about the crucial need for leaders who will drive positive change in both the private sector and public service, remarking, “It is a tough call, but it is doable.” His sentiments were echoed by the other class presidents, who expressed gratitude to the faculty, staff, and their fellow cohort members for an enriching and memorable learning experience. The graduating classes also made donations in support of the LBS endowment fund.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cocktail reception, where graduates, faculty, and guests celebrated the momentous occasion. Lagos Business School extends its warmest congratulations to all the graduates and eagerly anticipates witnessing their continued success as they lead with excellence in their various fields.
Watch the replay of the graduation ceremony here.
