Lagos Business School (LBS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with La Liga Nacional de Futbol Profesional also known as La Liga Business School on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at the School campus in Lekki, Lagos.
The MoU is based on an agreement between both parties to promote capacity development and most importantly initiate and implement purpose-specific programmes that foster successful sports business management and administration in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference organised to announce the MOU, LBS Dean, Prof Enase Okonedo said, “The collaboration with La Liga is to help LBS achieve its mission of advancing management disciplines. We are collaborating to create robust programmes that offer participants the global expertise and local relevance that is only obtainable at LBS”. Prof Okonedeo also added that although sports has been professionalised in many parts of the world, sports management is an area in which Nigeria lacks structured trainings hence the timeliness of the partnership.
In line with the terms of the MOU, the Sports Business Management Programme, a 2-day intensive training for sports media practitioners, owners and managers of sports business outfits and other stakeholders in the sports industry, commenced today.
Academic Director of the programme and MBA Director at LBS, Dr Uchenna Uzo said both business schools have jointly created programmes and content to improve the way business is done in the sports arena. He added, “The SBMP will help players in the sports sector to understand the nuances of playing to win, and to also network in an impactful way with industry leaders with the aim of transforming their businesses. The programme covers topics in sports management, marketing, financing, leadership, technology, and innovation”.
The press conference was attended by media professionals and experts in the sports industry including former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, and veteran sports analyst, Deji Omotoyinbo.
Also commenting at the MoU signing, Managing Director LaLiga Nigeria, Javier Del Rio, said “This is a strategic alliance which reaffirms our commitment to the development of not only football but education in this country. We are highly committed to each of our projects across Africa and partnering with Lagos Business School to offer sport management courses is definitely a good step forward and in the right direction towards the growth and development of sports management in Nigeria”.
The programme is facilitated by a select group of local and international experts and opinion leaders in the sports industry including LBS faculty, Henry Onukwuba; Head of La Liga Business School, Jose Moya; Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr Kweku Tandoh; CEO, Brila Media, Dr Larry Izamoje, among others.
The MoU is part of LBS’ efforts at collaborating with global business schools and top organisations with the aim to positively impact the practice of management across sectors.
