The 10th edition of the Young Talents Programme (YTP) came to a close at Lagos Business School (LBS) with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Held from July 25 to 26, 2025, the two-day event marked a significant milestone, “a decade of shaping Nigeria’s brightest youth into responsible African leaders” and spotlighted this year’s theme: “Breaking Barriers: Youth-Led Solutions for Nigeria’s Sustainable Future.”

Shaping Purposeful Careers and Fresh Ideas for the Future

From the outset, participants were immersed in deep reflections on career building and leadership readiness. In an engaging session led by Prof. Okechukwu Amah, Faculty and Research Director at LBS, the young talents explored intentional career development through the Management Scholar Academy (MSA). Using his academic journey as a case study, Prof. Amah demonstrated how deliberate planning, vision, and perseverance can turn early aspirations into global impact. He emphasised that career success is often the result of purposeful planning, not chance.

A major highlight of the programme was the group strategy challenge, where participants worked in teams to develop bold, practical solutions to pressing issues facing Nigerian youth. Projects ranged from mental health and financial inclusion to civic participation, entrepreneurial leadership, and the creative industries. These presentations were not just academic exercises, but prototypes of real-world interventions, each rooted in the belief that youth-led action can shift the country’s development trajectory.

The standout project, Mindmap360 – Youth Mental Health Support Initiative, was praised for its relevance and depth. The judging panel, Dr. Richmond Okafor, Oreva Atanya, Dr. Glory Eyinnaya, and Dr. Olayode Agboola, commended all the teams for their insight and originality, while urging the winning team to pursue implementation and ensure their idea doesn’t remain a strategy on paper.

Alumni Reflections and a Legacy of Impact

Adding depth to the celebration was YTP@10: Reflections, Milestones & the Road Ahead, a moving panel conversation with past participants who have gone on to thrive in global institutions. Chibueze Clinton (Barclays UK), a YTP & MSA alumnus, shared how the programme shaped his research and analytical skills, positioning him for postgraduate success in Scotland. Dr. Oyinkansola Odunjo (University of Greenwich), Jennifer Agbo (Yale University), and Segun Osoneye (McKinsey & Company), one of the first YTP participants, offered stories of growth, grit, and purpose. Their reflections served as a powerful testament to the programme’s long-term impact and inspired the new cohort to embrace every opportunity with confidence and character.

A Community That Builds Leaders

Reflecting on the programme’s vision, Prof. Uchenna Uzo, Faculty Director at LBS, said: “YTP was created to provide an enabling structure for young Nigerians, our national powerhouse, to find direction, build confidence, and step boldly into leadership. Whether their journey continues within LBS through research, MBA or PhD tracks, or beyond in other spheres, we want them to lead with intention.”

Since its inception, the Young Talents Programme has impacted more than 500 young professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in business, academia, and public service. The 2025 edition concluded with moments of celebration, games, peer networking, and a graduation ceremony to honour the latest cohort.

This special edition of YTP was proudly supported by Multipro Consumer Products Limited, whose sponsorship made this impactful experience possible.

As the Young Talents Programme steps into its next decade, Lagos Business School remains firmly committed to unlocking the leadership potential of Africa’s youth one bold idea at a time.