VICTORIA ISLAND: Lagos Business School has announced the creation of the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair in Strategic Management, a move aimed at strengthening strategic thought leadership and advancing management education across Africa.
The announcement was made during a high-profile ceremony held at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, bringing together business leaders, alumni, faculty members, and institutional partners.
The endowed chair is named after Albert Alos, the founding dean of Lagos Business School and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, in recognition of his enduring contributions to management education and leadership development in Africa.
The event, themed Legacy, Leadership and the Frontier of Strategic Management ,celebrated his role in shaping the institution’s growth and mentoring generations of business professionals.
Dean of LBS, Olayinka David-West, in her opening remarks, emphasised the school’s commitment to building on its strong foundation while expanding its influence in strategic thinking and executive education.
A key highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Partner at Kenna Partners, who stressed the importance of developing Africa-centric frameworks in strategy, governance, and leadership.
He noted that as global systems grow increasingly complex, African institutions must craft solutions rooted in local realities while maintaining global relevance.
The Lagos Business School alumni community reaffirmed its support for the initiative, describing it as a collective effort to sustain and extend the institution’s legacy of excellence.
Representing Alumni President Owen Omogiafo, Vice President Valentine Okelu highlighted the importance of alumni contributions in ensuring the long-term success of the endowed chair.
The unveiling also marked the launch of a Founders’ Circle, designed to mobilise funding and institutional backing for research, teaching, and engagement in strategic management.
Tributes poured in from alumni and stakeholders, with business leaders such as Clare Omatseye sharing personal reflections on how Professor Alos influenced their careers and leadership journeys.
The initiative is expected to serve as a platform for advancing research, fostering innovation, and nurturing future leaders equipped to tackle Africa’s complex business challenges.
Born in Spain, Professor Alos began his academic career in Kenya before relocating to Nigeria in 1967.
He taught at several institutions, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University.
He later played a pivotal role in establishing Lagos Business School and Pan-Atlantic University, helping to shape ethical leadership and management education in the region.
In recognition of his contributions, he was granted Nigerian citizenship in 2022.
The initiative received support from key corporate and media partners, including SLOT Systems Limited, Channels Television, BusinessDay Media, and The Guardian Nigeria.
Members of the Endowed Chair Committee were also recognized for their role in driving the project, reflecting a collaborative effort to institutionalize strategic leadership development in Africa.
With the establishment of the endowed chair, Lagos Business School aims to create a sustainable platform for advancing strategic management scholarship, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and positioning Africa at the forefront of global business thought leadership.
