Lagos Business School Launches Albert Alos Endowed Chair for Strategic Leadership
LBS Unveils Albert Alos Endowed Chair for Strategic Leadership

Lagos Business School Unveils Albert Alos Endowed Chair for Strategic Leadership

Lagos Business School (LBS) has officially announced the establishment of the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair in Strategic Management, marking a pivotal advancement in its mission to deepen strategic thought leadership throughout Africa. The significant announcement was made during a ceremony held on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, bringing together a distinguished gathering of alumni, corporate leaders, faculty members, and institutional partners.

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

The event served as a tribute to Professor Albert Alos, the founding dean of LBS and former Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, whose visionary leadership has profoundly shaped the institution's growth and esteemed reputation. Under the theme, "Legacy, leadership and the frontier of strategic management," the ceremony reflected on past achievements while focusing intently on future impact and innovation.

Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School, opened the programme with a welcome address that emphasised the school's unwavering commitment to building upon its rich legacy while expanding its influence in strategic thinking and management education.

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Personal Tributes and Alumni Reflections

A tribute session titled "Legacy Tribute – Architect of Excellence" highlighted Professor Alos's instrumental role in laying the foundational framework for the institution and mentoring generations of business leaders across the continent. During the alumni reflections segment, Clare Omatseye and Lawrence Mba shared personal anecdotes detailing how Professor Alos's guidance and mentorship influenced their professional careers and leadership styles.

Representing the Alumni President, Dr Owen Omogiafo, the Alumni Vice President, Valentine Okelu, reiterated the alumni community's steadfast commitment to supporting the endowed chair. He described the initiative as a collective responsibility to sustain and extend the legacy of excellence intrinsically associated with the school.

Advancing African Strategic Thought Leadership

In a keynote address on "The Strategic Imperative: Advancing Strategic Thought Leadership for Africa," Senior Partner at Kenna, Fabian Ajogwu, stressed the urgent need for Africa-driven frameworks in strategy, governance, and leadership. He noted that as global systems grow increasingly complex, African institutions must develop context-specific approaches that reflect local realities while maintaining global relevance and competitiveness.

Formal Unveiling and Founders' Circle Invitation

The formal unveiling of the endowed chair stood as one of the defining moments of the evening. The ceremony also included an invitation to the Founders' Circle, signalling the commencement of a concerted effort to secure robust support for this groundbreaking initiative. This strategic move reflects LBS's clear intention to establish a sustainable platform for cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and meaningful engagement in the field of strategic management.

Professor Albert Alos: A Distinguished Career

Professor Albert Alos, born in Barcelona, Spain, studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Bilbao, where he earned his doctorate in 1966. He commenced his academic career in Kenya before relocating to Nigeria in 1967, where he subsequently taught at prestigious institutions including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University.

He later became the founding dean of Lagos Business School and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, playing a key role in shaping management education and promoting ethical business leadership across Africa. In recognition of his monumental contributions, he was granted Nigerian citizenship in 2022.

Ceremony Conclusion and Acknowledgements

The ceremony concluded with a toast by Ejovi Aror and closing remarks from Chief Raymond Ihyembe, Chairman of the Endowed Chair Committee. Lagos Business School also extended its gratitude to sponsors and media partners, including Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, SLOT Systems Limited, Kenna, Channels Television, BusinessDay Media, and The Guardian Nigeria.

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Members of the Endowed Chair Committee were formally recognised for their pivotal role in driving this initiative forward. The committee comprises:

  • Chief Raymond Ihyembe
  • Professor Chris Ogbechie
  • Professor Pat Utomi
  • Clare Omatseye
  • Sylvia Nwakwue
  • Nkechi Iwegbu
  • Frank Aigbogun
  • Patrick Akinwuntan
  • Jacinta Ifeoma Anakua
  • Oghogho Osula