SCGN Inaugurates First Corporate Governance Club at UNILAG, Urges Law Students on Leadership
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), Mrs Chioma Mordi, has inaugurated the first-ever SCGN Corporate Governance Club at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), calling on law students to approach leadership as a profound responsibility rather than a mere privilege.
Keynote Address Emphasizes Ethical Leadership
During the landmark ceremony, Mrs Mordi delivered a keynote address stressing that the future belongs to leaders who combine technical competence with strong ethical judgment. She highlighted the critical importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible decision-making in both corporate and public life, urging students to internalize these values early in their careers.
The event, held at the University of Lagos, marks the beginning of a new platform dedicated to nurturing ethical leadership, fostering responsible decision-making, and cultivating a robust governance culture among future professionals. This initiative is part of SCGN's broader Corporate Governance Club programme, designed to introduce corporate governance principles into Nigerian universities and develop a new generation of ethically minded leaders.
Official Swearing-In and Distinguished Attendance
The ceremony featured the official swearing-in of the club's pioneer executives and heads of offices, conducted by the Chief Operating Officer of SCGN, Dr Tola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi. Distinguished attendees from the University of Lagos Faculty of Law included the former dean, Prof Ige Bolodeoku; the current dean, Prof Abiola Sanni (SAN); and lecturers Dr Idris Odekunle, Dr Issa Adedokun, and Dr Ifeoma Oluwasemiloore.
With 80 pioneer members drawn from eight departments across the university, the club aims to deepen students' understanding of corporate governance beyond traditional classroom settings. It plans to achieve this through interactive dialogue, exposure to real-world governance practices, and engagement with industry leaders.
Objectives and Planned Activities
According to SCGN, the Corporate Governance Club Initiative is designed to educate university students about the critical role governance plays in fostering sustainable and responsible business practices. Simultaneously, it equips them with essential leadership skills and professional networks. The clubs will be student-led but supported by SCGN through mentorship, learning resources, and professional engagement opportunities.
Membership is open to students from all academic disciplines who have an interest in governance, ethics, and leadership. Planned activities include:
- Workshops, seminars, lectures, and panel discussions led by governance experts.
- Debates and competitions aimed at strengthening students' understanding of governance frameworks.
- A yearly "Corporate Governance Week" featuring keynote addresses, networking sessions, and other learning opportunities.
Expansion Plans and Broader Impact
The University of Lagos chapter represents the pilot phase of the initiative. SCGN intends to expand to other universities, including Lagos State University and Pan-Atlantic University, before eventually extending the programme across Nigeria and other African countries. The organization believes this initiative will contribute to a broader cultural shift toward responsible business practices by introducing governance principles early in students' academic and professional development.
As the pioneer campus chapter, UNILAG is now setting the pace for institutionalizing governance culture among students, planting seeds of integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership for Nigeria's future. SCGN noted that this initiative reflects its commitment, built over two decades, to advancing governance best practices and strengthening ethical leadership within Nigeria's corporate ecosystem.
