Obi asserts that this conspicuous absence underscores the
precipitous decline in the nation’s global reputation.
On Wednesday, He released a significant statement
emphasizing the seriousness of this omission.
“Nigeria’s negative image was on display as Harvard Business
School’s class of 2025 programme has selected 16 countries for its global
immersion course but notably excluded Nigeria, despite the program leader being
a Nigerian professor,” he lamented.
The HBS program is widely recognized for its commitment to
developing leadership abilities, fostering effective teamwork, and promoting
cross-cultural comprehension through immersive experiences in diverse
international settings.
For the African region, the program has selected Kenya,
Rwanda, Morocco, and Ghana as its representatives.
Students have demonstrated a marked predilection for
Nairobi, Kenya, where they will collaborate with local businesses to confront
genuine challenges.
Mr. Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the recent
presidential election, expressed his surprise and disappointment at Nigeria’s
exclusion, given the country’s substantial potential and capabilities.
“Unfortunately, Nigeria’s reputation and attractiveness to
international institutions and investors has recently been severely impacted by
major obvious drawbacks,” he remarked.
Notwithstanding this temporary setback, Obi maintains a
positive outlook, expressing confidence that Nigeria will recognize these
shortcomings and make concerted efforts to elevate its international
reputation.
The HBS class of 2025 programme demonstrates the power of
collaboration and knowledge sharing between institutions and countries. It is
imperative that Nigeria address these challenges head-on and strive to
reestablish its positive reputation in the global arena, he concluded.