The announcement was made during a high-profile ceremony held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino. The event brought together a distinguished audience of alumni, corporate leaders, faculty members, and institutional partners, all gathered to honour the legacy of Professor Albert Alos—founding dean of LBS and former Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University.
With the theme, “Legacy, leadership and the frontier of strategic management,” the ceremony blended reflection on the institution’s history with a forward-looking vision for its role in shaping Africa’s business and leadership landscape.
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
Opening the programme, the Dean of LBS, Professor Olayinka David-West, delivered a welcome address that underscored the school’s dedication to building on its strong foundation while expanding its influence in strategic thinking across Africa. She highlighted the endowed chair as a natural progression in LBS’s journey toward becoming a global reference point for management education rooted in African realities.
A tribute session titled “Legacy Tribute – Architect of Excellence” followed, offering a detailed reflection on Professor Alos’s enduring contributions. Speakers emphasized his pivotal role in establishing LBS as a leading institution and his commitment to mentoring generations of business leaders who continue to shape industries across Africa.
Voices from Alumni and Industry
During the alumni reflections segment, Clare Omatseye and Lawrence Mba shared personal accounts of how Professor Alos influenced their professional journeys and leadership philosophies. Their remarks illustrated the depth of his impact—not only as an academic leader but also as a mentor whose values continue to resonate within the LBS community.
Representing the Alumni President, Dr. Owen Omogiafo, the Alumni Vice President, Valentine Okelu, reaffirmed the alumni body’s support for the endowed chair. He described the initiative as a shared responsibility, emphasizing that sustaining the legacy of excellence associated with LBS requires collective effort and long-term commitment.
From an industry perspective, Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Partner at Kenna, delivered a keynote address titled “The Strategic Imperative: Advancing Strategic Thought Leadership for Africa.” He stressed the importance of developing Africa-driven frameworks for strategy, governance, and leadership, noting that global complexities demand solutions that are both locally grounded and internationally relevant.
The Endowed Chair: A Platform for Future Impact
The formal unveiling of the endowed chair marked one of the defining moments of the evening. More than a symbolic gesture, the initiative represents a structured effort to create a sustainable platform for advancing research, teaching, and engagement in strategic management.
The unveiling also included an invitation to the Founders’ Circle, signaling the beginning of a broader campaign to mobilize support and resources for the chair. This move highlights LBS’s intention to institutionalize strategic thought leadership and ensure its long-term impact on business education and practice in Africa.
 |
| Front Row (L–R): Chief Sir Raymond Ihyembe, KSS, OON, Chairman, Endowed Chair Committee; Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School; Professor Albert Alos, Founding Dean, Lagos Business School and Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University; Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, Pro-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University; Mr Valentine Okelu, Vice President, Lagos Business School Alumni Association; Dr Stella Chinyelu Okoli, OON, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. Second Row (L–R): Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, Faculty, Lagos Business School; Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, Professor of Corporate Governance, Lagos Business School and Senior Partner, KENNA; Mrs Clare Omatseye, Founder/Managing Director, JNC International Limited; Mrs Jacinta Anakua, Head of Advancement, Lagos Business School; Mrs Sylvia Nwakwue, General Manager and Head, Transaction Services (Lagos & South-West Division); Mrs Nkechi Iwegbu, Director, Custom Executive Education, Lagos Business School. |
The Man Behind the Legacy
Professor Albert Alos’s career reflects a lifetime of dedication to education and leadership development. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Bilbao, earning a doctorate in 1966. He began his academic journey in Kenya before relocating to Nigeria in 1967.
Over the years, he taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University. His influence grew further when he became the founding dean of Lagos Business School and later the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University. In these roles, he played a central part in shaping management education and promoting ethical leadership across Africa.
In recognition of his lasting contributions to the country’s educational and business landscape, Professor Alos was granted Nigerian citizenship in 2022.
Closing Moments and Acknowledgements
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note with a toast delivered by Ejovi Aror, followed by closing remarks from Chief Raymond Ihyembe, Chairman of the Endowed Chair Committee. Their remarks reinforced the importance of the initiative and the collective effort required to sustain it.
Lagos Business School also acknowledged the support of its sponsors and media partners, including Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, SLOT Systems Limited, Kenna, Channels Television, BusinessDay Media, and The Guardian Nigeria.
Members of the Endowed Chair Committee were recognized for their contributions to bringing the initiative to life. 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, and Oghogho Osula.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair, Lagos Business School is not only preserving the legacy of one of its most influential figures but also positioning itself at the forefront of strategic thought leadership in Africa. The initiative is expected to drive research, influence policy discussions, and shape the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate the continent’s evolving business environment.