LBS Launches Albert Alos Endowed Chair to Promote Strategic Leadership in Africa

Lagos Business School (LBS) has introduced the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair in Strategic Management, marking a significant effort to enhance strategic leadership across Africa. This initiative demonstrates LBS’s dedication to fostering Africa-centered research, education, and leadership development in strategy.

Event and Announcement

The announcement took place during an event on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino. The ceremony was attended by notable alumni, business leaders, faculty, and institutional collaborators who gathered to honor the legacy of Professor Albert Alos, the founding dean of LBS and former Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University.

Under the theme “Legacy, leadership and the frontier of strategic management,” the event reflected on LBS’s past achievements and outlined its future role in influencing Africa’s business and leadership environment.

Leadership and Tribute

Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean of LBS, opened the ceremony with a welcome speech emphasizing the school’s commitment to building on its strong foundation and expanding strategic thought leadership across Africa. She described the endowed chair as a natural advancement for LBS to become a global leader in management education grounded in African realities.

A tribute session called “Legacy Tribute – Architect of Excellence” highlighted Professor Alos’s lasting impact, especially his critical role in establishing LBS as a premier institution and his mentorship of business leaders throughout Africa.

Alumni Reflections and Support

During alumni reflections, Clare Omatseye and Lawrence Mba shared personal stories about how Professor Alos shaped their careers and leadership approaches. Valentine Okelu, representing the LBS Alumni Association, reiterated the alumni’s dedication to supporting the endowed chair, emphasizing collective responsibility and ongoing commitment.

Keynote Address

Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Partner at Kenna and Professor of Corporate Governance at LBS, delivered a keynote address titled “The Strategic Imperative: Advancing Strategic Thought Leadership for Africa.” He underscored the need for strategy, governance, and leadership frameworks driven by African perspectives to address global complexities.

Unveiling and Future Plans

The unveiling of the endowed chair was a key moment in the event, signifying a structured plan to promote sustainable research, teaching, and engagement in strategic management. The launch included an invitation to join the Founders’ Circle, initiating a broader fundraising and support campaign aimed at institutionalizing strategic thought leadership at LBS.

About Professor Albert Alos

Professor Albert Alos’s distinguished career spans decades in education and leadership development. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he earned a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bilbao in 1966. He began teaching in Kenya before moving to Nigeria in 1967, where he taught at the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University.

As founding dean of LBS and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, he played a crucial role in shaping management education and promoting ethical leadership in Africa. In 2022, he was granted Nigerian citizenship in recognition of his contributions.

Closing and Acknowledgments

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Chief Raymond Ihyembe, Chairman of the Endowed Chair Committee, and a celebratory toast by Ejovi Aror. LBS acknowledged its sponsors and media supporters, including Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, SLOT Systems Limited, Kenna, Channels Television, BusinessDay Media, and The Guardian Nigeria.

The Endowed Chair Committee members—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—were recognized for their roles in realizing the initiative.

Conclusion

With the establishment of the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair, Lagos Business School honors a foundational figure while positioning itself as a leader in strategic thought leadership in Africa. The initiative aims to stimulate research, influence policy, and develop future leaders equipped to address the continent’s dynamic business landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Lagos Business School launched the Professor Albert Alos Endowed Chair to advance strategic leadership in Africa.
  • The event honored Professor Alos’s legacy and featured alumni and leadership reflections.
  • The endowed chair aims to promote sustainable research and education in strategic management with an African focus.
  • Professor Alos’s career included significant contributions to management education and leadership development across Africa.
  • A Founders’ Circle fundraising campaign supports the institutionalization of strategic thought leadership at LBS.