By Rukayat Moisemhe

Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School (LBS), said the EU’s support for inclusive development aligns closely with the school’s mission and core aspirations.

She spoke during a fireside chat with Amb. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday in Lagos.

David-West noted that the EU had consistently invested in human capital, governance, health, education, and innovation across Africa, proving its long-standing commitment.

She stressed that global partnerships were vital in developing leaders who could succeed in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world.

According to her, LBS recognises the importance of understanding local issues and the global forces shaping businesses and economies.

She said that international exposure broadened students’ perspectives, helping them align with digital and global economic shifts.

David-West applauded the EU’s focus on education and research, describing both as foundations for any nation’s sustainable development.

“At LBS, we’ve seen how knowledge, when combined with integrity and leadership, can be truly transformative,” she stated.

She said the school’s research, executive training, and policy-focused programmes aimed to nurture leaders who solve present and future challenges.

Mignot said the EU’s primary interest in Africa was sustainable development, investment, opportunity creation, and job growth.

He noted that Africa and Europe share demographic proximity and historic ties, so developments in one affect the other.

He expressed EU’s desire to deepen economic partnerships with Nigeria and the wider African continent.

“Official development assistance alone cannot achieve the SDGs. We must also mobilise private investments,” Mignot said.

He explained that EU cooperation in Nigeria focused on key sectors like smart agriculture, health, transport, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

Prof. Franklin Ngwu, Director of the Public Sector Initiative at LBS, said the school is committed to advancing sustainable leadership across sectors.

Ngwu said the ambassador identified several collaborative opportunities, which LBS was ready to explore as a leading academic institution.

He noted that LBS would assess how best to use these opportunities to support national development and public sector transformation.

Ngwu said the Public Sector Initiative works with government agencies through training, research, policy, and engagement to improve governance.

“These efforts align with EU priorities. We’re keen to partner with the EU, its member states, and Nigerian governments,” he said.

Mrs Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, Chief Marketing Officer at LBS, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to grooming responsible leaders for Africa’s advancement.

She said hosting global leaders and industry experts, like during the fireside chat, reflects LBS’s active vision for Africa’s growth. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo