…as VC, Prof. Tagoe outline bold vision for global competitiveness, African leadership

… to award ex-President Jonathan honorary doctoral degree

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Nile University of Nigeria has announced significant institutional developments ahead of its 13th Convocation Ceremony, unveiling the newly established Nile University Business School as part of its sweeping reforms to strengthen skills-based learning, deepen global partnerships, and position its graduates for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dilli Dogo FNAMed, described this year’s convocation as a defining moment for the university, coming at a time when the institution is taking “another giant leap into the future.”

He revealed that several distinguished guests, industry leaders, and academic partners are expected to grace the ceremony, which will include the award of degrees, presentation of prizes, convocation lecture and presentation of honorary doctorate degree to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Immediately after the briefing, the university proceeded to inaugurate the new Business School , an innovation the VC said “will define us as an institution.”

Prof. Dogo reaffirmed Nile University’s standing as a proud member of Honoris United Universities, Africa’s largest private higher education network with 16 institutions in 10 African countries. He said the Honoris philosophy of “Education for Impact” aligns with the university’s mission to produce globally competitive graduates equipped with the practical competencies needed in the modern workforce.

“Africa missed the first three industrial revolutions,” he noted. “We must not lose out in the fourth. Our programs are designed to ensure that the quality of education we provide is second to none.”

This year’s convocation, he added, is themed around redefining education to meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce ,a shift from paper qualifications to verifiable skills.

“We give degrees, yes, but what truly matters is what our graduates can do. That is why our guiding principle is ‘Beyond Degrees’.”

The VC disclosed that Architect Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, will serve as Convocation Speaker, describing him as a seasoned educationist and patriot whose perspective will enrich the ceremony.

Prof. Dogo highlighted the growing international recognition of Nile University degrees. The UK General Medical Council, the ECFMG, and leading global cybersecurity bodies now accept the university’s qualifications.

He revealed that some computing students are already engaged in international cybersecurity practice even before graduation.

“This is the future we want, graduates who are already part of the global workforce before they collect their certificates,” he said.

He also confirmed the university’s deepened partnership with ACCA Global, which allows students to earn professional certifications before graduation. The ACCA Regional Director recently visited to present certificates to foundation-level achievers, many of whom were “exceptional young women excelling in accounting and finance.”

The Vice Chancellor outlined several groundbreaking accomplishments across the faculties.

“A mini-factory is currently being transported from Europe to the campus to strengthen practical engineering and industrial training;The university hosts a thriving company incubation ecosystem, enabling students to register businesses, receive mentorship, and access global internship placements and Nile University continues to work with international companies and governments on solutions in health, transportation, energy, and ICT.

“This is how we prepare students not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he said.

Prof. Dogo reiterated the university’s commitment to equipping all faculties,from political science and arts to engineering, computing, management sciences, and health sciences , with top-tier infrastructure and world-class staff.

 “Our goal is to produce graduates who are properly taught, properly skilled, and globally competitive.”

The inauguration of the Nile University Business School marked the highlight of the day’s events, drawing prominent academics, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

At the launch, the VC thanked partners , including the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has supported the university’s postgraduate programmes over the years , and applauded DigiTech’s representative for volunteering to teach postgraduate students pro bono.

Introducing the Business School’s pioneer dean, the VC praised Prof. Noel Tagoe, a globally acclaimed scholar formerly of the University of Oxford, as a leader uniquely prepared to redefine business education in Nigeria.

“We brought him here because we are serious about what we do,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that everything we undertake defines the expectations of Nigerians.”

In a compelling address, Prof. Noel Tagoe said the Business School was created not to compete with others but to stand as a world-class centre of excellence dedicated to developing African innovators and leaders.

“We want to create people who will change the world, people who will change our country, people who will define our future,” he declared.

He outlined a strategic model built on five pillars- Bridging the gap between education and employability;Integrating public policy, leadership, and entrepreneurship;Developing the “Four Xs”;Delivering African-focused solutions with global standards and Teaching through real industries.”

Courses will use simulations and cases from the oil and gas, technology, agribusiness, manufacturing, finance, and public sectors.

“We don’t teach strategy so you can recite Porter’s Five Forces,” the dean noted. “We teach strategy so you can solve strategic problems in Nigeria.”

Prof. Tagoe said the School will prioritize emerging and core skills, ensuring graduates are prepared for the workplace of tomorrow.

He announced that the Business School will soon open a learning centre in Ikeja, Lagos, following research showing that over half of executive-education prospects reside in Lagos and Port Harcourt.

“We are taking learning, skilling, and professionalism to the doorstep of those who need it,” he said.

Prof. Tagoe ended on an uplifting note, praising Africa’s resilience and emphasizing Nigeria’s central role in the continent’s progress.

“If Nigeria rises, Africa rises with Nigeria,” he said, drawing applause.

He welcomed guests to the start of what he described as a transformational journey:

 “Together, starting this journey today, I believe many Africans and Nigerians will have a story to tell about this institution, “he said.