LASU Vice-Chancellor, Experts at Management Sciences Conference Urge Strategic Collaboration to Redefine Africa’s Development Path

The Faculty of Management Sciences at Lagos State University has concluded its two-day international conference with a resounding call for coordinated partnerships across governments, institutions, and development agencies to reset Africa’s economic trajectory.

The event, held on 25–26 November 2025 at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, brought together academics, policymakers, industry players and international collaborators to interrogate the theme: Institutional Dynamics, Innovation and Inclusive Economic Development in Africa.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Gbenga Akindoju, described the conference theme as both urgent and strategic. He highlighted that despite Africa’s wealth of natural endowments, systemic challenges—corruption, weak institutions, and inconsistent policies—continue to constrain development. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that Nigeria and Africa must embrace purposeful collaboration to drive inclusive economic empowerment, noting that the continent’s prosperity depends on stronger partnerships among governments, universities, industries, and communities.

She commended the Dean, Professor Akanji Bankole, alongside the organising team, researchers, speakers, practitioners and international partners for curating a platform that aligns intellectual discourse with real development imperatives.

Delivering the keynote address, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Internal Audit, Dr. Ayoola Oyeyemi, underscored the need for African countries to synchronise institutional reforms, strengthen regulatory frameworks and foster creativity. She urged Regional Economic Communities across Central, West, East, North and Southern Africa to harmonise policies and share best practices that can unlock investment, stability, and sustainable development across the continent.

Chairman of the event, Dr. Oluwaseyi Olanrewaju, echoed these sentiments, arguing that Africa’s long-standing governance and economic constraints require collective action. He urged researchers and students at LASU and beyond to intensify reform-driven research capable of shaping public policy, strengthening institutions and securing a more prosperous future for Nigeria and Africa.

In his lead presentation, delivered virtually, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, Professor Kamil Omoteso, reinforced the imperative for Africa to adopt an inclusive development blueprint. He criticised the continent’s persistent underperformance despite abundant mineral resources and expansive agricultural potential, attributing the stagnation to corruption, maladministration, policy inconsistency, ethnic conflicts and resource mismanagement. He tasked African leaders with developing homegrown, institution-driven solutions anchored on interconnected processes that promote accountability and long-term growth. He further urged universities and research bodies—LASU included—to intensify purposeful research and strengthen collaborations with government to advance economic development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Akanji Bankole, expressed confidence in the robustness of the discourse and emphasised the timeliness of the conference theme. At the close of the event, Professor Khadijat Idowu, Head of the Department of Accounting, delivered the closing remarks.

Awards were presented to the Vice-Chancellor, the keynote speaker, the lead paper presenter and the event chairman. The conference concluded on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, marking another milestone in LASU’s expanding contribution to continental research and policy dialogue.