UNILAG, CIPE Launch Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Programme

A new agenda in private sector development and institutional transformation was set in motion on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with the official launch of the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Programme at the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The ACE Programme is a strategic collaboration between UNILAG and the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), with professional support from Toki Mabogunje & Co (TMC). It is designed to professionalize chamber management, develop leadership capacity, and create a sustainable platform for advocacy and enterprise development in Nigeria.

The launch brought together leaders from academia, business, international development, and public policy, with participation from organizations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Institute of Directors (IoD), and regional chambers of commerce, as well as delegates from Milestone Resources and Vihiga County, Kenya.

In her address, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, underscored the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in driving human capital development. She praised CIPE’s leadership and Mrs. Toki Mabogunje’s expertise in promoting international best practices, while reiterating UNILAG’s readiness to extend its impact beyond academia into critical economic sectors.

Representing CIPE, Global Director Andrew Wilson affirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening organized private sector platforms. He noted that a unified, credible, and well-coordinated private sector is a vital force for shaping effective policies, driving economic growth, and fostering inclusive development.

Key technical adviser to the ACE Programme, Mrs. Mabogunje, explained that the initiative extends beyond certification, focusing on long-term transformative change within Nigeria’s business organizations. She emphasized that its standards—anchored on accountability, compliance, strategic planning, and financial management—would enhance institutional credibility and build trust among stakeholders, including government, development partners, and the wider private sector.

Director of HRDC, UNILAG, Dr. Lateef Odekunle, highlighted the programme’s design, which integrates academic excellence with industry experience to deliver impactful content for chambers and associations.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the 14-member faculty trained to deliver the ACE curriculum. The faculty comprises:

• Prof. Babatunde Oni, SAN (Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG)
• Prof. Abraham Osinubi (Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNILAG)
• Prof. Diran Akinleye (Head, Department of Economics, UNILAG)
• Prof. Oluseyi Shadare (Head, Department of Employment Relations & Human Resources, UNILAG)
• Dr. Idris Odekunle (Academic & Legal Practitioner, UNILAG)
• Dr. Muda Yusuf (Immediate Past DG, LCCI)
• Mrs. Ibitola Gbogboade (Finance Professional & CEO, Rand Consulting)
• Mrs. Janet Omisore (Private Sector Development Expert)
• Mrs. Margaret Obiageli Olele (CEO, American Business Council)
• Mr. Lampe Omoyele (CEO, Nitro 121 Limited)
• Mrs. Olubunmi Oke (CEO, Ladybird Limited)
• Mr. Bamidele Abayomi Alimi (CEO, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria)
• Mr. Gabriel Idahosa (President & Chairman, Council of the Chamber)
• Mrs. Weyinmi Eribo (Pan-African Business Leader & Women’s Empowerment Expert)

Goodwill messages were delivered by Mr. Abdulwahab Alkebsi, CIPE Global Director of Programs, and Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, CON, representing the President of NACCIMA, Dr. Jani Ibrahim. Chief Olawale-Cole emphasized ACE as a transformative roadmap anchored on five pillars: Institutional Standards, Advocacy and Policy Influence, Capacity and Professional Development, Collaboration and Networking, and Sustainable Growth and Member Value.

The ACE Programme is a certification and professional development initiative designed to strengthen chambers of commerce, professional associations, and business organizations in Nigeria and West Africa. It aims to elevate institutional standards, enhance credibility, and cultivate a new generation of private sector leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation and regional trade integration.

More information on the ACE Programme is available here: ACE Programme Details.