University of Ibadan School of Business Holds First Alumni Personality Lecture

The University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB) has held its First Alumni Personality Lecture which was delivered by Mr. Ibrahim Hammed, a Digital Finance Data Specialist at the Sanofi Innovation Hub, Budapest, Hungary.

‎The lecture was titled "Beyond the Certificate: Building Characters that Open Doors." 

‎Mr. Hammed explained that while academic certificates may provide access to opportunities, character determines whether individuals can be trusted, retained, and allowed to influence decisions.

‎According to him, integrity, courage, empathy, diligence, creativity, flexibility, problem-solving ability, and professional judgment are qualities that sustain long-term success beyond academic qualifications.

‎He urged students to cultivate these virtues, deliberately, explaining that professional excellence depends not only on knowledge but also on ethical conduct, reliability, and continuous personal development.

‎The Alumni Personality Lecturer advocated a business education model that combines academic rigour with practical industry experience, global exposure, networking opportunities, and flexible learning approaches capable of meeting the needs of learners at different stages of their careers.

‎He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the academia and industry through the engagement of experienced practitioners, professors of practice, and strategic partnerships that can expose students to real-life business challenges.

‎Mr. Hammed also emphasised the importance of case-based teaching methods, psychological safety in classrooms, and professional courage.

He encouraged students to challenge ideas respectfully, think critically, and develop sound judgment rather than merely acquire information.

‎He also advised them to engage actively with their lecturers, embrace difficult assignments, develop problem-solving skills, build meaningful professional networks, pursue lifelong learning, and mentor others as they advance in their careers.

The Digital Finance Data Specialist identified social capital as an essential ingredient for career advancement, explaining that strong professional relationships often create opportunities for employment, mentorship, business partnerships, and leadership.

‎The speech of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, was delivered by the Director of the university’s Research Management Office, Professor A.S. Jegede.

He stated that higher education should focus not only on academic excellence but also on developing individuals with integrity, resilience, empathy, and leadership qualities.

The Vice-Chancellor said that although academic certificates may create opportunities, character ultimately determines whether individuals remain relevant, earn trust, and become effective leaders.

‎Professor Adebowale, therefore, commended the University of Ibadan School of Business and its alumni for initiating the lecture series, expressing confidence that it would strengthen mentorship, promote industry engagement, and contribute to producing responsible business leaders.

The Acting Head of the Department of Business, Entrepreneurship and Executive Education, Dr Siyanbola Omitoyin, described the first Alumni Personality lecture as a significant milestone in the history of the University of Ibadan School of Business.

‎She explained that the initiative was designed to reconnect students with accomplished alumni whose professional experiences would inspire excellence, mentorship, and leadership development, while strengthening collaboration between the institution and its graduates.

Dr Omitoyin added that the lecture series would provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, professional development, and knowledge sharing.

According to her, this will reinforce the school’s commitment to producing graduates capable of addressing contemporary business and leadership challenges.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the first Director of UISB and first Professor of Computer Science in Africa, Professor Adenike Osofisan; the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy, Mr. Taofeek Odukoya; and the Chief Medical Director, Exxon Mobil, Dr B. J. Adekunle.