In a bold step to deepen the integration of classroom learning with real-world industry practice, participants and facilitators of the Executive Master and Doctorate Programmes in Urban Logistics and Transport Management at the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) embarked on a week-long study field trip to some of Nigeria’s most influential organizations.
The tour spanned the aviation, manufacturing, energy, and maritime sectors, with visits to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dangote Group, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Led by Dr. Olayinka Agunloye, Associate Professor of Transport Planning and Logistics, the trip was designed to connect theory with practice, strengthen institutional ties, and expose participants to the operational realities of logistics and supply chain.
Aviation: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
The journey began at FAAN, on Monday, July 13, 2026, where participants gained first-hand insight into airport operations and logistics coordination. The significance of the visit was underscored when the Minister of Aviation personally followed up with Dr. Agunloye after the engagement, highlighting the national importance of the discussions.
Manufacturing: Nigerian Breweries Plc
Later that day, the team explored the logistics backbone of Nigeria’s largest brewing company. Participants were introduced to the complex supply chain systems that drive manufacturing and distribution in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, reinforcing lessons on scale and efficiency.
Energy: Chevron Nigeria Limited
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the group visited Chevron, where they were warmly received. The energy giant expressed openness to collaborative initiatives with ULBS, reflecting the growing synergy between academia and industry in tackling logistics challenges within the energy sector.
Industry: Dangote Group
Wednesday’s engagement at Dangote Group showcased the logistics operations behind one of Africa’s largest conglomerates. Participants witnessed how industrial-scale logistics underpin the company’s manufacturing and distribution networks, offering valuable lessons in operational resilience.
Maritime: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
The week concluded at NIMASA, where discussions centered on potential collaboration during future study trips. The Cabotage Department’s interest in partnership underscored the agency’s recognition of ULBS’s role in advancing transport and logistics education.
Throughout the 5-day field trip, participants were immersed in the practical realities of logistics and transport management.
Recurring lessons included:
- The importance of industry-academia collaboration;
- The role of technology and standard operating procedures in efficiency; and
- The value of exposing postgraduate students to real-world settings as a complement to classroom instruction
More than an Academic Exercise
The study field trip was more than an academic exercise, it was a professional learning journey and a platform for institutional relationship-building. Participants left not only with enhanced knowledge but also with industry connections that will shape their careers.
For ULBS, the willingness of organizations like Chevron and NIMASA to explore formal collaboration further validates the School’s growing reputation in the logistics and transport management space. The trip reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building in the global transport and logistics system, while opening new avenues for collaboration with Nigeria’s leading institutions.
