In a ceremony marked by elegance, prestige, and professional distinction, three senior members of staff of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were honoured with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The newly inducted Fellows are:
- Director, Entrepreneurship Skills and Development Centre, Professor Sunday Abayomi Adebisi;
- Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Akinwunmi Abolade; and
- Principal Assistant Registrar, Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), Mr. Dayo Akeju.
Their elevation to the rank of Fellow, the highest professional membership grade of the Institute, reflects personal achievement and distinction in leadership and service. It also underscores the University of Lagos’ enduring commitment to nurturing excellence in administration, innovation, and national development.
The 2025 Fellows Awards & Spouses’ Day Luncheon, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, unfolded with all the intellectual depth, splendour, and ceremony befitting one of the country’s most prestigious professional recognition events. In addition to the Fellowship induction, the ceremony included the presentation of the Life Membership Award to members aged 70 and above in recognition of their sustained service, integrity, and dedication to the Institute.
The occasion also featured the delivery of a keynote address on the event’s theme: Building Trust and Accountability: The Human Element of Decentralised Command within Divisional Structures, by the Guest Speaker, Rear Admiral Babatunde Akintunde Egbedina (Rtd.), FNIM.
Among the dignitaries present at the remarkable assembly of captains of industry and members of the academic and diplomatic communities was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, whose presence lent distinguished academic gravitas to the occasion. She was joined by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bola Oboh, reflecting the strong representation of the institution’s academic leadership at the event.
In his welcome address, President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Rtd.), FNIM, fdc, described the event as “one of the most significant on NIM’s calendar, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated excellence, character, and impact”. He highlighted that the conferral of the Fellowship rank, the Institute’s highest professional membership grade, was a tradition that dates back to 1963.
His word “… the process of upgrading members to Fellow has always been meticulous, and that is why only those who are truly deserving of the award are honoured each year.”
He further explained the critical role of Fellows in advancing NIM’s mission through its faculties and sectoral groups, including Leadership and Governance, Education and Social Development, Finance and Management Audit, Technology and Communication, among others.
Commodore Ayuba also announced an ambitious project – the establishment of the NIM Resource Centre, a modern, digital information hub aimed at revitalising the Institute’s research and learning capabilities. He called on the 2025 Class of Fellows to actively support this initiative in partnership with other stakeholders.
The event culminated in heartfelt appreciation from the NIM President, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba to all supporters, partners, and donors. He gave special commendation to the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Mrs. Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi, MNIM, and her team for the exemplary coordination and hospitality recorded at the event.
As classical music floated through the elegantly decorated hall and guests enjoyed a refined culinary experience, the Civic Centre radiated pride and possibility. The induction of more than 190 new Fellows across various sectors underscored the Institute’s expanding influence and its commitment to grooming a new generation of ethical leaders.
The 2025 Fellows Awards & Spouses’ Day Luncheon was not merely a celebration of individual achievements, but a reaffirmation of the enduring values of integrity, excellence, and service that define the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
