Lagos Business School recently bid a fond farewell to her immediate past Dean, Professor Chris Ogbechie, at a send-forth ceremony following his retirement. The occasion was attended by colleagues, students, alumni, and friends from far and wide. The event, which took place on January 23, 2025, at Lagos Business School, celebrated Professor Ogbechie’s transformative leadership and enduring legacy.
Professor Ogbechie, who led Lagos Business School as dean from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024, had served the school for over twenty-three years in various capacities, including as pioneer director of what is now the LBS Sustainability Centre. During his four-year tenure as dean, the school experienced significant transformation and success marked by achievements in academic excellence, growth, and community engagement.
The ceremony was opened by his successor, Professor Olayinka David-West, who welcomed him to the podium and thanked everyone who came to honour Professor Ogbechie. The sendforth ceremony featured a series of tributes, presentations, and performances that celebrated Professor Ogbechie’s achievements and legacy. Guests also had the opportunity to share their good wishes and farewell messages with the outgoing Dean.
In one of such messages, the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo, spoke at length about her long-standing relationship with Professor Ogbechie, beginning with when he taught her as an MBA student. She also thanked him for being a staunch support and trusted advisor when she was the dean of Lagos Business School.
In a heartfelt address on behalf of the faculty, Professor Akintola Owolabi lauded Professor Ogbechie for embodying the LBS values of Community, Mutual Respect, Integrity, Service and Professionalism. “Sir Chris not only talked the talk but also lived and embodied the LBS Way,” he said.
Professor Ogbechie expressed gratitude to the Lagos Business School community for their support and collaboration throughout his tenure. “It has been an honour to serve as Dean of Lagos Business School,” he said. “I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that the school will continue to excel, upholding its reputation as Africa’s leading business school.”
The Lagos Business School community is indebted to Professor Ogbechie for his years of unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership, and we wish him success, happiness, and good health in this new chapter of his professional and personal journey.
