Lagos Business School is proud to announce that our current Vice-Chancellor and former dean, Professor Enase Okonedo, is the 2025 recipient of the Harambee Award for the Advancement and Equality of African Women. This prestigious award recognises her exceptional contributions to advancing equality for African women and girls.

Professor Okonedo made history as the first-ever female dean of a business school in Nigeria when she became dean of Lagos Business School in 2009. Following a successful tenure as dean, she was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University. Ever the trailblazer, she serves as a mentor and role model to aspiring female leaders. Her dedication to gender equality extends beyond her professional achievements, encompassing a deep personal commitment to creating lasting positive change.

The Harambee Award for the Advancement and Equality of African Women acknowledges her impactful initiatives and advocacy, which have demonstrably advanced the cause of women and girls. This includes her membership in the African Initiative for Governance (AIG) Leadership Council and her involvement in WIMBIZ Nigeria’s Wimboard Mentoring Programme, where she actively champions initiatives that empower women.

The Harambee Award shines a light on individuals and initiatives making remarkable humanitarian, cultural, and educational contributions in Africa. Its core objective is to raise awareness about the rights and equality of African women, recognising education as a pivotal tool for their advancement and the peaceful development of African society.

The Lagos Business School community celebrates Professor Okonedo on this well-deserved recognition and reaffirms its commitment to supporting her vision of a more just and equitable future for African women.