CEIBS Nigeria alumni encourage business leaders to pursue executive education

The Nigeria Alumni Chapter of the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) has called on Nigerian business leaders to adopt executive education that merges global business views with local realities. They believe this is essential as China's economic influence in Africa keeps growing.

This call was made on Saturday during the induction of the CEIBS Nigeria Alumni Chapter and the launch of its website in Lagos. Business executives, entrepreneurs, alumni, and graduates of the school's programs gathered to talk about leadership and business growth.

At the event, Professor Gordon Adomdza, the Executive Director of CEIBS Africa, said executive education should go beyond theory. It should expose participants to global business models that can help solve local problems. He mentioned that companies in other parts of the world have already dealt with many of the issues facing Nigerian businesses.

"For any problem or any business opportunity that an executive in Lagos faces, there is a company that has tried it and excelled somewhere in the world," he said. He emphasized that the goal is not to copy foreign business models, but to learn from successful practices and adjust them to fit local markets.

Professor Adomdza pointed out that China’s growing presence in Africa makes it crucial for African business leaders to understand how Chinese companies operate and work with partners in the region. He noted that many African businesses already deal with Chinese firms, either directly or indirectly, making knowledge of Chinese business practices a valuable skill for leaders.

"China is increasing its footprint on the continent. An African manager will either be directly dealing with a Chinese company or indirectly dealing with one in most of what they do," he said. He added that understanding Chinese business models would help African executives negotiate better, build stronger partnerships, and create solutions that meet local needs.

Also at the event, Saidat Lawal Mohammed, the CEIBS Africa Country Manager for Nigeria, explained that the institution’s China immersion program is meant to enhance classroom learning. This program allows participants to experience China’s business environment firsthand.

She said participants meet entrepreneurs, manufacturing companies, and commercial hubs to learn how businesses function and how similar ideas can work in Africa. Ms Mohammed mentioned that the program also introduces participants to companies like Alibaba, giving them practical insights into how innovative businesses grow into global players.

According to her, the school’s focus on hands-on learning helps participants apply what they learn directly to their organizations, rather than just seeing executive education as academic.

Ms Mohammed also announced that CEIBS would bring its Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Africa (WELA) program to Abuja. This program was previously run in Lagos and Ghana. She said this expansion would make it easier for women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby states to access the program without needing to travel to Lagos for classes.