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Case study: Alumni relations at Lagos Business School

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Alumni Relations at LBS

Henry Onukwuba, Lagos Business School

Henry talks about the history and organisation of alumni relations at Lagos Business School Download audio file.

Topics covered in the interview:

  • Henry’s background in advancement and the alumni association at LBS
  • Henry talks about the activities they hold with their alumni: mentoring programme, monthly sessions, annual events (alumni conference and president’s dinner)
  • A high value is placed on the alumni association at LBS, the school helps to organise the association and gets the students involved as soon as they start
  • The alumni association is organised through an alumni executive council built up of volunteers
  • The aim of the alumni association is not just to raise money, but focus on ethics: to create people to change society
  • Directors of alumni relations at LBS are often senior executives from within the school
  • The alumni relations office attends the meetings of the alumni association and organises monthly alumni sessions to keep them engaged with the university
  • Services provided for its alumni include discounts on airfares and hotels and use of facilities in the university
  • LBS alumni are kept involved in the university after they finish, for example alumni help to interview prospective MBA students and come back as guest speakers for students

Henry has published a book about how a successful alumni association has contributed to the success of Lagos Business School.

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Alumni Leadership and University Excellence in Africa
Henry Onukwuba, 2018, Palgrave Pivot


Focusing on Lagos Business School (LBS) in Nigeria, this book explores the impact of strong alumni leadership on university excellence in Africa. Strong leadership is crucial to the success of educational institutions and great importance is placed on their effective governance and management. However, many institutions fail to realise the positive impact that a strong alumni body can have on university excellence. Drawing on definitions and theories of leadership, the author seeks to establish the significance of alumni in enhancing a university’s growth and development. Providing comprehensive analysis of LBS, this book is a unique resource for leaders of educational institutions, as well as those studying and teaching in African business schools.