Alumni of the Docenti Global Business School (DGBS) and Bodhisastra University, Florida, USA gathered in Lagos on Sunday for a meeting focused on academic growth, professional achievement, and the impact of alumni shaping industries across Africa and beyond.
The event, held at the Grid Restaurant in Ikeja, was hosted by Associate Professor Humphrey, Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School, and Dr Ibiam, an alumnus and Nigeria Country Manager for A4S. Both highlighted the role of the partnership between Docenti Global Business School and Bodhisastra University in creating leaders across sectors.
Professor Akanazu explained that the collaboration has produced a new generation of leaders through flagship programmes such as the Power MBA and thesis-based PhD.
“Our alumni have gone on to become entrepreneurs creating jobs, executives leading multinational companies, and consultants driving innovation across trade, technology, finance, and development sectors.
“This partnership is about more than education, it is about building a legacy of leadership, resilience, and global impact,” said Dr Pradit Withisuphakorn, Dean of Docenti Global Business School, a former Professor at the National Institute for Development Administration (NIDA) of Bangkok, and Bodhisastra University, Florida, USA International Vice Rector for Africa, who travelled from Thailand to attend.
He praised the achievements of alumni, including current students of the Power MBA and PhD programmes. “This is my third trip to Nigeria and I believe that it is ‘Destiny’ for me to have more missions to make great success for our school and alumni reputation and good for your own future businesses and good for Nigeria and Africa futures.”
Attendees spoke about how the programmes reshaped their careers and leadership outlook. Many credited the Docenti Global Business School and Bodhisastra University model for combining academic training with practical application.
Yomi Oyewole, Managing Director of Integrated Global Trade Solutions Limited, said:
“Becoming a DG-BU PhD alumni has completely transformed my life in ways I never imagined, shaping not just my career but my personal outlook. It has taught me resilience, excellence, and the courage to pursue impactful projects with confidence.
“This alumni dinner is unforgettable; it was more than an event, it was a celebration of passion, unity, and shared purpose. Seeing fellow alumni so committed to excellence and global impact inspired me deeply. I left that evening feeling proud, empowered, and grateful to be part of such an extraordinary network dedicated to making lasting change.”
Another alumnus, Abiodun Ariyo, Group Head, Large Corporates and Structured Finance at Providus Bank, said:
“The programme has transformed both my personal and professional life. The Docenti experience has been truly uplifting; showing me that even with the demanding schedule of a banker, earning a PhD is possible. At first, the idea seemed almost impossible—balancing tight work deadlines with rigorous academic study—but through discipline, resilience, and the supportive structure of the programme, I was able to achieve it.
“Completing my PhD within record time has brought me immense fulfilment, and I encourage my colleagues and those coming behind me to take up the challenge. It is achievable, and I am a living example. Having the title of ‘Dr’ in the banking sector is not just an honour, but also proof that determination and the right support system can make anything possible. Providus Bank has been instrumental in this journey, and I believe many others can follow this path with the same success.”
Ajibola Ola, Executive Director of Inventive Holding, described his PhD experience as rewarding and transformative. He said the programme combines academic research with practical application. According to him, the journey mirrors that of an entrepreneur—navigating challenges, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating success. “What makes the programme unique,” he added, “is that while it maintains the highest academic standards, it also equips participants with practical tools that shape leadership and enterprise.”
Professor Akanazu observed that the alumni body is becoming a platform where members share knowledge, mentor peers, and support ventures, ensuring benefits extend beyond individual success.
The gathering highlighted how global academic partnerships can influence Africa’s development. By merging global expertise with local relevance, Docenti Global Business School and Bodhisastra University are equipping leaders to address regional challenges with creativity, resilience, and vision.
