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…..As Institute Appoints Oru Leonard to Spearhead Partnerships, Executive Education and Startup Development

ABUJA — The Institute of Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IBIE) has expanded its footprint into Nigeria, unveiling plans to strengthen entrepreneurship education, innovation, business leadership and startup development in what it describes as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies.

The institute announced the launch of its Nigerian operations in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the move represents a significant milestone in its strategy to build a pan-African network that promotes research, enterprise development and innovation-led economic growth.

To drive its operations in the country, IBIE has appointed Mr. Oru Leonard as Faculty Member and Authorized Representative for Nigeria, a role that places him at the forefront of the institute’s engagement with academic institutions, government agencies, the private sector and development organisations.

According to the institute, Leonard will coordinate strategic partnerships, professional training programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, research projects and startup ecosystem development aimed at equipping Nigerian entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills required to compete in the global economy.

The institute disclosed that its academic direction in Nigeria will be provided by Mahamud Hasan, Lead Faculty of IBIE, who will oversee curriculum development, faculty coordination, international collaboration and innovation-driven learning.

IBIE said the arrangement is expected to ensure that its programmes meet international standards while addressing the unique needs of Africa’s rapidly evolving business environment.

The institute revealed that it intends to collaborate with universities, government institutions, private sector organisations, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and development partners to deliver executive education, professional certification, business incubation, leadership development and applied research programmes.

The partnerships, it said, are designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, encourage innovation and support sustainable business growth across Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.

Speaking on the expansion, IBIE Lead Faculty, Mahamud Hasan, described Nigeria as a strategic destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Nigeria is one of Africa’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, rich with entrepreneurial talent and opportunities. Through IBIE Nigeria, we are committed to building strategic partnerships, empowering innovators, and developing future business leaders who will drive sustainable economic growth across the continent,” he said.

The institute noted that establishing operations in Nigeria aligns with its long-term vision of creating an international ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship, research excellence, innovation and cross-border collaboration.

It expressed confidence that Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, expanding startup ecosystem and strategic position within Africa would make the country an ideal hub for advancing entrepreneurship education and supporting high-impact enterprises across West Africa.

IBIE further reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to empower innovators, transform businesses and nurture the next generation of business leaders capable of driving inclusive economic development across the continent.

The institute added that by combining global best practices with local partnerships, it aims to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s enterprise development agenda while fostering innovation-led solutions that will strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy.