The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) is set to formally install Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Rtd.) as its 25th President and Chairman of Council. This momentous occasion, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the 81 Division Officers Mess in Lagos, will be graced by prominent figures, including Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as the Special Guest of Honour, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, as Chairman of the event. The investiture marks a significant transition in leadership for the esteemed institute and signifies the commencement of Commodore Ayuba’s tenure at the helm of the organization.
Commodore Ayuba’s ascension to the presidency follows a meticulous election process conducted by the Council of the Institute in December 2024. During this election, other key leadership positions were also filled, with Dr. Umar Mustapha, Vice Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mentholatum Nigeria Limited, elected as Deputy President, and Mrs. Ijeoma Okere, a former Permanent Secretary in Abia State, chosen as National Treasurer. These appointments solidify the leadership structure of the institute and pave the way for a new era of strategic direction and growth under Commodore Ayuba’s guidance.
Commodore Ayuba brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background to his new role. A retired commodore of the Nigerian Navy, he boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades of meritorious service, including directorial positions at both Defence Headquarters and Naval Headquarters in Abuja. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, holding a postgraduate diploma in management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in general management from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (2001), and a Master of Science (MSc) in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan (2010). This combination of practical experience and academic rigor positions him ideally to lead the institute into a future marked by innovation and progress.
Beyond his core qualifications, Commodore Ayuba’s affiliations with various professional bodies underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. He is a Fellow of the National Defence College, Nigeria, the Certified Institute of Shipping, the Centre for African American Research Studies, the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management, and an alumnus of the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. These affiliations provide him with a broad perspective on various fields, enriching his leadership capabilities and enabling him to draw upon a diverse network of expertise to benefit the institute.
Commodore Ayuba’s journey within the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has been a testament to his dedication and contributions. A Fellow of the Institute, he has served in various capacities, including Chairman of the Board of Fellows in August 2021, National Treasurer in 2021, and Deputy President in December 2022. His progressive involvement within the institute demonstrates his commitment to its mission and values, preparing him thoroughly for the challenges and responsibilities of the presidency. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Chris Abebe Award, the highest individual accolade for management excellence bestowed by the institute, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished leader in the field.
The investiture ceremony itself promises to be a momentous occasion, featuring an investiture lecture delivered by Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Rtd.), the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff and a distinguished Fellow of the Institute. The event will draw a diverse audience, including government representatives, high-ranking military officials, members of various professional bodies, corporate leaders, and members of the institute. This gathering of influential figures signifies the importance of the event and the recognition of Commodore Ayuba’s leadership within the management community. His attributes as an astute manager, accomplished public speaker, author, and renowned international risk and security management consultant further solidify his suitability for this prestigious role. The investiture ceremony marks not only the formal commencement of his presidency but also the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).
