Harnessing Technology for National Development: The Role of Nigerian Management Professionals
The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) recently conferred its highest professional grade, Fellowship, upon a distinguished group of management professionals during the 2025 Fellows Awards and Spouses’ Day held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also serves as a clarion call for these leaders to leverage technology and emerging digital tools to shape Nigeria’s future. The Institute emphasized the critical role these professionals play in driving innovation, productivity, and national development. President and Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), underscored the significance of the Fellowship, emphasizing that it is not merely an accolade but a solemn responsibility to contribute to the Institute and the nation’s progress.
The newly inducted Fellows, organized into specialized faculties encompassing various sectors like leadership and governance, technology and communication, education and social development, finance, accounts and management audit, planning, economics and management, and safety, health and environment management, are expected to act as think tanks. Their mandate includes identifying critical challenges facing their respective fields, proposing in-depth studies, and formulating policy recommendations through the Institute’s advocacy initiatives. This structured approach aims to provide a platform for informed decision-making and impactful contributions to national development. The Institute’s commitment to fostering knowledge sharing and thought leadership is exemplified by the planned transformation of its library into a cutting-edge digital hub, the NIM Resource Centre. This initiative, championed by the President, aims to provide Fellows and members with access to a wealth of information and resources to support their professional development and research endeavors.
The Fellows Awards ceremony also served as a platform to acknowledge the long-standing contributions of life members who have dedicated decades of service to the Institute. Furthermore, the event recognized the exemplary achievements of individuals, corporate members, and non-members who have demonstrated excellence in their respective professions. This inclusive approach underscores the Institute’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating contributions from various stakeholders in the management ecosystem. The inclusion of spouses in the ceremony, a tradition established 13 years ago, reinforces the Institute’s emphasis on the importance of family support and creating a sense of community among its members.
A key highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Rear Admiral Babalola Egbedina (rtd), FNIM, titled ‘Building Trust and Accountability: The Human Element of Decentralised Command within Divisional Structures’. This presentation explored the crucial aspects of leadership, trust, and accountability within decentralized organizational structures, offering valuable insights relevant to the contemporary challenges faced by Nigerian management professionals. The address underscored the importance of human capital development and effective leadership in navigating the complexities of today’s business environment.
The Institute’s focus on emerging technologies and their potential to drive innovation was further emphasized by the announcement of the 2025 Annual National Management Conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 7–9. The conference, themed ‘Emerging Technologies to Drive Innovation, Creativity and Productivity’, will provide a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on leveraging technology for national development. Commodore Ayuba urged all participants to actively engage in the conference and contribute to building “a stronger, smarter, and more impactful Institute.” This forward-looking approach underscores the Institute’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of management thought and practice in Nigeria.
The newly appointed Fellows are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the Institute’s agenda and contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social progress. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental in addressing the nation’s challenges and harnessing opportunities for growth and development. The emphasis on technology and innovation reflects the Institute’s recognition of the transformative power of these forces in shaping a prosperous future for Nigeria. The NIM’s commitment to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and fostering a strong community of management professionals positions it as a key player in driving positive change in the Nigerian business landscape. The Institute’s initiatives and programs are geared towards equipping its members with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment and contribute meaningfully to national development. The 2025 Fellows are challenged to embrace this responsibility and lead the charge in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
