Olajumoke Familoni, professor of entrepreneurship and president of ICLED Business School, Lekki-Lagos, has revealed that Nigeria’s economic development can receive a significant boost through the mechanisation of the traditional adire fabric production process—a project currently championed by her institution.
Speaking on Saturday, May 24, during a doctorate degree conferment ceremony held in collaboration with the University of America, Curacao, Netherlands, and California, USA, Familoni emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative.
“We’re collaborating with the Alake of Egbaland on an innovative project to mechanise the adire production process. This venture is set to create a major impact on Nigeria’s creative economy,” she stated.
As a leading academic in management, Familoni shared that ICLED Business School’s mission extends beyond teaching business survival skills—it aims to nurture Nigerian business leaders who think boldly and thrive in competitive environments.
“Entrepreneurship has always been a personal passion. Back in the 1990s, as an apparel designer and manufacturer, I often wondered if Nigerian fashion would ever gain global recognition. Today, we are beginning to see that recognition, but my vision goes further. I want the world, especially the West, to come to Nigeria to source fashion the way they do in Southeast Asia. With our talent, resources, and workforce, the fashion industry is a trillion-dollar opportunity waiting to be led by Nigeria,” Familoni explained.
She also highlighted ICLED’s collaboration with the University of Lagos to design career-focused programs tackling graduate unemployment. The curriculum integrates job search techniques, mock interviews, career planning, and essential soft skills such as critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Commendations and Honours
Professor Oluwole Familoni, organic chemistry expert and chairman of the event, praised the doctorate recipients for their perseverance, intellectual excellence, and exemplary character.
“Your efforts have etched your names in gold, advancing Nigeria’s progress and contributing to society through leadership and service,” he remarked.
The doctorate degrees were awarded to notable Nigerians including:
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Oluseyi Oduntan, Executive Chairman, Lanrope Group
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Mudiaga Nwachukwu, seasoned legal professional specializing in corporate, maritime, and compliance law
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Adebayo Balogun, mechanical engineer with over 30 years in upstream oil and gas
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Charles Nwachukwu, legal expert and mediator with 20+ years in the petroleum sector
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Olumide Osineye, aviation veteran with nearly 30 years in civil aviation safety and security
Additionally, ICLED awarded diploma certificates to graduating students and presented the GreenSkills Initiative with a plaque recognizing its remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and skills development in Nigeria.
ICLED: Nigeria’s Harvard Business School
Known as the “Harvard Business School of Nigeria,” ICLED operates offices both locally and in the USA. The institution offers a range of programs—from certificates and diplomas to postgraduate courses—in partnership with international universities, aiming to cultivate the next generation of Nigerian business leaders and entrepreneurs.
