The University of Lagos (UNILAG) was a hive of scholarly and professional activity on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as the Faculty of Management Sciences launched its Annual Academic Conference under the compelling theme:
“Navigating Volatile Business Environments: Mitigation and Adaptive Strategies.”
The two-day hybrid event—drawing participants from universities, businesses, and government institutions across Nigeria—provided a timely forum for exploring practical solutions to the increasing uncertainty and complexity of today’s business world.
Opening Ceremony: A Call for Relevance and Impact
Declaring the conference open, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, commended the faculty for choosing a forward-thinking and solution-oriented theme.
“I love your topic because it speaks to problem solving, not just problem finding,” she said. “As academics, our responsibility is to stand ahead of society—anticipating challenges and crafting meaningful responses.”
Professor Ogunsola also challenged researchers to deepen their impact beyond publications, stressing the need for research that tackles real societal and business issues.
“Our papers are not just opinions. They must engage with the lived realities around us,” she emphasized.
Shifting from Commentary to Solutions
Dr. Simeon Ifere, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, framed today’s business climate through the lens of the VUCA world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. He urged scholars to move from analysis to action.
“This is a time for scholars to be solution architects, not just commentators,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Adeola Sulaimon, Dean of the Faculty, gave a roadmap of the conference, noting that over 100 academic papers would be presented during parallel sessions, addressing themes like economic turbulence, innovation, sustainability, and organizational resilience.
Keynote: The Dynamic Capabilities Imperative
A high point of the day was the virtual keynote by Professor Kamil Omoteso, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, and proud alumnus of the Faculty. His address focused on the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities, emphasizing how organizations can survive and thrive in volatile environments by:
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Sensing threats and opportunities
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Seizing market advantages
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Transforming internal processes and resources
Professor Omoteso stressed that human capital—often the first victim of volatility—is also the most vital resource in navigating it.
He highlighted factors driving business instability, including:
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Global political shifts
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Climate change
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Policy inconsistencies
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Demographic transitions
On the impact side, he pointed to inflation, job losses, inequality, and health crises, calling for decisive, transparent leadership to guide organizations through such turbulence.
“In periods of volatility, leaders must not show up with dropped shoulders. They must be bold, accountable, and ready to inspire,” he charged.
Academic Discourse Meets Practical Insight
The conference moved into breakout sessions where researchers shared findings on a broad range of issues—from supply chain shocks to adaptive marketing strategies and crisis leadership. Each session emphasized data-backed solutions and real-world applicability, blending scholarly insight with business urgency.
The conversations continue on Thursday, April 24, with more presentations, discussions, and cross-sector collaborations.
A Powerful Call to Action
The 2025 Annual Academic Conference of the Faculty of Management Sciences serves as more than an academic gathering—it is a clarion call for relevant research, responsive leadership, and real-world impact.
By bridging the gap between theory and practice, UNILAG has created a space where scholars and professionals can not just comment on the storm—but lead the way through it.
