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Leading scholars and industry experts have called for stronger integration of business administration with knowledge leadership as a pathway to sustainable growth, national transformation, and global competitiveness.
This message dominated discussions at the 2025 Membership Investiture, Induction and Certification Programme (MIICP) of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management (IBAKM) and the Chartered Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management, which took place at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. The event attracted academics, business leaders, and professionals from across Nigeria and beyond.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Integrating Business Administration and Knowledge Leadership for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness,” Professor Obinna Iwueke emphasised that organisations in today’s rapidly changing environment must embrace agility, foresight, and structured systems to remain competitive.
“Business administration provides the structural and operational framework for efficiency and strategic alignment, while knowledge leadership drives innovation and adaptability. Together, these disciplines empower organisations to navigate complexities, develop human capital, and contribute to national transformation,” Prof. Iwueke explained.
He further stressed that countries aligning their business and knowledge systems with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would be better positioned for innovation, economic stability, and social development. Using global examples, Iwueke pointed to Toyota’s lean management system, Singapore’s workforce development policies, and Germany’s dual education model as proof that integrating business administration and knowledge leadership enhances national competitiveness.
Highlighting the role of human capital, Iwueke added, “Employees are the backbone of any organisation. When we combine structured administrative practices with knowledge leadership, we create a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable, ready to compete globally.”
Also speaking, a member of the Governing Council of IBAKM, Professor Monday Anyairo, described the MIICP and the Mandatory Continuing Professional Education and Development programme as vital for professional growth. He explained that the institute is committed to providing world-class education beyond academics, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in an evolving global business environment.
“It’s my great pleasure to be with you at this program. We are graceful to provide world-class professional education beyond academics. Our graduates are expected to be outstanding professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to thrive in today’s global business environment,” Anyairo said.
He added that the institute is committed to promoting ethical practices and international standards through seminars, training programmes, workshops, and collaborations with universities, research institutions, and innovation centres across the world.
The theme of the event, “Redefining Professional Standards through Business Administration and Knowledge Leadership for National Transformation and Global Competitiveness,” was reinforced by Dr. Gangadhar Joshi, President and Chairman of the IBAKM Global Advisory Council.
“Innovation is not just a catalyst for economic transformation—it is the cornerstone upon which the future of our global economy is being built. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and investment, we can harness innovation to address today’s challenges and unlock tomorrow’s opportunities,” Dr. Joshi said.
He urged inductees to see their membership as an opportunity to pursue global opportunities. “Your decision to join IBAKM Global is one of the best career advancement choices you will ever make. This certification will transform you from a basic degree holder to a successful practitioner in Business Administration and Knowledge Management,” he told the new members.
Distinguished professionals were honoured with Doctoral and Honorary Fellowships of the Institute, while other qualified candidates were inducted as Chartered Fellows, Full Members, Graduates, and Licentiates. The event also served as a networking platform for business leaders and scholars to discuss how best to adapt Nigeria’s workforce and institutions to global realities.
The discussions at Covenant University underlined a growing consensus that Nigeria must reposition its institutions and workforce through a balance of structured administrative practices and knowledge-driven leadership. Stakeholders believe this combination will not only boost national productivity but also improve the country’s global competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
