The Provost, Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Professor Raheem Olasupo Akewushola said that for the next generation managers to be excellent in their areas of specialisation, they must imbibe the attributes of clear vision, unique strategy in planning innovative thinking and leadership by example.
He added that such future leaders who want to shine in leadership success must also be excellent in stakeholders’ engagement, performance measurement, corrective mechanism, continuous improvement by sustained learning.
Professor Akewushola who was the immediate past Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University, made this known in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 5th Annual Conference of the Faculty themed: “Global Innovation and Sustainability: Nurturing the Next Generation Managers”.
According to the professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, to develop the capacity to circumvent threat and optimise opportunities for their firms, the next generation of Nigeria managers must be technology-savvy to drive innovation, process or service delivery system improvement, and be committed to taking calculated risks to guarantee sustainability.
He also recommended that for the next generation managers to succeed, they must learn to understand diverse cultural perspectives, leveraging on technology for sustainability impact, empathising with stakeholders and fostering collaboration, as well as encouraging experimentation and calculated risk taking.
Speaking furthher, the don also harped on the need to align business goals with social and environmental responsibilities, integrating sustainability and innovation into all business fu
nctions.
In his paper presentation titled: “Global Innovation and Sustainability: Building Future-Ready Managers for a Dynamic World”, the President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Pius Olanrewaju, who also was the lead paper presenter, averred that for tomorrow’s managers to succeed, they must adopt a growth mindset, cultivate interdisciplinary thinking, and be unafraid to question established norms.
Represented by Professor Adetiloye Kehinde, the don said, “The next generation managers must be resilient, as the path to innovation is often marked by trial and error. As today, and tomorrow’s managers, you must remain committed to the ideals of innovation and sustainability. Be adaptive, ethical, and globally minded.”
“By embracing a proactive approach to learning and change, we have the power to shape a future that will not only meet with the challenges of our time but also set a lasting foundation for generations to come,” he added.
In her goodwill remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olufunsho Omobitan, averred that in an era characterised by unprecedented change and rapid technological advancements, the role of management and innovation has never been more crucial.
She added that as the Faculty of Management Sciences has assembled experts, scholars, practitioners, and future leaders under one roof, adding that the Faculty and by extension the university have the unique opportunity to address challenges that transcend borders and to embrace innovations that define the future of global business landscapes.
“The world today demands leaders who are flexible, forward-thinking, and perpetually learning. It is imperative that we equip the next generation with the tools to not only navigate the complex dynamics of international markets but also leverage the potential of technological innovations.
“We must cultivate managers who are not simply reactive but are proactive visionaries who guide their organisations towards sustainable success,” she asserted.
Professor Olatunji-Bello charged the participants comprising of staff and students of the university to harness the opportunity to learn, to inspire, and to innovate together. She urged each participant to engage wholeheartedly in the discussions, share their own level thoughts, pose challenging questions, and seek collaborations that will bridge gaps across industries and cultures.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Bankole Akanji Rafiu, accentuated that if the next generation managers are not fully equipped with the knowledge of these two phenomena – global innovation and sustainability – it might be difficult, and practically impossible for them to survive the global economic holocaust ravaging businesses across the countries and continents.
The conference opening which took place at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU main campus, Ojo, also had goodwill messages from the Dean, Postgraduate School, Professor Ibrahim Olateju and Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Lagos, Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Olufolarin Ogunsanwo represented by the Odofin of Ilara Kingdom, High Chief Charles Keshinro.
Highpoint of the conference was the presentation of awards of excellence and recognition to the Vice-Chancellor; the Keynote Speaker, Professor Raheem Akewushola, the Lead paper presenter, Professor Pius Olanrewaju and the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Bankole Akanji Rafiu.
The event had in attendance Deans of Faculties, Directors of Centres, Professors, Departmental Heads, Deputy Registrars, Deputy Bursars, Deputy Directors, members of the teaching and non-teaching staff from the Faculty and the University at large.
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