A new agenda in private sector development and institutional transformation was set in motion on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with the official launch of the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Programme at the Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria.
The ACE programme is a strategic collaborative initiative of the University of Lagos and Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), with professional support provided by Toki Mabogunje & Co (TMC). The initiative is part of efforts aimed at transforming chambers of commerce and business associations into key drivers of economic growth and custodians of institutional excellence. It is designed to:
- professionalize chamber management,
- develop leadership capacity, and
- establish a sustainable platform for advocacy and enterprise development in Nigeria
The launch of the comprehensive ACE programme attracted leaders from academia, business, international development, and public policy. It featured participants from notable organisations, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Institute of Directors (IoD), and regional chambers of commerce, Milestone Resources, Vihiga County (Kenya).
In her address at the event, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in expanding the University’s role in human capital development.
While acknowledging the strategic leadership of CIPE and the professional expertise provided by Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, the Principal Partner at TMC, in promoting international best practices among chambers, Professor Ogunsola reiterated UNILAG’s readiness to scale its impact beyond academia and across key economic sectors.
Representing CIPE at the event, its Global Director, Mr. Andrew Wilson, re-affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting organized private sector platforms that can drive national development.
His words, “…when the private sector speaks in a unified, credible, and organized manner, it becomes a powerful force for shaping effective policy and driving economic growth.”
He stressed that “a vibrant, well-coordinated private sector is essential for improving the business environment, encouraging investment, and fostering inclusive growth”.
During her introduction of the ACE Programme, key technical adviser to the initiative, Mrs. Mabogunje explained that “the programme’s long-term vision extends far beyond certification; it is anchored on driving transformative change across the membership of Nigeria’s business organizations.”
According to her, ACE is designed to equip chambers and associations with the tools, competencies, and institutional frameworks required to function at the highest standards of governance, advocacy, and service delivery.
Mrs. Mabogunje posited that the programme’s core standards, which are hinged on accountability, compliance with legal frameworks, strategic planning, and financial management, would significantly enhance institutional credibility, strengthen internal systems, and build stakeholders’ trust among government entities, development partners, and the broader private sector.
The rollout of the ACE Programme was conducted by Director of the HRDC, UNILAG, Dr. Lateef Odekunle. He explicated that the programme was meticulously designed to ensure that facilitators possess both academic excellence and practical industry experience, aligning with the program’s goal of delivering transformative and relevant content to chambers and associations.
A key highlight of the launch was the formal presentation of the fourteen (14) faculty members trained to lead the delivery of the ACE curriculum. The faculty members, a blend of renowned academics and experts, are:
- Professor Babatunde Oni, SAN (Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG)
- Professor Abraham Osinubi (Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNILAG)
- Professor Diran Akinleye (Head, Department of Economics, UNILAG)
- Professor Oluseyi Shadare (Head, Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources, UNILAG).
- Dr. Idris Odekunle ( A distinguished Academic and Legal Practitioner, UNILAG).
- Dr. Muda Yusuf (Immediate past Director General, LCCI)
- Mrs. Ibitola Gbogboade (Seasoned Finance Professional & CEO, Rand Consulting)
- Mrs. Janet Omisore (Private Sector Development Expert)
- Mrs. Margaret Obiageli Olele (CEO American Business Council)
- Mr. Lampe Omoyele (Respected Business Leader & CEO Nitro 121 Limited)
- Mrs Olubunmi Oke (Nigerian Advertising Expert & CEO Ladybird Limited)
- Mr. Bamidele Abayomi Alimi (CEO, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, CIoD Nigeria)
- Mr. Gabriel Idahosa ( Leading voice in Business & President and Chairman, Council of the Chamber)
- Mrs. Weyinmi Eribo (Pan-African Business Leader and Women’s Economic Empowerment Expert)
There were also goodwill messages delivered by stakeholders, including Mr. Abdulwahab Alkebsi, CIPE Global Director of Programs, and Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, CON, the representative of the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Jani Ibrahim.
Chief Olawale-Cole’s message encapsulated the role of NACCIMA and ACE as a transformative roadmap built around five strategic pillars: Institutional Standards, Advocacy and Policy Influence, Capacity and Professional Development, Collaboration and Networking, and Sustainable Growth and Member Value. He noted that “these pillars are to guide chambers of commerce in achieving operational excellence and measurable impact”.
The Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Program is a certification and professional development initiative specially designed to build, strengthen, and consolidate the capacity of leaders in Chambers of Commerce, members of the business community, and professional associations, starting from Nigeria and expanding across West Africa.
The ACE Programme aims to professionalize the field of association and chamber management, strengthen institutional capacity, elevate the credibility of members of the Business community, and cultivate a new generation of private sector leaders who can advance Nigeria’s economic transformation and regional trade integration.
For more on the ACE Programme, please click: https://lagosedu.com/unilag-hrdc-cipe-trains-trainers-for-innovative-ace-programme/
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Maleeq D. Quadri
