At the 2025 Congregation of Nobel International Business University (NiBS University), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development and Chancellor of NiBS University, delivered a compelling charge to the graduating class, urging them to become catalysts of Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Addressing 30 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and 25 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, Dr. Donkor emphasized that Africa’s rise will not be accidental but a deliberate outcome shaped by innovative, impact-driven leaders nurtured within institutions like NiBS University.
“NiBS is more than an academic institution; it is a crucible for cultivating visionary minds ready to tackle Africa’s most urgent challenges,” Dr. Donkor remarked, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. He also pointed to the university’s global partnerships and internationally accredited programs as key enablers for preparing students to compete on a global stage while remaining deeply aligned with Africa’s development agenda.
The Chancellor underscored the unique mission of NiBS University to inspire graduates to see Africa not merely as a land of potential, but as a continent on the cusp of transformative change. He lauded the graduates for their intellectual rigor and perseverance, urging them to apply their research training toward shaping policies, reforming institutions, and driving business innovations that prioritize job creation and social impact over mere profits.
“Your NiBS education has equipped you with the tools to challenge the status quo, lead with integrity, and pursue excellence grounded in a commitment to Africa’s growth,” he said.
In a world marked by volatility and rapid technological shifts, Dr. Donkor encouraged the new doctors to embrace lifelong learning and to champion inclusive policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder and President of NiBS University, reiterated the need for executives with advanced leadership skills capable of innovating management practices tailored to Africa’s context. He emphasized the importance of developing new knowledge and practices to overcome existing limitations and chart a progressive path forward.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. David Ofosu Dorte, Founder of AB & David Africa, reminded graduates that the problems societies face today are often consequences of yesterday’s solutions. He urged them to adopt a future-fit mindset—designing solutions today that not only address current challenges but also prevent tomorrow’s crises.
“The future is not a distant point; it is a continuous progression from the present,” Dr. Dorte said. “Start implementing solutions now to create lasting impact.”
As the graduating class steps into leadership roles across Africa’s economic and policy landscape, NiBS University reaffirms its vision to nurture socially responsible professionals and entrepreneurs poised to drive sustainable development and innovation.
