Global expertise. Local impact. Leveraging a century of knowledge and connections to drive Africa forward

 Photo by Nupo Deyon Daniel on Unsplash 

As part of its global Centenary celebrations, the University of Reading, together with Henley Business School, will be in Lagos, Nigeria next week to host two important events: an exclusive Centenary Celebration and Awards evening for alumni and invited guests, and a masterclass for education leaders.

The landmark week is the first time the University and its business school will formally co-host events to convene top-tier graduates, industry captains, and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and the wider continent.

According to Jon Foster-Pedley, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement (Sub-Saharan Africa) and Dean of Henley Business School Africa, the focus goes beyond celebrating a century of academic history; it is a strategic decision to leverage a powerful global network to build sustainable local value and growth.

“A century of global impact comes down to the people driving it locally,” he says. “Our global alumni are not just part of our history; they are actively shaping the economic, social, and creative fabric of the countries they live in. This week anchors a global centenary firmly in local achievement.”

Foster-Pedley adds that the calibre of the University of Reading and Henley Business School networks is personified by individuals who have turned their education into scalable, real-world solutions.

“Whether scaling African manufacturing, strengthening institutions, or elevating African narratives globally, these leaders demonstrate how global frameworks can be successfully adapted to solve complex continental challenges.”

On Friday 28 August, about 150 school leaders and counsellors from across Nigeria, representing more than 100 schools, will attend a bespoke Education Leadership Masterclass designed to equip participants with innovative ideas to teach and guide for social impact. The event is being convened in collaboration with the Nigerian Teachers Community, led by Dr Peter Ogudoro, an alumnus of the University of Reading. All the participants will receive the training for free.

The week will culminate in an exclusive Alumni Award Ceremony and Centenary Celebration on Saturday 29 August. Among the notable alumni attending are multi-million dollar toy manufacturer and SME advocate Dr Paul Orajiaka, owner of the Auldon Group who recently capped off his academic journey with a DBA from Henley Business School, Barry Van Zyl, an international rock musician who toured internationally for 30 years before studying his MBA at Henley a decade ago, and Dr Peter Ogudoro, an education researcher and leader of the award-winning Nigerian Teachers' Community, who has a PhD in Education from the University of Reading. Steve Babaeko, CEO / Chief Creative Officer @ X3M Ideas, will give a short keynote at the event.

Reflecting on what it takes to build sustainable enterprises in Africa today, Dr Orajiaka says that the right institutional backing makes all the difference.

“Their panache and desire to be and make the best is why I chose Henley Business School at the University of Reading for my doctoral studies,” says Dr Orajiaka. “The attention to detail, the care and the pressure to exceed your own expectations is second to none.

“They know that to make steel you need a hot furnace.”

Dr Peter Ogudoro agrees. “The education I received at Reading has transformed me from an ordinary Nigerian into a world-changing educationist. That education has helped me to organise Nigerian teachers into a 1Million+ community that has members from more than 100 countries. Our members are transforming the lives of over 25 million children and young persons in Nigeria and beyond. I can’t thank the University of Reading enough for what it has helped me to become, a global education leader who has been blessed by Reading for an uncommon impact on the global education landscape.”

The Lagos events form part of a worldwide centenary programme recognising the University of Reading’s ongoing contribution to leadership, innovation, and commerce. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate on cross-border insights, discuss emerging market trends, and strengthen a highly influential network of executives and entrepreneurs.

For more information on the Centenary Celebration and Award Ceremony, click here.