'Bobo' is not enough...and Chukwuka tells us why

Chukwuka Nwagbara with his 'thinking hand' up

If you look at this picture you will immediately conclude that this boy is the next Soludo; an Economics guru. Well, you’re wrong. I’m an engineer turned business man with a lot of information in my head. You should meet me.

I came to LBS having run 4 different businesses; 2 were dead and buried, 1 was in coma while one was (and is still) surviving. A bit of politics and a bit of technology and a bit of marketing all reflecting in my CV so unlike what many people thought when they met me, I was eager to find myself. If I want to be politically incorrect, I’ll say I was confused. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. As you will soon find out, business is not just business. It has many functional career paths. In addition, you will also find out that they are all interesting career paths and you will face the dilemma of choosing one of them. 

Chukwuka receiving the Tony Elumelu Award for Business Excellence

My journey to choosing mine started the day I visited Anuli’s office for my career talk. I told her I wanted to go into Private Sector Development (PSD) (having IFC and IMF in mind) or Private Equity (PE). I loved the “bobo” nature of the career and since I believed everything was possible in LBS, I felt it wouldn’t take them anything to sought it out.

Well, I was wrong. As internship drew closer I discovered that all the PSD and PE firms wanted something different from what I had on my CV. They wanted the impossible from me. So every time my CV went in to some of the PSD or PE firms, they dropped it first and chose some other person ahead of me. I was fast enough to leave the wild goose chase and advise myself. “GUY THIS THING IS BASED ON CV REALITY NOT PASSION. And except you build capacity in that direction, that passion will remain what it is; PASSION”

So I sat back and took a critical look at my CV did a little research on where engineers played a major role in businesses and then I re-crafted my CV. Submitted it and got just what I wanted; OFFERS. Top of which were Schneider, P&G, Tony Elumelu Foundation and TATA group.

So my advice to you is that BOBO IS NOT ENOUGH. Look beyond what other people want to do. Look at your CV again and find out where you can add value in the business community. If your passion is strong enough, then you have some work to do take your time to BUILD CAPACITY in the direction of your passion.

Welcome to LBS, where dreams come true. Believe me, you won’t regret being here.

Chukwuka Nwagbara is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School. He can be reached via email; chukwuka.nwagbara@lbs.net.ng

Mitchelle shares on some MBA Facilitators

Mitchelle with Azeezat and Obianuju

Hello everyone, special greetings to the MBA 11 peeps.

My piece is on the facilitators you all would likely be meeting in the first semester after your brush up:

We have Quantitative Analysis with Mr Thad Enyinna, with cases like Freeabbey Winery it is at this point that you guys  would be called to the board one after the other to draw the decision tree, most times, at the end of the class there would be about six people in front of the board.

MBA 10 Girls Night Out
Enobong, Mobolaji, May, Mitchelle and Azeezat

We have Mrs Rose Ogbechie in Ethics class, please take note that this is an ethics class so unethical responses are discourage, we also have the ever smiling Ms Kemi Ogunyemi taking Ethics, please don't let her smile or glasses deceive you, if you don't participate you will get scored accordingly.

For Corporate Financial Accounting, you all will be drawing up Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss Statements & Cash Flow Statements. For this, we have our one and only Dr Akintola Owolabi, who swears that you all must learn CFA, he's not lying in the end you all must know it.

Analysis of Business Problems is another course with Mrs Yetunde Anibaba, please take note that saying or stating the case fact in class is not part of class participation so you have got to come up with the Issue, Objective, Criteria, Reasonable Alternatives for each case and please DO THE NUMBERS.

Segun, Dayo, Oseme,Babawale, Dr. Adeleye (Group 1 Adviser), Chika,
Mitchelle, Tokunbo, Dammy

Finally, we have Management Communication with Mrs Uchora a.k.a your name on my list.  State a good point and you get to put your name on her list, if it is a brilliant point you get to put down your name with a double star, however say something off point and your name is put down with a minus.


Welcome to LBS!!









Mitchelle Oduka is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School. She can be reached via email; mitchelle.oduka@lbs.net.ng

Segun Adebayo hilariously describes a day on the MBA programme

Segun Hernandez Adebayo with his 'thinking hand' up

I'm Sir Hernandez and I welcome the MBA 11 class to the prestigious LBS. To me, the MBA is more than just a programme, it is a lifetime opportunity to learn, network and increase ones mental capacity with the best minds in the country.

I gained admission to MBA 8 but later deferred for 2 years in order to obtain additional work experience. Banking was promising but I felt I needed more. More to me means a lot of things but I assure you that you have definitely taken a step in the right direction. My colleagues have been talking about the value of the case study method, networking opportunities, SLA’s and all (too serious for my liking). I would focus on the component of my typical day.

I wake up around 3.00am in the morning but when I am energetically declined, I jump off the bed by 4 (that is if I have not been awakened by the nasally repetitive tune from my flat mate Omolayo or through Tizzle’s naija songs). Group meeting kicks off by 8.15 and late coming is not tolerated. By 7.45am, I and my guys ride off to school and I am welcomed in by Nono’s gaze at the watch (Nono never misses the 8.15am fine). (For Group 5, 8.15-8.30am attracts a N200 fine while 8.30am and above attracts a flat rate of N500).  

Group 5 members having lunch with Dr. Nubi

Today is a Monday, and Dr. Itunu just made a prepayment of N2, 500 for the week when she rushed in around 8.40am. Whizkid is working on his laptop (as he did all night) while Toyin starts the group ginger by yarning on Base of pyramid, subliminal seduction, triple breasted line, (meant bottom) and finally tries to connect it to the case under discussion. I am tempted to pass the offering basket. Uka silently watches at the background (after coming late), Jude quietly nods his head like the Chairman while Bolarinwa remains mute by the sideline. May Agoha steps in with the register and I check her out as usual (damn!!! pretty legs)

Tundun is up and doing as usual(after collecting my peck) and if something special is up today, we would get a treat of chocolates from Uddie. Gbemileke occasionally corrects Toyin while Nono meticulously follows every word Toyin utters for correction. Come 9.30am, we finally head into class. 

Segun Dada is trying to be noticed as usual, Tizzle is loudly yarning with Oyewale, Ayoola, Olaolu and the vertically challenged Kunle. Ozue is silently watching yesterday’s football highlight and Kunle rudely interrupts by talking about C. Ronaldo’s goal. 

Excuse me….ever pretty and sexy Azeezat tries to make an announcement and now we know that Niyi is getting married and Azeezat Ajibola just became a born again Christian (just kidding). Uzoma is sited quietly like Jackie Chan, Fiyin sweetly strokes my cassava rich shirt, Tomilola is forming busy by the side while Tolu (my seatmate) quickly makes a last minute check on the cases for the day. 

Dr. Obinna briskly walks in and welcomes us with his morning tea (test). Ibude quickly copies Babawale’s work and erroneously include his matric number (just kidding). Case facts time! Chika Ezeani smoothly bobo’s the lecturer, Suberu mentions something but nobody hears what he said. Nike is not left out, she passionately defends her point. Mitchelle counter argues and pretty Uju is also compelled to make a comment while Toyin finally summarizes all the points. 

Segun with Chibabe, Bola and Mobolaji

It is 10.45 and the olfactory nerves of Segun Dada are on point. We are having shawarma today, he proudly declares. Bola heads to the gazebo quietly, Nana asks her to buy an extra piece for her and Sem-Sem also says the same. Jude, Whizkid, Chukwuka, Mitchelle, Chika Amah and I head to the cafeteria for our usual morning tea. Occasionally, we are joined by Mobolaji and Funlola. At the gazebo, Bola clears the whole shawarma from the shelf; John is annoyed but quietly settles for a bottle of coke. Sorry, I meant to say bottles. Dr. Itunu also buys all the Power Horse too.

It’s the 2^nd class and Rume realizes that he has not said anything today. He makes a comment and the anointing begins to travel in class. Hands are flying up from every corner. Tokunbo and Dami discuss rigorously at the back and Tokunbo shoots his hands up, even with a thousand hands up, the facilitator chooses Tokunbo. Temijopelo follows suit and the facilitator is tempted to tell the class to give her a standing ovation.

Lunch time is here and Olaolu suddenly realizes that the operations model for the cafeteria is faulty. Suberu buys 5 portions of salsa rice, 3 portions of beans and no protein. Beans na protein naa! Chinasa frowns her face as she says ENJOY!!!. After lunch, the clock slowly winds down and Ikeola gazes periodically at the class clock. Some elements are dozing in class but I won’t mention names, they know themselves. Gbemi finally bursts into life and makes a comment meant for Friday’s case. (*Don’t mess with Gbemi, she is always ahead of the pack*) Then Whizkid takes over, and then Jude, Uddie, Dr. Itunu and it’s now a Group 5 affair. Pelu, Fiyin, Niyi, Bolarinwa, Ikeola and John did not say a word today. Class participation does not really matter jareeh.

MBA 10 Supporters League Chaired by Bishop Toks!
Dammy, Pelumi, Chukwuka, Ibude, Tokunbo and Rume

No career session today and Jude tries to rally the troops. Training starts, Gozie gingers and the basket catches 3 balls at the end of the day. I score a spectacular volley from 30 yards after much persuasion to shoot from Jude and Kunle. Oyewale misses a sitter and that sums up training for the day. Time to go home, I long for a massage but I don’t get any (Tundun is with Chukwuka, Nana is home, Toyin is reading “How to make money from manure” and Tolu will post me). Dinner is served, Omolayo explains what the facilitator said in the 3^rd session and I finally crash by 10/11pm.

Tomorrow is another day!

Segun Adebayo is a full time MBA student at Lagos Business School he can be reached via email; segun.adebayo@lbs.net.ng

Uzoma Okoro speaks on THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE…

Uzoma Okoro

“Welcome to LBS!” 

These were the very first words that greeted me from an amiable lady at the main entrance who welcomed me with a loud yet friendly tone. From this unusually kind gesture shown to me to the exquisite structures before my eyes, I thought to myself, “Hey dude, you are surely in the right place!”

It is indeed the right place to hone one’s analytical, problem-solving and communications skills. In addition, with a very robust network, a suitable platform has therefore been provided for students to network extensively with the people that matter as long as the Nigerian business landscape is concerned. It has also given me the opportunity to meet very smart and wonderful people (my colleagues)

Uzoma with Bolarinwa and Rume

With the case-study method of teaching employed, we are not only being exposed to the challenges that both nascent and large businesses face, we are also able to proffer workable solutions, as a class, which directly address these challenges. I am now capable of comprehensively dissecting businesses, cautiously detecting seemingly masked problems and proffering appropriate and practical solutions.

On the other hand, this same case-study approach was hell for me at the start. I mean, here was this quiet and diffident young man compelled in almost all the classes to talk even when he does not feel like. I was left with no choice but to jump in; at least if for anything, to avoid any unnecessary re-sits and re-resits!

The MBA programme is so rich in terms of the course structure as well as its facilitators. With courses such as Corporate Financial Accounting (CFA), Strategic Management (I), Economic Environment of Business (EEB), Operations Management and Finance (I), the technical knowledge I have amassed is tremendous. This has helped me to exude so much confidence during my internship. With first-rate facilitators such as Dr. Owolabi and the ALMIGHTY Doyin Salami (Ph.D), trust me when I say that the fear of being cold-called is the beginning of wisdom! You can only know what I mean when you experience it.

The MBA 10 Squad

On a lighter note, LBS has brought out the footballer in me (perhaps, I don’t know where it came from!). Having to play a full soccer match without fainting or gasping for breath helplessly is a great achievement for me! In addition, bearing the enormous responsibility of ensuring that the ball hits the back of net (you can call me No.9) has taught me how to work well under pressure. When you have the likes of Kunle screaming loud at you on the pitch or Jude giving you this dreadful captain-look, you’d be fired on for sure!

I remember being asked by a friend why I wanted to get an MBA and why in LBS. Of course, after successfully scaling through the rigorous interview process, my ideal answer was still very much within reach. It was chorused from deep within me: I would like to have an MBA so I could be well-informed about the intricacies of the Nigerian business environment and enjoy the robust networking platform it provides. And the big one - I also chose LBS because its global posture is correspondingly blended with its local relevance! (Everyone said this in some way in the interviews, you bet!)

Uzoma with Frank Nweke Jnr and Chukwuka

Perhaps, if you asked me the same question once again, I guess my answer this time would be more crisp and straight to the point. I’d simply say, “IT’S THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE”!

Welcome to LBS!

Uzoma Okoro

MBA 10

President, Finance Club









Uzoma Okoro is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School and can be reached via email; uzoma.okoro@lbs.net.ng,

MBA 10 [The Values We Live and Share]

Participation.. thats how to learn new stuff

TEAM... Together Each Achieves More

Courage... When the going gets tough, we get going

Unity! We stand together.. That way, we can survive any storm

Be yourself.. The world is tired of copy cats

Laugh Hard! Its medicine for the soul

Counting is beyond numbers.. It tells a story

Family! Thats the bedrock of existence

Celebrate little milestones.. It goes a long way

Friendship is important

A little support is what we all need

Look out for Advertising.. Thats how we get to know most of the world

Love.. It conquers all fears

Enjoy Good Music.. It soothes the soul

STAND OUT!
If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything

ENJOY!

BELOW IS AN ARTICLE I SHARED WITH FINANCIAL TIMES (FT.COM). FOR SOME REASON, THE EDITORS CHOSE TO 'WATER' IT DOWN.  THIS IS THE ORIGINAL VERSION. MY PRAYER IS THAT IT PROVIDES YOU GOOD READING PLEASURE.   ENJOY!                                                                   

                                                                     

Learning delights the Mind - Leonardo Da Vinci

It is not often that one associates the arduous pursuit of higher learning such as the MBA program at the Lagos Business School (LBS) with the term ‘enjoy’. This is so because, while education is truly food for the mind, the road to its pleasures is paved with spirited hard work, and men usually don’t associate hard work with enjoyment. At the LBS however, this paradox comes alive at a particular time of the day.

For the LBS student, a typical day commences at 8:15am with group/board meeting of the different groups of the MBA class. During this meeting, group members discuss and analyse the cases for the day. This activity lasts for 1hr and 15minutes. 

At the end of this meeting, each student/executive is armed with salient points to defend any position he/she decides to take on contentious issues in the differing cases. This is usually serious business because the students’ grade depends to a very large extent on how he/she effectively participates during class discussions. While strong language may be used during this time, the debate is usually fun, as it presents lots of learning opportunities.

However, as class goes on and the clock wounds down, the once quick minds soon gets lulled by hunger, and attention subconsciously gets regulated to the cafeteria. Like Pavlov’s dog, at the ding of the clock at 12:30, tongues salivate and the mental savour of the cafeteria’s meals whets appetite. Its lunch time... Now, this is my favourite time in the day’s cycle, and for good reasons!

First of all, save for the fact that this break presents opportunity to refuel the body, for me (especially for me), it presents the opportunity to hear the now self-hallowed word ‘enjoy!’ How drab life would have been if we had nothing to look forward to? At the end of the sand comes the green grass; after rain, sunshine…and at the LBS, after some tough, spirited trading of learning points, comes lunch.

At the cafeteria, continental dishes are usually on the Menu, and lines form as empty bellies line up like cars do in a petrol station on FIFO bases (no hierarchy is observed). In buffet service style everyone is served, and just at the point of last input, the waiter utters the word enjoy with a charming smile. This induces digestion!

Truly, here only is the paradox of education, hard work, and food accentuated- at least for me. In addition, I’m strongly convinced in my mind that should the LBS trained MBA forget everything he learned during his time at this highly esteemed institute of learning, the word enjoy (and the smile that follows its voicing) shall never elude his/her memory.   

After lunch, we return to conclude the day’s business dealings in our executive class rooms. The curtain finally gets drawn at 3pm. However, for the most part, students stay behind to study, work on projects or complete their assignments. When we are done, we head home to come back tomorrow. For me, ‘tomorrow’ represents another opportunity to hope, to dream, to learn, to long for and get satisfied; for truly education is food for the mind- Enjoy! 

Ozue Ezeife is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School. A member of the MBA10 class, he can be reached via email; ozue.ezeife@lbs.net.ng,  Follow Ozue on twitter @EzeifeOzue, he blogs at www.ezeife-ozue.blogspot.com

Segun Dada shares a bit on his MBA experience

Segun Dada, MBA10

A fantastic evening indeed it was when MBA's from Lagos Business School met their counterparts from Stanford at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was not an evening of too much eating as I would have expected, but meeting these Stanford guys was well worth it. The three remarkable personalities I remember meeting are Andrew, Rachael and Mary Ellen. Plus I narrowly missed Aliko Dangote but my sharp colleague (Chukwuka and Toyin) were in the right place at the right time.

Toyin and Chukwuka with Aliko Dangote

Segun with Rachael

The purpose of this meeting was for the MBA's from stanford to rob minds and obtain ideas from their counterparts in one of the leading business schools on the African continent.

I spoke with Rachael the longest and she was so much fun. She practically got so much information about Nigeria out of me that I became exhausted. We talked about governance, electricity, lecture patterns, college, entrepreneurship, golf, to mention a few.


She has a passion for media and intends to know more about nollywood but unfortunately, I ain't the best in such areas. Of course, we talked about American politics....she is a Democrat. We talked on how the Republican contenders were wearing themselves and their party out and creating more room for Obama to snatch a big win. It was easy to tell how entirely different politics was practiced  in our beloved country Nigeria. I left her with a few names like Obasanjo, Tinubu, Jonathan and probably a few questions for the Lagos state governor, Raji Fashola in during his meeting with them the next day.

Meeting Mary Ellen who happens to be the team leader and the brain behind the trip to Nigeria was really exciting. She is so much fun to interact with, she's got so much energy and believe me, there is never a dull moment with her. She believes greatly in "flexibility" and this is the word she used to describe internet down time, power outage and lack of air conditioning experienced during the trip to Nigeria. In many parts of Nigeria, these are described as luxuries one can totally survive without.

LBS and Stanford MBA's

Segun with Andrew

Then I met Andrew. From the moment I saw him, I smelt Finance! as in this kind of Venture capitalist guys with sharp suits and fast cars...lol. He did not disappoint me at all. This is a guy that has a private equity company that has built two schools in Ghana and provides quality education at less than half the price....now, that's major.

Generally, it was plenty of fun hanging out with guys from Stanford, I hope we can pay them a visit too.

Segun with Aliko Dangote

As for my narrowly missing Aliko Dangote, we were able to meet a few weeks later....and hopefully, we are working on mapping out an all inclusively profitable course for entrepreneurship on the African continent.






Segun Dada is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School and can be reached via email; olusegun.dada@lbs.net.ng, you can also read more from him on his blog www.segun-dada.blogspot.com, follow him on twitter @segundada

Why I Recommend Lagos Business School by Seun Okikiola

Oluwaseun Okikiola, MBA10

When I got an admission for a full time MBA at Lagos Business School (LBS), it was very easy for me to resign my job in order to dedicate 21 months of my life to the pursuit of an MBA. 

That’s because I was getting frustrated with my job, and I needed a new challenge, I desired more   knowledge, and skills that will equip me for a successful career in the increasingly challenging corporate environment of Nigeria. 

My bosses, colleagues, and some family members thought I was making a big mistake by giving up a promising career in banking to pursue a full time MBA at a Nigerian school.

Looking back at the time spent so far at LBS, I can proudly say that I have no regrets for my decision. LBS has broadened my mind, deepened my knowledge of the local business environment, and given me a plethora of exposure into the rudimentary of what it takes to manage resources and solve business problems.

The case study method of learning forces you to think creatively and communicate constructively. The environment is world class. As a matter of fact, people who have been to or studied at some of the top business schools in the world visit LBS and attest to the quality and high standard of the facilities and the environment.   

Another opportunity that LBS offers its MBA participants is access to a rich network of individuals and companies. The career office is also very helpful, giving MBA students an opportunity to be recruited by some of the finest corporate organizations in Nigeria and around the world.

These, and many more, are the reasons why I have recommended and will continue to recommend LBS to anyone seeking an MBA degree in Nigeria.

Oluwaseun Okikiola is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School. A member of the MBA10 class, he can be reached via email; oluwaseun.okikiola@lbs.net.ng

Ozue shares his MBA experience

Ozue Ezeife

June 26^th, 2011. I’m kneeling on the crimson rug of my church’s altar. It is a clear and sunny day in the FCT, and it felt like a day God would answer prayers- he always does.  In barely audible tones I whispered into the Almighty’s ears… My request was short but very heavy!

“Dear Lord, I know you answer prayers and with you all things are possible… if it is your will, please grant me admission into the MBA programme of the Lagos Business School”

He did!

‘Pictures speak a thousand words’ ~ Thad Enyinna (After so much usage, he has earned the rights to this quote). Below is my letter acknowledging receipt of my admission letter. Please read.

Notice the wording of the letter? ‘Very privileged… and Yes!!’ Stand out surely. (There’s a big grin on my face as I write this). Needless to say, this was one helluva an excited fella! Sorry, let me rephrase that; I felt BIG… Colossal actually, like a massive Helium balloon. Yes, my name is Ozue Ezeife and this is an abridged chronicle of my LBS experience (so far).

Well, as you would have figured, the only problem with my self-confidence and expectations being at this record high was that it begged; when… and how it should land? Would it be a soft landing or would the bubble burst? I honestly couldn’t have predicted it, but something happen shaa…

I laboured to spell the word ‘Accounting’ let alone master its principles; nevertheless it was coming at me with reckless abandon. Obviously, Dr. Akintola Owolabi was having fun, I wasn’t! Please read it again; I wasn’t! As he spoke, I thought to myself ‘O boy, u sure say u suppose dey do MBA?’ Hmm, how person go take manage this kind thing now? Debit, Credit, Balance, Brought forward, carried down, tumbled up… which kind thing be this naa? I was lost… but wasn’t allowed time to get missing. So next thing: ‘Ozue, what do you think?’ Now judge this. As I tried to sensibly respond to his question; I can’t recall what the question was but it could have been ‘how do we tumble up in accounting?’ Half way into my honest attempt at answering this special question, next thing I heard was ‘Please discontinue™’. Friends, it wasn’t a soft landing, the bubble burst!

Since then I’ve put myself to work!

Welcome to LBS! You truly are a privileged few in our society but I must warn you- this isn’t a ‘normal’ school- no way! This school gives you a fluid brain and a mind of steel. Put on your whole armour because you all are now fully initiated gladiators. It certainly would be messy at some point. Don’t be shaken by the ‘new’ mode of learning (would be new to most), because once you quickly adapt, you’d find- as I did- that it is very exciting. 

You should work hard as expected of you; of course as you should expect of yourself. Make new friends, invest in new relationships- this for me is the most important of all, because in the end every one of us would have an MBA, but the quality of our relationship with one another would weigh more after the LBS experience. Honestly speaking, I’m very glad I met my colleagues, and I look forward to meeting you. I have made friends with all- some, friends for life! MBA10 simply rocks!

So do I feel privileged still? Yes!! I do, and for good reasons.

I wouldn’t trade my LBS experience for anything in the world! It is a privilege to learn from the best brains in the world. As you’d soon find, the LBA faculty boasts of only the very best brains.

Finally, nothing beats the sumptuous meal you get served to refuel your empty tanks at mid-day. Some have joked that even if one forgets everything he/she learns at the LBS, such person would not forget the food, and the accompanying precious word- enjoy™.

Again, welcome to LBS, I look forward to meeting you all.

Toast to success; You made it, Cheers!

Ezeife Ozue C.

Class President, MBA10.

Ozue Ezeife is a full time MBA student of Lagos Business School. A member of the MBA10 class, he can be reached via email; ozue.ezeife@lbs.net.ng