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  • Madonna University to honour Wakanow Group CEO with PhD

    Madonna University to honour Wakanow Group CEO with PhD

    In a  show of recognition, Madonna University, Nigeria, has  announced its intention to confer an Honorary PhD in Business Administration on Mr. Bayo Adedeji, the Group CEO of Wakanow, West Africa’s leading travel and ticketing company.

    The university made this known during an official visit to the Wakanow Headquarters, where the management team presented an invitation of conferment to Adedeji, which is a symbolic prelude to the main PhD ceremony set to hold later this year.

    What makes this recognition even more special is its rarity.

    In the past 10 years, Madonna University hasn’t awarded this PhD to anyone, and only two distinguished individuals have been identified for it this year, with Adedeji leading the list.

    Speaking on the honour, the university representatives noted that the recognition is a reward for excellence, legacy, and remarkable intelligence in business leadership.

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     They emphasised that “this award is not about money, but about impact”, highlighting that Adedeji has created over 2,000 jobs, a contribution they described as “significant and worthy of emulation.”

    They  added that the university hopes to make him an ambassador, to encourage him to continue inspiring others and doing more for society.

    The visit to Wakanow’s headquarters was also a moment of celebration and reflection, as the team commended the CEO for his vision, work ethic, and consistent contribution to business growth and empowerment across the continent.

    Replying to the recognition, he expressed deep appreciation, saying this acknowledgment from one of Nigeria’s foremost universities means a lot to him and the Wakanow family.

    “This honour reminds me that hard work and consistency truly speak for themselves. I’m grateful to Madonna University for this recognition, it’s a push to do even more,” Bayo Lion added.

    With this development, Bayo Lion joins a rare circle of achievers whose entrepreneurial brilliance and leadership excellence have earned them one of the most exclusive recognitions in academia and business.

    About Bayo Adedeji (Bayo Lion)

    Bayo Adedeji, fondly known as Bayo Lion, is a respected Nigerian business executive and entrepreneur. He is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, one of Africa’s foremost travel and lifestyle companies. Over the years, Bayo has built a reputation for turning challenges into success stories through strategic leadership, innovation, and a strong focus on people and performance.

    Education and Early Background

    Bayo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Demography and Statistics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and an MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University in the United States.
    The name “Bayo Lion” was inspired by his fearless approach to leadership and his ability to take bold decisions even in tough business environments.

    Career Path

    Before returning to Nigeria, Bayo gathered a wealth of global experience working with some of the world’s biggest brands in retail and finance.
    At Amazon, he served as Senior Finance Manager, where he was responsible for overseeing inbound and inventory operations for the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) business across several countries.

    He also held leadership roles in Walmart and PetSmart, gaining deep experience in financial planning, category development, cost management, and business intelligence. These experiences shaped his analytical approach to business and gave him a strong foundation in corporate strategy and operational excellence.

    Transforming Wakanow

    Bayo joined Wakanow in 2019 as Chief Commercial Officer and later became Group CEO. At the time, the company was facing significant challenges, from debt and unpaid salaries to declining performance.

    He quickly introduced a new structure built on discipline, transparency, and innovation. By the end of 2019, Wakanow had recorded its first monthly profit in years.
    During the pandemic, while many businesses struggled, Bayo led a complete systems rebuild — strengthening the company’s technology and operations.

    By 2021, Wakanow had achieved over 150% revenue growth, expanded across West Africa, and established a presence in the UK, US, and Dubai. Under his leadership, the company launched innovative services such as “Pay Small Small”, chat-based booking options, and a hybrid physical and digital service model, making travel easier and more accessible to customers.

    His efforts have attracted multiple partnerships and awards, positioning Wakanow as one of Africa’s most trusted travel brands.

    Beyond Travel: Building a Lifestyle Brand

    Outside the travel sector, Bayo has invested heavily in hospitality and entertainment.
    He is the founder of Wave Beach, Athena Beach, Kyma Beach, and several other lifestyle and business ventures that have transformed Nigeria’s leisure and tourism scene. These establishments have become top destinations for relaxation, recreation, and premium entertainment experiences.

    He has also partnered with filmmaker Samuel “BigSam” Olatunji to create BigLion Pictures, a new entertainment venture focused on producing authentic African stories and promoting local talent through film and digital media.

    Leadership Philosophy

    Bayo’s philosophy is anchored on his belief that:

    “Only Africans can build Africa.”

    He is passionate about using his global experience to solve local challenges and believes in empowering people, building strong teams, and creating sustainable businesses that inspire growth.

    Through his leadership, he continues to prove that with vision, structure, and determination, African companies can compete successfully on the world economy stage.

  • Madonna University Alumni President Charges Students to Prioritise Skill Development at Career Day 2025

    Madonna University Alumni President Charges Students to Prioritise Skill Development at Career Day 2025

    President of the Madonna University Alumni Association, Chuka Nwachukwu, has urged students to look beyond academic excellence and embrace skill acquisition as a vital tool for navigating the realities of today’s fast-evolving global economy.
    Mr. Nwachukwu made this call while delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker at the 2025 Madonna University Career Day, held recently at the university’s main campus in Elele.

    Speaking on the theme, “Navigating the Future: Preparing for Careers in a Dynamic Global Economy,” he emphasised the changing nature of the job market, where employers now place increasing value on adaptability, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving.

    “Today’s world demands more than paper qualifications; it demands a positive mindset, relevance, and readiness,” he said.
    Reflecting on his post-graduation journey, the Alumni President encouraged students to take responsibility for their career paths early by acquiring both technical and soft skills. He urged them to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, seek internships, complete digital certifications, and embrace learning beyond the classroom.

    “In Nigeria, many lose opportunities not for lack of talent, but because of attitude. Think of yourself as a brand; what do you represent? What value do you offer? Your certificate might get you into the room, but it’s your skills that will keep you there,” he added.

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    The Career Day also featured an address by Chima Achu, former National President of the Alumni Association, who encouraged students to maintain personal integrity, pursue excellence, and adopt lifelong learning as a strategy for personal and professional growth.

    In a show of commitment to the university’s development, the Madonna University Alumni Association, under Mr. Nwachukwu’s leadership, announced a significant donation toward the construction of an ultramodern ICT Centre on campus. He further disclosed plans to establish an Alumni Endowment Fund to mobilise long-term resources for this and other future-focused projects.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Casmir Anyanwu, in his response, praised the Association for its forward-thinking support and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to producing globally competitive graduates equipped with the skills, values, and resilience required to thrive in the 21st century.

    As part of his administration’s agenda, Mr. Nwachukwu reiterated his commitment to strengthening alumni engagement, deepening collaboration with the university, and ensuring that the Alumni Association plays a visible and strategic role in the development of the institution and its graduates.
    “We are committed to building a vibrant alumni network that is active, empowered, and impactful, one that supports not only the university but also uplifts fellow alumni and creates opportunities for current students.”

    The 2025 Madonna University Career Day concluded with networking sessions, and a renewed connection between students and the growing alumni community.

  • University alumni chief advocates fiscal reforms

    University alumni chief advocates fiscal reforms

    President of Madonna University Alumni Association, Peter Nwachukwu, has called for transformative fiscal reforms to propel Nigeria’s economic growth, enhance security, and foster development.

    He spoke at the Peace Achievers Awards in Abuja, where he received Special Recognition honour in Financial Management and honorary doctorate in Leadership and Financial Management from American Management University.

    Nwachukwu noted the need to diversify revenue streams and reduce dependence on oil.

    “Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio of 9.4 per cent  is one of the lowest globally. This untapped potential can drive development, curb borrowing, and ease inflationary pressures,” he said.

    He advocated empowering states to harness their resources, thereby fostering fiscal autonomy and economic innovation.

    Nwachukwu linked national security to economic stability, emphasising how insecurity disrupts agriculture, weakens investment, and fuels inflation.

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    “Fiscal reforms must address root causes like unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Creating employment and empowering marginalised communities can reduce social tensions and foster stability,” he said.

    He underscored importance of aligning fiscal and monetary policies to ensure growth.

     “Stable interest rates, inflation control, and credit facilities for agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and others are vital. Effective collaboration between fiscal authorities and Central Bank is key to maintaining price stability and a predictable exchange rate,” Nwachukwu stated.

    He  urged stakeholders to embrace bold, innovative reforms.

    “The solutions to our challenges lie in strengthening fiscal federalism, prioritising human and infrastructural development, and driving inclusive prosperity,” he added.

  • It’s only in Madonna university that girls graduate as virgins, founder claims

    It’s only in Madonna university that girls graduate as virgins, founder claims

    The founder of Madonna University, Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Edeh, has claimed that girls at the institution graduate as virgins.

    Edeh’s claim sparked a flurry of reactions from social media users.

    He spoke during a speech on the university’s rules on Wednesday, March 20.

    In the now-viral video shared by Channels Television on Wednesday, Edeh boasted that many persons abroad looking for virgins to marry come to Madonna University because they know that’s where they find them.

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    He said: “It is only in this university that is clearly maintained that girls who have entered the university as virgins graduate as virgins. You can enter our university as virgins and graduate as virgins

    “Tell me any other university in the whole world that can maintain this. That is why people from London, America, England, Germany, when you meet them, they will say Father, we want to marry a girl who is a virgin. And they don’t tend to get that until they come to Madonna University. “

    Speaking on the high degree of morals and discipline in which the school operates, Edeh also said students who do not meet the 85 percent attendance are not allowed to sit for examinations, and lecturers who fail to meet 100 percent attendance are sanctioned.

    He also said all the students of the school live on their campuses as they are not allowed to live off-campus for effective monitoring, adding that the school does not discriminate in its admission procedures.

    “Although we have students from all walks of life across the religious and social lines. So, we don’t discriminate, we give all…we follow our Catholic methods. Madonna University is unique in its following way – high morals and discipline. Madonna is known for its high morals and discipline thus in academics,” Edeh said.