Professor and economist Enase Okonedo has dedicated her life to educating Africa’s future leaders, with a special focus on women’s education. Her career has been recognized with the 2025 Harambee Award for the Advancement and Equality of African Women, which recognizes her tireless work in favor of female leadership on the continent.

Academic Career and Leadership

Born in Benin City, southern Nigeria, Enase Okonedo grew up in a home where her father fostered confidence and a desire to excel in his daughters. This inspiration led her to become the first female dean of the Lagos Business School (LBS) and, later, the first female vice-chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, one of the most prestigious in Nigeria.

During her leadership as Dean of LBS (2009-2020), the institution obtained international accreditation and was recognized by the Financial Times as one of the best business schools in Africa. Her work has been marked by promoting literacy and the drive for reading culture through the AIFA Reading Society.

Commitment to Education and Development

Throughout her career, Okonedo has promoted initiatives to ensure the education and professional development of women. Her commitment is reflected in the creation of the Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics and the Centre for Competitiveness and Strategy in 2013.

• Centre for Leadership and Ethics: Its mission is to train responsible leaders with strong values, capable of applying their knowledge for the benefit of society. It organizes workshops and conferences to foster ethical and committed leadership.
• Centre for Competitiveness and Strategy: It seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Lagos and position it as an attractive destination for companies. Its research contributes to the formulation of government policies for economic and social development.

Social Impact and Future of African Women

The 2025 Harambee Prize will fund training projects for women in the rural community of Iloti. Before the implementation of these programs, many young women faced high levels of unemployment and vulnerability. Now, thanks to this initiative, they can receive professional training, access the labor market and improve their quality of life.

“I want my students to reach their full potential and thus be able to contribute to nation building,” says Okonedo, reaffirming her commitment to education and the empowerment of women in Africa.

For more information on the Harambee Prize and its initiatives, visit www.harambee.es.