Docenti Global Business School’s Prof. Humphrey Akanazu Shares How International Education Model Transformed Nigeria’s Academic Landscape, Promotes Economic Development

…emphasized the benefits of a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Investment Forum

Lagos, Nigeria — August 15, 2025- The Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School who was a founding partner of the Rome Business School in Nigeria, Associate Prof Humphrey Akanazu, has said that adopting framework for international business education in Nigeria was one way to significantly improve quality of manpower development that has helped to develop the Nigerian economy through quality global training.

While speaking ahead of this year’s Nigeria Investment Forum, Professor Humphrey Akanazu recounted his journey of introducing an innovative international education model into Nigeria. This move has reshaped access to quality learning for professionals and entrepreneurs, allowing them to stay in their own country.

Reflecting on his participation as a speaker at last year’s Nigeria Investment Forum, Professor Akanazu said the event had been an important platform for exchanging ideas, but his passion for education stems from a lifelong commitment shaped by his family background and international academic experience.

He explained how, between 2011 and 2016, he observed a major challenge in Nigeria’s education sector, which includes the costly pursuit of foreign certificates that forced professionals to leave their jobs, spend tens of thousands of dollars abroad, and often start over upon their return.

“I realized there was a huge untapped opportunity, offering Nigerians the same quality of foreign education and certificates without them having to leave their jobs or families,” he said.

To turn his vision into reality, Professor Akanazu conducted a competitive analysis that confirmed the profitability and viability of this model in Nigeria. Leveraging his strong network in Italy, including his former professor and friend, Antonio Ragusa, he co-founded Rome Business School Nigeria in 2017, serving as Pioneer Country Director.

He noted that the early days brought skepticism, as many Nigerians were more familiar with institutions from the UK, USA, or Canada. “People didn’t know what to make of an Italian business school in Nigeria. But we kept engaging the media and showcasing our value proposition until people embraced the Roman culture and Italian approach to education,” Akanazu recalled.

Rome Business School Nigeria soon became a hub for practical, real-life case study learning. While the curriculum retained its international foundation, it was adapted to reflect Nigeria’s economic realities, making it highly relevant for local professionals and entrepreneurs.
During his time at Rome Business School Nigeria, he paved the way for his next venture, the Docenti Global Business School, where he is presently as co-founder and Pioneer Executive Principal.

Professor Akanazu noted that his principles underscore the power of blending global standards with local realities by “creating opportunities for Nigerians to earn world-class qualifications without leaving home.”, he emphasized that this move will redefine the country’s education landscape and enhance its appeal to foreign investors.

“The education sector is not just about learning, it’s about creating pathways for people to grow without losing their roots or their livelihoods,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Investment Forum is an annual event, and each edition aims to drive home the message that investing in Nigeria is the way forward for economic growth and stability. To create a strategic platform where industry leaders, government stakeholders, and investors can explore Nigeria’s robust business climate, understand regulatory frameworks, and unlock high-impact investment opportunities.

Docenti Global Business School has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Investment Forum to drive a transformative movement aimed at fostering economic growth and social impact. This collaboration is not only designed to support the broader movement for national development but also to significantly advance Nigeria’s education and business sectors.

By leveraging shared resources, expertise, and networks, both Docenti Global Business School and Nigeria Investment Forum aim to empower entrepreneurs, equip professionals with world-class skills, and create opportunities that stimulate innovation, attract investment, and build a more competitive economy.

The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Investment Forum is scheduled to hold in December and will feature the Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School, Professor Humphrey Akanazu, as one of the top speakers and panelists.

About Docenti Global Business School

Docenti Global Business School is a business school that partners with a global community of highly rated international business schools and Universities, combining essential high business values and latest technologies to deliver quality professional and executive education to the global community. Located in Opebi, Ikeja in Lagos, the institution provides avant-garde educational services using industry-specific knowledge by engaging local and international accomplished professionals in various sectors of the economy to facilitate classes, career tutelage, and counseling.