AFRICA Briefing Contributing Editor Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola has made history as the recipient of the inaugural Distinguished Service Award from the Institute for Enterprise Management and Analytics (IEMA) in Nigeria. The award was presented at a gala event held on Thursday in Lekki Peninsula II, Lagos.
The honour celebrates Professor Ademola’s exceptional contributions to the growth of IEMA, his innovative research in cybersecurity and information management, and his commitment to advancing academic excellence. As the first Nigerian Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management and the first African-descended Chartered Manager, Ademola has set benchmarks for achievement in academia and industry alike.
In his acceptance speech, he credited colleagues, mentors, and students for their unwavering support throughout his career. “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and education in driving innovation. I am dedicated to fostering excellence for future generations of scholars and professionals,” he said.
The event drew academics, industry leaders, and members of the press, all eager to honour Ademola’s extensive contributions. His leadership extends beyond IEMA as Chairman and includes spearheading Nigeria’s first University of Professional Studies and leading the Professor Ademola Ojo Emmanuel Foundation.
Dr Raymond Smith, Director General of IEMA, praised Ademola’s impact, stating, ‘His vision has shaped the trajectory of enterprise management and analytics, not just in Nigeria but globally.’
The IEMA Distinguished Service Award serves as a testament to Professor Ademola’s role as a trailblazer in education and innovation, reinforcing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and professional growth.