LAGOS — More than 400 business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and alumni are expected to converge in Lagos State on October 22 for the 2026 International Alumni Conference of Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association (PAUAA), with a focus on leveraging professional networks to drive innovation, enterprise and economic growth.
The conference, themed “The Advantage: Connecting People, Ideas and Opportunities,” will hold at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the organisers, the event is designed to transform alumni networks from platforms for reunions into productive communities capable of building businesses, scaling enterprises and creating lasting economic value.
Distinguished guests expected at the conference include the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Cables, Engr. George Olutope Onafowokan; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of West African Exploration and Production Company (WEPC), part of the Dangote Group, and President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Mrs Olajumoke Cecilia Ajaye; and the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo.
Speaking ahead of the event, President of PAUAA, Dr Onyebuchi Odianjo, said the conference would harness the collective strength of the university’s alumni community to create opportunities for individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
She said the initiative would go beyond conventional networking to promote meaningful engagement, partnerships and practical collaborations that support individual success and contribute to the growth of Nigerian businesses.
The full-day event will feature two plenary panel discussions addressing enterprise development and alternative pathways to professional and personal fulfilment.
The first session, titled “Built to Scale,” will examine the strategies, challenges and decisions involved in transforming business ideas and entrepreneurial ventures into sustainable enterprises. Discussions will focus on business growth, innovation, leadership and building organisations capable of enduring.
The second session, “Beyond the Classroom: Alumni Who Redefined Success,” will explore how alumni have challenged conventional definitions of achievement, navigated career transitions and pursued alternative paths to professional fulfilment and impact.
The first panel will feature Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Peter Bamkole; Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Seamless Technologies, Mr Deji Lana; broadcaster and media and communications professional, Mrs Titilayo Oyinsan; Mrs Temi Salami, popularly known as Global Temi; and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern Oil and Gas, Engr. (Mrs.) Elozino Olaniyan. Mr Eyo O. Eyo will moderate the session.
The second panel will feature Director of Commercial and Communications at News Central TV, Mrs Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan; Public Relations Manager at MTN Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Lakinbofa; content creator, digital educator and Co-Founder of Crea8torium, Mr Salem King; and award-winning event host, television presenter, actress, model and strategic communications consultant, Mojibade Show. Mrs Onyinyechi Aderibigbe will moderate the discussion.
Ms Jemimah Ugiagbe will serve as the compere and master of ceremonies.
Other activities lined up for the conference include a keynote address, interactive question-and-answer sessions, alumni recognition and networking opportunities designed to strengthen professional relationships and facilitate collaborations among alumni, industry leaders and other stakeholders.
The conference is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. and conclude with a networking cocktail.
The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association is the official alumni body of Pan-Atlantic University, committed to fostering lifelong engagement among graduates and creating opportunities for leadership, innovation and enterprise.
