Lagos State and Rome Business School Nigeria have partnered to launch a ₦500 million scholarship programme starting October 2025, aimed at providing postgraduate and executive education to 250 residents to boost public service capacity and youth development.
In a major initiative to foster human capital development, the Lagos State Government is partnering with Rome Business School Nigeria to launch a ₦500 million scholarship programme targeting postgraduate and executive education for up to 250 residents.
The scholarship scheme, proposed to kick off in October 2025, was unveiled during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the school’s founder and dean, Prof. Antonio Ragusa. The plan reflects a growing commitment to invest in talent development and professional training in both public and private sectors.
“This scholarship initiative is more than just financial support — it’s a gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and inclusive economic growth,” said Prof. Ragusa.
Programme Highlights
The proposed joint initiative will provide scholarships in three major categories:
- Executive Education Track: Designed for senior government officials to strengthen leadership and innovation in governance.
- Civil Service MBA Track: Offers full MBA scholarships to outstanding civil servants based on performance and merit.
- Public Access Track: Open to Lagos residents who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential, regardless of financial background.
With an estimated value of over ₦500 million, the programme will cover tuition fees, professional development resources, and academic mentorship.
Strategic Engagement and Education Diplomacy
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Olakunle Asunmo, General Manager of Rome Business School Nigeria, emphasized the institution’s drive to create global-class learning opportunities locally. He noted that the initiative aims to “bridge the gap between local talent and international standards.”
Present at the meeting were key government officials including:
- Hon. Tolani Sule, Commissioner for Tertiary Education
- Mrs. Bukola Odoe, Special Adviser on Legal and Public-Private Partnerships
- Mr. Kasali Waheed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education
A Presidential Endorsement from Abeokuta
Prior to the Lagos meeting, Prof. Ragusa also paid a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, where the duo discussed the critical role of education in Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
“We are driven by the belief that affordable, quality education must be accessible to all who seek to rise,” Ragusa noted.
Obasanjo, in turn, praised the institution’s efforts and encouraged more partners.