Kemi Ajumobi 
Professor Olayinka David-West
Dean, Lagos Business School
Lagos Business School (LBS) is the graduate business school of Pan-Atlantic University. LBS was founded on inspiration from the teachings of St Josemaria Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei. They offer academic programmes, executive programmes, function-specific seminars, and custom executive programmes in management education that transform individuals, organisations, and business practices in Africa and beyond. They are the first business school in West Africa to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Sitting as the Dean is Professor Olayinka David-West.
I remember clearly when she was announced as the new Dean, there was a consensus evident in comments seen while being celebrated for the well-deserved feat. Also, while in America in 2024, I was going through a friend’s high level event brochure, and immediately I saw her in it, I said “ You made the right choice with this selection” and he affirmed her brilliance and competence. Who wouldn’t say such positive words about her? When she embodies the essence of a dynamic leader. Even at LBS, her visionary attitude is enriching the institution’s path. With an insightful proficiency at the convergence of management and cutting-edge technology, Prof. Yinka is an archetype of academic intelligence and novelty.
A consummate scholar, her research repertoires have greatly helped in knowledge sharing for those in need of it for their academic endeavours. Her incisive studies and tactical depth have inspired not only educational conversations, but also hands-on uses across different areas. The result of this has aided modeling commercial practices and policies appropriately, thereby providing agendas that companies can implement to flourish in a progressively digital setting.
Prof. Yinka is deep. She is very observant too. I will share why I said so. A few years ago, I was at a senior executives’ meeting where she spoke to us. Someone raised a matter regarding a gender issue. The crux of her response was “This is Kemi’s field and she is knowledgeable and experienced in this, she will guide you on how to do it.” However, what struck me was how she spoke about me. I was shocked because, prior to that, I had not met her or remembered ever having a one-on-one with her, but she spoke about me like someone who knew me beyond my professional work. I had to go to her after the meeting. She surely knew I was shocked and her response was “I know you Kemi, you were shocked right?” So when I say she is observant, trust me, she is.
Being the Dean at LBS is no mean feat. She has served as a faculty member, faculty director, academic director, associate dean and accreditation lead, propelling the school to attain international accreditations and global rankings. She certainly has paid her dues, so when honour came knocking, it met her at home.
She is Certified in Cyber Risk Governance, Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). She is a member of the Fintech Association of Nigeria and is widely regarded as an expert in financial inclusion and digital innovation. Professor David-West also mentors young women in STEM and has been recognised among the leading women in Nigeria’s financial technology industry.