Mission, History and Overview of Pan-Atlantic University

Nuelson Penuel Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Education

Founded in 2002, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is a private, non-profit institution located in Lagos, Nigeria. Born out of the Lagos Business School (LBS), PAU has grown into a fully accredited university driven by the vision of "Building the Nation through Knowledge." From its inception, the institution has placed strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and academic rigor. Today, Pan-Atlantic University encompasses the Lagos Business School, the School of Media and Communication, and several postgraduate programmes, cultivating professionals capable of driving positive change across Africa.

Its dynamic curriculum, industry partnerships, and commitment to innovation continue to attract students across disciplines—be it business, media, or social sciences. PAU is celebrated not only for its scholarly output but also for producing graduates who are entrepreneurial, morally grounded, and socially aware.

##Motto
The university’s guiding motto is "Building the Nation through Knowledge." This phrase encapsulates PAU’s commitment to developing graduates who contribute meaningfully to nation-building through skill, ethical integrity, and thought leadership.

##Founder
Pan-Atlantic University emerged from the Lagos Business School (LBS), which was established earlier as a pioneer business school in the region. PAU’s evolution into a full-fledged university was underpinned by visionary leadership—though not attributed to a single individual, its roots lie in the leadership of the school and its early deans, such as Professor Albert Alos and Professor Juan Elegido. PAU later rebranded from “Pan-African University” to “Pan-Atlantic University” around 2013 to reflect its broadened global outlook and mission.

##History
Pan-Atlantic University traces its origins to Lagos Business School (LBS), launched in the early 2000s as Nigeria’s leading business school. By 2002, the vision had expanded to establish Pan-Atlantic University as a formal academic institution. Over time, PAU embraced broader academic disciplines beyond business education, offering postgraduate degrees in media, communication, management, and more.

In 2013, the university officially adopted its current name, Pan-Atlantic University, marking a strategic shift to emphasize global relevance and regional impact in education. Since then, PAU has maintained global accreditations, boasting recognitions such as AACSB and AMBA for the Lagos Business School's programmes.

Through steady expansion and academic diversification, PAU has become influential both within Nigeria and across Africa, emerging as a center for leadership, ethical education, and entrepreneurial thought.

##Official Website
The official website of Pan-Atlantic University—www.pau.edu.ng—serves as the primary portal for detailed information on admissions, academic programmes, faculty, research centres, and institutional news.

##Chancellor
Information specific to the Chancellor is not readily available from current public sources. Leadership in daily operations and strategic direction is primarily overseen by the Vice-Chancellor and the governance structures established by the University's Board and Lagos Business School origins.

##Vice Chancellor
As of recent updates, Professor Enase Okonedo serves as Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University. Formerly the Dean of Lagos Business School, she brings extensive experience in executive education and holds international recognition for her leadership in management training and institutional growth.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Pan-Atlantic University’s Lagos Business School holds prestigious international accreditations:

AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) – making it among the less than 5% of global business schools recognized by the body.

AMBA (Association of MBAs) accreditation for its MBA programmes.

These recognitions affirm PAU's commitment to globally recognized quality standards in business education.

##Academic Structure and Facilities
Pan-Atlantic University functions through a structured academic framework that includes:

Lagos Business School (LBS) – Offers executive and postgraduate business education and has its own campus and lecture facilities.

School of Media and Communication – Educates media professionals in journalism, communication, and related disciplines.

Postgraduate Programmes – Broad-spectrum applied and professional postgraduate degrees across management, economics, and social fields.

Research and Training Centres – Includes global-ranking executive education and sustainability centres within the LBS ecosystem.

E-learning and Digital Resources – The university supports modern teaching tools across faculties.

Campus Facilities – Lecture theatres, syndicate rooms, faculty offices, and collaborative learning spaces, especially within the MBA building that houses LBS.

##Campus Life and Facilities
Students and executives at PAU benefit from a modern campus culture that merges reflective learning with professional development. The environment features well-equipped lecture halls, networking and meeting spaces, and amenities linked to its Lagos Business School heritage. Executive education participants can take advantage of high-end professional development workshops and industry-led seminars.

##Notable Alumni
Pan-Atlantic University has produced a network of accomplished alumni across various sectors, including business, governance, arts, and public service. Some of the prominent figures include:

Yomi Owope – Media professional and academic.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Governor of Lagos State.

Ibukun Awosika – Former Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

Seyi Makinde – Governor of Oyo State.

Femi Adesina – Former President's Spokesperson and media consultant.

Ubong King – Social entrepreneur and co-founder of initiatives like Vintage Africa Group.

Gbenga Daniel – Former Governor of Ogun State.

Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi – Media personality, broadcaster.

Femi Jacobs – Actor.

Kemi Lala Akindoju – Actress and media content creator.

Ibidunni Ighodalo – Philanthropist, corporate events manager.

Olalekan Olude – Entrepreneur and community development advocate.