The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Prof. Enase Okonedo, and business leaders have urged alumni to use their professional networks, experience, and resources to build businesses, create opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

They made the call at the first international conference of the Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association 2026, held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, where speakers stressed that alumni networks should go beyond social connections to create partnerships, mentor young professionals, and support business growth.

Speaking at the conference, Okonedo said the university’s approximately 15,000 alumni from its business school and university could make a significant contribution to society if they worked together.

She said the university’s emphasis on knowledge, values, and responsible leadership aimed to produce graduates who could contribute to national development.

According to her, the university has grown from its beginnings in a living room in Victoria Island 34 years ago to operating across two campuses.

Meanwhile, its alumni have spread across different industries and professions.

The vice-chancellor added that such opportunities would only be realised if alumni engaged with one another, shared experiences and turned conversations into practical collaborations.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, urged Nigerians to embrace mentorship, integrity, discipline and patience as essential ingredients for building successful businesses and careers.

The President of the Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association, Dr Onyebuchi Odianjo, said the association was working to build a more connected and active alumni community that could provide professional support, strengthen industry relationships and create opportunities for students and graduates.

She said her experience at the university gave her practical knowledge and opportunities that helped her career, reinforcing her commitment to giving back to the institution.