For impact building a sustainable ecosystem where thousands of young Nigerians are empowered, Madonna University, Nigeria, is set to confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration on the Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, fondly known as Bayo Lion.
The announcement was made during an official visit to Wakanow’s headquarters in Lagos, where a delegation from the university presented Adedeji with an official letter of conferment. The honorary doctorate ceremony is scheduled to hold later this year.
According to the university’s management, this recognition is particularly significant because it is the first of its kind in over ten years. Only two individuals have been selected for the distinction this year, with Bayo Lion leading the list. The representatives described the honour as a celebration of “excellence, innovation, and leadership that inspires national and continental growth.”
Speaking during the presentation, the university delegation led by Madonna University Administrator, Fr. Cyriacus Emedolu, commended Adedeji’s role in reshaping the travel and tourism industry in Africa through strategic leadership and technology-driven solutions. “This award is not about money, but about impact. Mr. Adedeji has created over 2,000 jobs, empowered young professionals, and built a sustainable ecosystem that reflects the power of vision and determination.”
Under Adedeji’s leadership, Wakanow has evolved from a struggling enterprise into a profitable, multi-national company operating across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, the UK, the US, and Dubai. Since joining the company in 2019, first as Chief Commercial Officer and later as Group CEO, he has implemented transformative reforms built on discipline, innovation, and transparency.
Within months, Wakanow recorded its first monthly profit in years, marking the beginning of a turnaround story that has positioned the brand as one of Africa’s most trusted names in travel. During the pandemic, Adedeji spearheaded a complete digital and operational overhaul that enabled the company to remain resilient while expanding its reach. By 2021, Wakanow achieved over 150 percent revenue growth, driven by innovations such as the “Pay Small Small” installment payment plan and a hybrid booking system that blends online convenience with personalised physical service.
Reacting to the honour, Adedeji expressed deep gratitude to Madonna University for what he described as a humbling recognition of his work and legacy. “This honour reminds me that hard work and consistency truly speak for themselves. I’m grateful to Madonna University for this recognition, it’s a push to do even more, not just for the travel industry, but for African enterprise as a whole.”
Beyond the travel and tourism sector, Adedeji has expanded his influence through investments in hospitality and entertainment, founding ventures such as Wave Beach, Athena Beach, and Kyma Beach all of which have become major players in Nigeria’s leisure and tourism space. He also co-founded BigLion Pictures, a film production company aimed at amplifying authentic African stories and promoting local creative talent.
Adedeji’s leadership philosophy remains rooted in his conviction that “Only Africans can build Africa.” Drawing from his global experience including executive roles at Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart, he continues to advocate for homegrown solutions to Africa’s economic challenges.
With this honorary doctorate, Bayo Lion joins an exclusive circle of high-achieving professionals whose visionary leadership and enduring impact have earned them one of academia’s most prestigious recognitions.
