The Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria and Lagos Business School have signed an MoU to enhance governance standards nationwide.

President of CIoD, Adetunji Oyebanji, said in Lagos on Monday that the partnership would advance ethical leadership and board effectiveness.

He described the agreement as a strategic commitment to collaboration in director education, research, advocacy, and membership development.

Mr Oyebanji noted that the MoU aligns with CIoD’s mandate to promote corporate governance, ethical leadership, and board excellence across all sectors.

He called the deal a major milestone under his ICE Agenda, focused on innovation, collaboration, and engagement.

According to him, the partnership supports capacity-building programmes in leadership, strategy, risk management, sustainability, AI, integrated reporting, talent management, and corporate governance.

“Boards today face complex and evolving responsibilities. This partnership reinforces our commitment to continuous learning and forward-looking board practice,” Mr Oyebanji said.

He added that the MoU includes joint research, baseline studies, and thought-leadership publications on governance, business ethics, sustainability, and ESG issues.

Mr Oyebanji said the collaboration would strengthen evidence-based decision-making and raise governance standards across industries.

He emphasised the agreement’s focus on integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

“Its provisions address anti-corruption obligations, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and responsible communication. Competence without character is insufficient for effective directorship,” he stated.

LBS director of research, Okechukwu Amah, said the MoU was grounded in research to support sound board appointments and practices.

Mr Amah added that the partnership would foster intellectually robust and evidence-based governance decisions.

Dean of LBS, Olayinka David-West, called for greater inclusivity in boards, highlighting gender, ethnic, and intergenerational diversity as drivers of stronger governance outcomes.

She said the collaboration would extend beyond the private sector to build leadership capacity in public institutions, noting that national development relies on strong governance.

(NAN)