The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Business School is set to convene a high-level three-day workshop from 2–4 September 2026, focusing on strategies for advancing sustainable economic transformation in Nigeria through innovative governance, strategic leadership, and institutional reform.

The workshop, themed “Advancing Sustainable Economic Transformation: A Look at Innovative Governance and Strategic Leadership,” will bring together scholars, policymakers, business leaders, development practitioners, and other key stakeholders to examine practical and evidence-based pathways towards building a more resilient, diversified, innovative, and inclusive Nigerian economy.

The programme comes at a critical time of rapid technological advancement, mounting environmental pressures, evolving global trade dynamics, and increasing calls for structural reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

Discussions will focus on key issues including economic diversification, institutional strengthening, innovation-led growth, human capital development, financial-sector deepening, and the role of effective leadership and governance in delivering sustainable development.

According to the organisers, the theme reflects the urgent need to move beyond policy rhetoric towards actionable strategies capable of unlocking sustainable prosperity across sectors and regions.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Dakuku Peterside, a turnaround management expert, leadership strategist, and public policy professional. Drawing on his extensive experience in public service and corporate transformation, Dr Peterside will examine the forces shaping economic prosperity and highlight critical pillars for achieving sustainable economic transformation.

His presentation will also explore innovative approaches to governance and leadership, with particular attention to frameworks for bridging governance and strategic leadership in delivering sustainable economic development, business process re-engineering, strategic institutional reform, and scalable models for driving economic and organisational impact.

Also featured at the workshop is Professor Uche Uwaleke, Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market, who will address the critical role of investment, investment frameworks, and financial-sector deepening in financing sustainable economic transformation.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Chike Princewill Chike, will serve as the Chief Host.

Other speakers include Dr Victor Ugbem Oboh, Director of Monetary Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria; Professor Chidiebere Ugwu, Dean, Faculty of Computing, University of Port Harcourt; Dr Femi Oriyomi of Top Professional Solutions Inc.; and Dr Iyalla Harry of ICB Strategy Partners.

Other distinguished speakers and participants drawn from academia, industry, government, and the development sector are also expected to share insights, case studies, and policy recommendations on innovation ecosystems, regulatory reform, investment, institutional effectiveness, and inclusive growth.

The three-day programme will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and interactive working groups, providing participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, interrogate emerging challenges, and develop practical recommendations for government, businesses, development partners, and other stakeholders.

By bringing together research, policy, leadership, and business practice on a common platform, the UNIPORT Business School workshop seeks to foster a stronger coalition of stakeholders committed to building a more productive, innovative, resilient, and inclusive Nigerian economy.

The organisers, in a statement signed by Professor Omiete Olulu-Briggs, said the event is expected to generate actionable ideas and strategic recommendations capable of contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation and sustainable prosperity.

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