1. Advisory Board

The Advisory Board provides visionary counsel and external perspectives that shape ABS’s long‐term strategy, industry engagement, and institutional reputation. Chaired by Prof. S.A.S. Aruwa, an internationally recognized scholar and seasoned corporate director, the Board convenes quarterly to:

• Validate Strategic Priorities
  Review and endorse ABS’s strategic plan, including new program launches, international partnerships, and research initiatives.
• Advise on Market Trends
  Assess emerging trends in business education—such as digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership—and recommend curricular or operational adjustments.
• Facilitate Stakeholder Connections
  Leverage Board members’ networks in government, industry, and philanthropy to secure funding, forge corporate partnerships, and promote ABS’s brand globally.
• Ensure Governance & Compliance
  Monitor adherence to regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and best practices in higher education governance.

Prof. Aruwa’s tenure as Chair ensures that ABS remains at the forefront of thought leadership, drawing on his extensive experience as a university professor, policy advisor, and board member of several multinational firms.

2. Management Team

The Management Team handles ABS’s day‐to‐day operations, translates strategy into action, and maintains financial and administrative stewardship. This executive group meets weekly under the leadership of the Executive Director to coordinate across academic, administrative, and financial units.

Executive Director – Dr. Halidu Ibrahim Saidu

Dr. Benjamin provides overall leadership for ABS’s academic and business functions. His responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Implementation: Translating Advisory Board directives into actionable plans, tracking progress against institutional goals, and reporting performance metrics.
2. External Relations: Building relationships with regulators (e.g., NUC, professional bodies), accrediting agencies, alumni, and donors.

• Innovation & Growth: Identifying opportunities to expand ABS’s program portfolio, including new specializations, delivery modes (online, hybrid), and executive education offerings.

Director Academic Affairs & Administration – Dr. Stephine N. Sende,
Dr. Sende ensures academic quality and regulatory compliance across all programs. Her portfolio includes:

1. Curriculum Oversight: Leading program design, periodic review, and quality assurance processes for doctoral, master’s, and professional offerings.
2. Faculty Development: Recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty members; coordinating research grants; and facilitating teaching excellence workshops.

• Academic Administration: Managing timetabling, examination schedules, accreditation documentation, and student academic appeals.

Director of Finance – Sadiya Almustapha,
Ms. Almustapha oversees ABS’s financial health and resource optimization. Key functions include:

1. Budgeting & Forecasting: Developing annual budgets aligned with strategic priorities and projecting revenue streams (tuition, grants, consulting).
2. Financial Controls: Implementing robust accounting systems, internal audits, and compliance with public sector and university financial regulations.

• Revenue Diversification: Advising on new revenue-generating initiatives—such as corporate training, sponsored research, and alumni fundraising campaigns.

Together, this Management Team ensures that ABS operates efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with its mission to deliver transformative business education.

3. ABS Academic Board

The Academic Board holds ultimate responsibility for academic standards, research integrity, and the continuous enhancement of teaching and learning across all ABS programs. Chaired by Dr. Halidu Ibrahim Saidu, the Board comprises:

• Examination Officer
  Oversees all aspects of assessment administration, from invigilation protocols to grade verifications and appeal resolutions.
• Directors and Coordinators of Centres
  Representing specialized academic units (e.g., Centre for Financial Intelligence; Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability), they contribute insights on emerging industry demands, research collaborations, and pedagogical innovations.

The Academic Board convenes monthly to:

1. Recommend New Programs & Courses
   Review detailed proposals—including market analyses, learning outcomes, and resourcing—for new degree concentrations, certificate courses, or executive workshops.
2. Monitor Academic Quality
   Examine key performance indicators such as completion rates, student satisfaction surveys, and external accreditation feedback; mandate corrective actions where needed.
3. Steer Research Agenda
   Set priorities for faculty research initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and doctoral dissertation themes; oversee the journal‐article publication model integral to the DBA program.
4. Safeguard Academic Integrity
   Establish and enforce policies on plagiarism, research ethics, examination malpractice, and appeals; ensure that all faculty and students adhere to the ABS Code of Conduct.

Under Dr. Halliru Saidu’s leadership, the Academic Board ensures that ABS’s programs remain rigorous, industry‐relevant, and globally competitive.

Interactions & Accountability

These three governance bodies—Advisory Board, Management Team, and Academic Board—operate in a consultative and integrated manner:

• Annual Strategy Summit: All three bodies meet jointly to review institutional performance, align on upcoming priorities, and agree on high‐impact initiatives (e.g., launching a new Centre of Excellence).
• Reporting Lines: The Executive Director reports to the Vice-Chancellor on operational metrics while he gets guidance from the Advisory Board. The Academic Board reports on academic outcomes. The Director of Finance provides consolidated financial reports to both bodies.

Commitment to Excellence

Through this tripartite governance framework, ABS safeguards the highest standards of academic quality, operational robustness, and strategic foresight. Our Advisory Board infuses global best practices; our Management Team drives efficient execution; and our Academic Board ensures scholarly rigor. Together, they empower ABS to fulfill its vision of becoming the leading African business school recognized for innovation, impact, and the development of tomorrow’s business leaders.