Doctoral Candidate
Nationality: Nigerian
Highest Academic Degree: MSc, Business and Management Research (2017)
Institution / University: Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK
Professional Career
Pius is an adept ex-journalist-turned-public relations, management and futuristic sustainability leadership practitioner-researcher with 27 years’ experience in journalism, management and public relations practice, across Nigeria’s private and public sectors.
Passionate about continuous professional development, Pius earned three Master’s degrees from three universities in England in six years. These are: Master of Science in Business and Management Research from Henley Business School at University of Reading (2017); Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria (2014) as well as Master of Arts in Leading Innovation and Change from York St John University (2013). He got a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Management from the University of Calabar, Nigeria in 1991.
He began his working career in 1991 as a Management Assistant. Two years later, he veered into Journalism as a Researcher/Reporter at Nigeria’s THISDAY newspaper. Pius worked on the Business, Energy and Politics desks in several newspapers, and eventually became Associate Editor of Leadership newspaper. While in journalism, Pius collaborated successfully with other journalists- veterans and greenhorns- as a member of the pioneer teams that established two thriving national newspapers in Nigeria: THISDAY and LEADERSHIP.
Since joining the public service 2004, he has risen from the position of Senior Manager to Assistant Director at the Niger Delta Development Commission, an organization set up by an Act of the Nigerian parliament to facilitate the sustainable development of the country’s Niger Delta region.
Research Interest
His research interests lie at the intersection of leadership, sustainability, innovation and change as well as strategy implementation. He is fascinated by collaboration and constructive engagement for change as well as by questions around how to work with top executives to advance corporate sustainability performance for the good of all.
Research Specialty
Sustainability leadership and strategy implementation for corporate sustainability performance advancement.
Statement of Motivation for a DBA
I am pursuing the DBA, to further develop myself, for three reasons. One, I believe that with a DBA, I will be equipped to render more useful services to my present employer, other organizations I may have cause to serve in future and humanity at large. Two: to acquire the knowledge and skills that will put me in a better position to contribute to the advancement of the knowledge and practice of Management, Sustainability Leadership and Change Management. Three: the DBA will enable me pursue a post-retirement career in academia and consultancy. In effect, I am interested in doing a DBA because the studies will enhance my prospects for advancement and growth as well as prepare me for other careers in future.
I opted for the BSL DBA because it is a perfect fit for my doctoral research interest in sustainability leadership. Moreover, I find the BSL DBA very interesting because of its collaborative approach to sustainability research and its very useful linkages to a global network of applied sustainability scholars. My dream is to be one of the foremost professionals supporting and working with C-Suite executives in Nigeria and other African countries to advance corporate sustainability performance. I am convinced that my collaboration with students, doctoral candidates, eminent scholars at Business School Lausanne and its affiliates will put me in the best position to realize this dream.
