By Buertey Francis BORYOR
Dr. David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner at AB & David Law Africa, has called on the 2025 doctoral graduates of Nobel International Business University (NiBS), to make their knowledge useful by applying it to real problems around them.
Speaking at the university’s graduation ceremony held on June 28, 2025, in Accra, he said knowledge must be practical and reflect the real needs of people.
“You must solve African problems with African ideas. Knowledge must be practical and contextual, or it will only help you repeat the teachings of others without impact,” he said.
He told the Class of 2025 that becoming a doctor should not just be about titles but about transformation. He explained that many of the continent’s leaders fail because they apply foreign ideas that do not fit local conditions.
“Applying foreign solutions without understanding the local system will lead to failure,” he said.
According to him, true leadership comes from understanding and solving the problems around us.
Dr. Ofosu-Dorte, who is also an alumnus of NiBS, and the event’s special guest said transformation must begin now and not be pushed into the future.
He advised the graduates to be aware that their new roles would not shield them from the real challenges of life- like pressure from work, financial stress, and the responsibility to lead their families and communities.
He urged them to remain grounded, saying: “The problems you left before you came here today are still waiting for you. Your new title is not magic. It is just a tool.”
Also, he challenged the graduates to go beyond theory and use their education to multiply the impact of what they have learned.
“Real transformation is when you use knowledge to change your society and help others rise,” he said.
Furthermore, he encouraging the graduates to lead with courage and passion, saying the best time to lead is now.
“Transformation is not about tomorrow. It is about solving yesterday’s problems today and making them useful for the future,” he said.
The Chancellor of NiBS University, Dr. George Nana Agyekum Donkor, also addressed the graduates- praising them for their hard work. He urged them to lead the continent into the future with boldness and wisdom.
He said the university, which recently received its Presidential Charter in June 2024, is committed to shaping ethical and practical business leaders. Dr. Donkor explained that NiBS combines academic knowledge with industry experience, making sure students are well-prepared for the real world.
“Our mission is to develop leaders who think critically, act responsibly, and solve problems with creativity,” he said.
He reminded the Class of 2025 that their education is not just for personal gain but for the benefit of Africa.
“Africa’s rise will not come by accident. It will be led by people like you- men and women with purpose and vision,” he said.
Additionally, Donkor called on the graduates to build businesses that create jobs, promote innovation, and protect the vulnerable in society.
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder, President of the university, in his welcome address also noted that, NiBS will continue to lead in delivering world-class business education rooted in African development.
He told the graduates that their journey is just beginning and urged them to go into the world as thinkers, builders, and change-makers.
In all, 55 students graduated. Thirty received Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees and 25 received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The event was held under the theme “Leaders of Thought, Architects of Growth.”
Families, friends, faculty, and partners of the university gathered at the NiBS Campus in Accra to celebrate the milestone.
