Professor Edwin Agwu
London ,England
Summary
I have more than 25 years' experience of combined ACADEMIC leadership (Dean, Sub-Dean, Deputy Principal, Director, HOD) and senior management leadership roles in the INDUSTRY (Bank Manager, Compliance/Quality Assurance Director, Business Development Director, etc.) Academic Innovation: Led curriculum redesigns, quality assurance and standards, online learning integrations and programmatic accreditations and driving institutional rankings and enrolment growth. Financial Stewardship: Managed multi-departmental operating budgets, acquisition strategies, risk, compliance, governance and frameworks. Industry Networks: Cultivated strategic partnerships with global academic and diverse institutions, regulatory bodies, and corporate boards to enhance research funding and student placements. Exceptional mentor adept at bridging the gap between academic rigour and the business world And detailed experience of the UK Higher Education Regulatory Landscape including sound knowledge of the UK Quality Code - Office for Students, QAA, Ofsted; and all academic regulatory frameworks My approach primarily centres on bridging the gap between academia and industry
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Dean
UK Graduate College
London
01.2026 - Current
- Developed long-term academic and management plans to foster a culture of excellence in teaching and academic management
- Ensured high academic standards, monitored curriculum quality, and managed compliance with accreditation bodies, regulators, university partners, and other stakeholders
- Oversees faculty hiring, promotions, professional development, and performance evaluations
- Line management of 95 staff - i.e., Course Coordinators, Module leaders, lecturers and staff members
- Manages financial resources, allocates budgets, and ensures efficient operation of all departments
- Supported student admissions, academic advising, retention initiatives, and resolved student issues.
- Supervises and teaches strategy, sustainability, research methods, and entrepreneurship at all levels
Supervisor, PhD Thesis
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
11.2022 - Current
Programme Director for Business
Fairfield School of Business
London
02.2025 - 01.2026
- Provided oversight to ensure high standards in quality assurance, teaching excellence, and curriculum design.
- Maintained high-quality systems, procedures, and practices aligned with awarding body requirements and UK Quality Code for Higher Education principles, ensuring compliance and excellence
- Managed 36 staff, including course coordinators, module leaders, lecturers, and associates, to foster a collaborative and effective teaching environment
- Ensure all targets and key performance indicators are achieved on or before deadlines
- Supervised and taught strategy, sustainability, research methods, and entrepreneurship across all levels, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes
Director of Education and Partnerships
London College of Business Education
London
10.2021 - 02.2025
- Developed overarching strategies for collaboration and negotiated key relationships with partners
- Ensured partnerships achieved measurable results, contributing to organisational growth and profitability
- Identified and nurtured relationships with diverse stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and engagement
- Managed budgets and data to align programmes with organisational goals and maintain quality standards.
- Taught Management and Research methods courses to enhance student knowledge.
Supervisor WMG MSc Dissertations
University of Warwick
09.2010 - 06.2024
Professor of Strategic Management
Regent University College of Science and Technology
Accra
04.2018 - 12.2021
- Delivered extensive teachings in Strategic Management, International Business and Research Methodology (MSc & PhD), fostering critical thinking and analytical skills in students
- Supervised numerous postgraduate students to successful completion, guiding their research projects and enhancing academic rigor
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Supervised student dissertations and projects, field trips and placements to gain insight into workplace and impart job experience.
- Supervised student projects, facilitating progress and encouraging deeper learning through application.
Associate Dean
Fortune Educational Services
London, England
09.2020 - 10.2021
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to establish partnerships with affiliated institutions, enhancing business development and increasing student recruitment.
- Executed contracts and flexible teaching engagements while ensuring quality assurance and academic standards across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at various UK institutions.
- Managed 35 staff across management, accounting and IT units, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve departmental goals.
- Consultant to various educational institutions across the United Kingdom and Africa for flexible teaching, research, curriculum design, knowledge exchange and partnerships
Managing Director
Pace2Be Multiventures International Ltd
Lagos
02.2018 - 09.2020
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance service quality across multiple units
- Increased company revenue from zero to 15 million in year one and 40 million in year two
- Built successful business culture focused on performance optimisation and goal attainment.
- Developed successful strategies and policies, meeting organisational needs and implementing improvements.
- Kept organisation in compliance with regulations and internal requirements.
Associate Professor of Strategic Management
Lagos Business School
Lagos
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Designed and implemented world-class strategic management curriculum for Masters and PhD levels.
- Taught Research Methodology and Capstone Projects, guiding students to develop critical research skills and apply strategic concepts effectively.
- Delivered modules for MBA, executive, customs, and various short programmes, enhancing student engagement and knowledge application.
Director of CAPSTONE Project
Lagos Business School
Lagos, Lagos State
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Redesigned CAPSTONE project to extend duration from 3 to 6 months, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes
- Negotiated placements with organisations, securing valuable opportunities for MBA students and strengthening industry partnerships
- Developed and supervised staff by providing orientation, training, support and direction.
- Led team by example to align objectives with overall organisational strategy.
- Managed client relationships to boost retention and maximise revenue.
MBA Programme Director (Strategic Management) for Full Time, Executive, and Modula MBA Programmes
Lagos Business School
Lagos, Lagos State
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Orchestrated yearly curriculum design, allocated teaching slots, and invited industry guest speakers, including top executives, to enrich programme content
- Developed and implemented strategies that significantly improved student retention and completion rates
- Facilitated engaging learning experiences in all programmes using experiential pedagogy techniques to enhance student engagement
Director, Quality Assurance and Academic Standards
Covenant University
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Championed the successful accreditation of 50 programmes in the university
- Collaborated with 36 Heads of Departments and 15 academic units to improve Quality Assurance Standards across teaching and learning
- Coordinated with Deans and HODs to align University's portfolio of taught courses for balance, viability, and relevance while chairing various committees and working groups
- Analysed data, feedback, and workforce analytics to assess impacts and establish targets
Director, Curriculum Design and Development
Covenant University
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Oversaw quality assurance of curricula content across all programmes, ensuring alignment with educational goals.
- Enhanced department profile and reputation by creating curricula aligned with international standards, fostering global recognition.
- Developed and supervised staff by providing orientation, training, support and direction.
- Led team by example to align objectives with overall organisational strategy.
- Managed client relationships to boost retention and maximise revenue.
Associate Professor of Strategic Management
Covenant University
09.2013 - 07.2017
- Initiated, designed and executed Strategic Management curriculum for masters, PhD, and other postgraduate courses, enhancing academic offerings and aligning with industry standards.
- Led committees and represented university at external events, fostering collaborations and enhancing institutional visibility.
- Carried out research-led teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Attended conferences to learn about new research and present findings.
- Mentored students to support achievement of target grades.
Partner
Diamond Management/Consultancy Services
London
06.2008 - 07.2017
Director of Research
Covenant University
, Ogun State
10.2013 - 07.2016
- Chaired interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research committees, fostering collaboration and innovation
- Secured multiple research grants from diverse funding bodies and published findings in reputable journals
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of research activities and findings.
- Worked with project stakeholders to understand, define and meet project requirements.
- Coordinated staff and resources to meet project goals.
Chairman, Covenant University Committee on Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Covenant University
, Ogun State
11.2013 - 06.2016
- Established and resourced various units within entrepreneurship centre, facilitating hands-on approach for all students.
- Chaired board meetings, fostering a collaborative environment for decision-making and policy development.
- Set ambitious expectations for operations and established pathways to accomplishing goals.
- Evaluated departmental performance and developed improvements to key operations.
Deputy Principal
UK College of Business Studies
London
07.2011 - 09.2013
- oversaw curriculum, resources, and budget compliance with educational policies to enhance learning outcomes
- deputised for Principal, coordinated staff, chaired committees, enforced policies to support school leadership
- managed student discipline procedures to uphold positive environment, ensuring welfare and oversight of all college activities
- Taught BTEC, research methods, marketing and entrepreneurship at all levels
Part Time Lecturer in Marketing
Middlesex University
01.2010 - 04.2013
- Delivered postgraduate courses on integrated marketing communications, enhancing students' practical application of marketing principles
- Supervised dissertation and project students, guiding them to successful completion and fostering critical thinking skills
- Mentored students to support achievement of target grades.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
Academic Dean
LTC College
London
08.2007 - 07.2011
- Managed 15 Heads of Departments and 58 staff members to achieve strategic academic goals
- Oversaw the accreditation of all programmes by various bodies in the UK
- Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring financial stability and supporting staff development and academic quality
- Fostered relationships with affiliated bodies and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and support for academic initiatives
- Delivered BTEC courses in a structured classroom environment, research methods, marketing and Business Management at all levels
Head of Department
LTC College
London
06.2006 - 08.2007
- Led strategic and operational development of students, staff, and curriculum within the department
- Managed 25 staff, enhancing quality teaching and improving student performance
- Taught BTEC, research methods, marketing, and business management at UG and PG levels, fostering academic growth
Manager, Compliance and Control
Diamond Bank Plc
Lagos, Lagos State
05.2002 - 09.2005
- Led Team B to ensure compliance with statutory regulations, safeguarding organisational integrity
- Recovered 75 million naira from fraud cases, closing operational loopholes to enhance organisational security
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Managed inventory control, reducing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels at all times.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programmes, improving team skills and performance.
Branch Operations Manager
Manny Bank Plc
Lagos, Lagos State
04.2000 - 04.2002
- Achieved 97% customer retention rate while exceeding acquisition targets
- awarded Best Branch Operations Manager for consistently exceeding performance targets and enhancing customer satisfaction
- Conducted regular audits on branch operations, identifying and rectifying discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily operations of branch, maximising efficiency and service quality to customers.
- Addressed customer complaints with prompt resolutions, maintaining high retention rates.
Manager, Domestic Banking Operations
Universal Trust Bank Plc
Lagos
09.1993 - 03.2000
- Exceeded retail banking target of 2 million naira, contributing to department's overall success
- Led team focused on SMEs, consistently surpassing targets and honoured as Team Leader of the Year by Managing Director
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Managed inventory control, reducing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels at all times.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programmes, improving team skills and performance.
Education
PhD - Strategic Management
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
United KingdomMSc - International Strategic Management
Staffordshire University
United KingdomMBA - Management
Adekunle Ajasin University
Ondo State, NigeriaBSc (Hons) - Science-Education
University of Lagos
Lagos, Lagos State, NigeriaNCE - Nigeria Certificate in Education
Federal College of Education, Okene
Okene, Kogi, NigeriaSkills
- Cross functional leadership
- Strategic planning
- Complaint handling and resolution
- Quality assurance and Governance
- Curriculum design/assessment
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational leadership
- Project management
- Academic Technology Integration
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Academic Partnerships
- Academic Mentorship
- Data analysis
- Teamwork / Problem solving
- Policy and Regulatory matters
- Business transformation
- Organization/critical thinking
- Interpersonal / Communication
- Budget management
- Research supervision
Research Supervisions
RESEARCH SUPERVISED (2002 to date)
· More than 270 undergraduates
· More than 380 masters (MBA, MA and MSc)
- 20 PhD and 5 DBA students to completion
· Internal examiner: Internal examiner to several PhD/DBA students in various institutions
· External examiner: External examiner to several PhD/DBA students of various institutions:
- University of South Africa (UNISA), Johannesburg, South Africa – 2018 to date
- Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana since 2016
- Covenant University Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria – 2013 to date and several others
Websites and Profiles
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tdRnfjkAAAAJ
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/professor-edwin-agwu-phd-msc-mba-bsc-hons-nce-614a806
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3384-4088
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tdRnfjkAAAAJ
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/professor-edwin-agwu-phd-msc-mba-bsc-hons-nce-614a806
Affiliations
- Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA), United Kingdom
- Member, Chartered Management Institute (MCMI) - 4113874, United Kingdom
- Member, Institute for Learning (MIfL) - AC018713, United Kingdom
- Member, British Academy of Management (BAM) - 107647, United Kingdom
- Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM) - 42640, Nigeria
Hobbies and interests
- Football, volunteering, reading, traveling, & keeping abreast with current affairs
Timeline
Academic Dean
UK Graduate College
01.2026 - Current
Programme Director for Business
Fairfield School of Business
02.2025 - 01.2026
Supervisor, PhD Thesis
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
11.2022 - Current
Director of Education and Partnerships
London College of Business Education
10.2021 - 02.2025
Associate Dean
Fortune Educational Services
09.2020 - 10.2021
Professor of Strategic Management
Regent University College of Science and Technology
04.2018 - 12.2021
Managing Director
Pace2Be Multiventures International Ltd
02.2018 - 09.2020
Associate Professor of Strategic Management
Lagos Business School
08.2017 - 07.2020
Director of CAPSTONE Project
Lagos Business School
08.2017 - 07.2020
MBA Programme Director (Strategic Management) for Full Time, Executive, and Modula MBA Programmes
Lagos Business School
08.2017 - 07.2020
Director, Quality Assurance and Academic Standards
Covenant University
07.2015 - 07.2017
Director, Curriculum Design and Development
Covenant University
07.2015 - 07.2017
Chairman, Covenant University Committee on Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Covenant University
11.2013 - 06.2016
Director of Research
Covenant University
10.2013 - 07.2016
Associate Professor of Strategic Management
Covenant University
09.2013 - 07.2017
Deputy Principal
UK College of Business Studies
07.2011 - 09.2013
Supervisor WMG MSc Dissertations
University of Warwick
09.2010 - 06.2024
Part Time Lecturer in Marketing
Middlesex University
01.2010 - 04.2013
Partner
Diamond Management/Consultancy Services
06.2008 - 07.2017
Academic Dean
LTC College
08.2007 - 07.2011
Head of Department
LTC College
06.2006 - 08.2007
Manager, Compliance and Control
Diamond Bank Plc
05.2002 - 09.2005
Branch Operations Manager
Manny Bank Plc
04.2000 - 04.2002
Manager, Domestic Banking Operations
Universal Trust Bank Plc
09.1993 - 03.2000
PhD - Strategic Management
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
MSc - International Strategic Management
Staffordshire University
MBA - Management
Adekunle Ajasin University
BSc (Hons) - Science-Education
University of Lagos
NCE - Nigeria Certificate in Education
Federal College of Education, Okene