Business leader honoured by University of Leicester for nation-building legacy

A lifelong career dedicated to excellence in business, transforming education and creating opportunity in Nigeria has been celebrated by the University of Leicester.

Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola OON is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the University’s annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Thursday 14 May. Generations of former students of the University reunited at the city’s iconic National Space Centre to celebrate the achievements of their fellow alumni.

The event saw seven awards presented in total, with the event sponsored by Space Park Leicester, More Sailing, BHW Solicitors, the University of Leicester Centre for Endangered Archaeology and Heritage, University of Leicester Services for Business, and The Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester.

An accomplished Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola’s work has shaped entire sectors - from finance and aviation to education and national development.

Born in Lagos, he graduated from the University of Leicester with a BA in Economics in 1976 before completing an MSc in Management Science at the University of Manchester. His academic journey in the UK laid the foundation for an extraordinary career defined by leadership, generosity, and nation‑building.

With more than two decades in banking and finance, Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola held senior roles including Executive Vice‑Chairman of Devcom Merchant Bank and Chairman of International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A (which became FBNbank Senegal). His entrepreneurial vision led him to found the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, which has become one of West Africa’s most important providers of marine and aviation logistics. He also contributed to public security as Chair of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, helping to strengthen the safety infrastructure of Nigeria’s largest commercial capital.

A defining element of Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola’s legacy is his transformative impact on education and opportunity creation. He has donated multiple 500‑seater lecture theatres to universities across Nigeria, dramatically improving access to quality learning environments. His philanthropy extends to scientific advancement through the establishment of state‑of‑the‑art Molecular Biology Diagnostic Laboratories at Lagos State University College of Medicine and Edo State University, Uzairue.

Appointed Chancellor of Edo State University in 2019, he continues to uplift academic excellence. In a powerful example of his commitment to uplifting young people, he offered automatic employment to the university’s overall best‑graduating student, directly supporting the transition of top talent into meaningful careers. His approach reflects a lifelong belief that education should open doors - not only to knowledge, but to opportunity.

In recognition of his significant contributions to national development, he was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2022. Additionally, he has received Honorary Doctorates from four Nigerian universities. He has also given back to his alma mater, supporting the University of Leicester’s Student Support Fund.

Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola said: “A Lifetime Achievement Award is humbling, because no achievement is ever really one lifetime’s work alone. It’s the grandparents, parents, teachers, mentors, and the community in Lagos and Leicester that carried me. My hope is that every student walking these halls today will one day stand where I stand—and feel the same gratitude.”

Mr Makanjuola has a long-standing history with the University and has been an active philanthropist for various projects, primarily supporting students and their success. This year’s awards come as the University of Leicester launches 2121: Founders of the Future, its most ambitious philanthropic endeavour to date, which looks to secure funding to allow the institution to tackle some of the world’s largest issues head on. Funding is sought for research, scholarship, and enhanced facilities across four themes: People, Planet, Health, and Culture.

Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “At the University of Leicester Alumni Awards Dinner, we recognise a remarkable member of our alumni community whose long career of great achievement marks them out an exemplary role model. This year, Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola has demonstrated the qualities that distinguish an alumnus as a true Citizen of Change.

“Widely regarded as a ‘silent achiever’, Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola’s influence is felt through the institutions he has strengthened, and the countless lives uplifted by his generosity. His legacy is one of leadership, humility, and lasting impact - making him an exceptional and deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”