Nexford Graduation 🎓 Congratulations, Nexford University Class of 2023! 🎓

This is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and commitment. Celebrate in style with fellow graduates on September 30!

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Celebrate in NG with Nexford

Celebrate your success with family and friends; confirm your attendance, book your gowns and guests for the event.

RSVP to attend

Nexford Career Fair and Startup Demo

Connect with local and international employers, attend exclusive masterclasses by industry experts and, as an entrepreneur, meet would-be customers, investors, and partners.

Learn more

Flashback 2022 NG Graduation

Have a glimpse of what's in store for our graduates in Nigeria as they celebrate their post-academic journey as proud NXU graduates.

See 2022 grad highlights

Register for the 2023 NXU Graduation in Lagos

Registration emails are being sent to qualifying alumni for this year's most exclusive party — the 2023 Nexford University Graduation in Lagos, Nigeria. Keep an eye on your inbox for your chance to attend!

The Venue

Join us in celebrating success at the Landmark Center!

Landmark Center is located on the grounds of Landmark village, a spectacular beachfront location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Landmark Village features a boardwalk spanning the length of the village, home to HardRock Café, Shiro Restaurant, Leisure Beach, Landmark Hotel, and the Retail Boulevard. It combines a myriad of leisure and recreational activities.

Celebrate and network with fellow NXU graduates and guests.

MC and Speakers

  • Chief Executive Officer

    Fadl Al Tarzi

    Chief Executive Officer

    Fadl founded Nexford University in 2018, with a vision to enable greater social and economic mobility through high-quality, affordable education. His vision stemmed from having built four startups employing over 500 people across 10 emerging markets. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey he witnessed how lack of access to affordable, high-quality education impacts societies across the world.

    Fadl became an entrepreneur at 18, and has accumulated 17 years’ experience founding digital marketing and SaaS startups, leading award winning digital engagement and digital transformation projects. Cumulatively, his startups have raised over $15 million in growth capital and employ more than 500 people globally. Under News Group International, he launched and grew SOCIALEYEZ from two to more than 120 people globally. He has worked with Fortune 500s, global consumer brands such as Starbucks, and governments in the US, Europe and MENA regions. Fadl has lived in Cairo, Paris, Washington DC, Dubai and London. He holds a BBA from the American University in Cairo and management degrees from George Washington and Middlesex Universities.

  • Chief Academic Officer

    Dr. Cathy Plunkett

    Chief Academic Officer

    Dr. Cathy Plunkett serves as Nexford’s Chief Academic Officer. She has more than three decades of experience in education, starting as a teacher and principal in K-12 and moving to post-secondary education over 15 years ago.

    Dr. Plunkett has had leadership positions in both the academic and business sides of an institution, serving as a Campus Director, Regional Director, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of Regulatory Compliance. The knowledge and experience gained in all of these positions provide solid platform to provide support and guidance to all all departments of the university to ensure compliance with accreditation and state licensing standards. She is passionate about learning and providing students with a positive educational environment for them to meet their educational goals and ultimately succeed in their chosen career.

  • Chairperson, Fix Politics

    Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili

    Chairperson, Fix Politics

    Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili is a former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa, a former Nigerian Education Minister and co-founder of Transparency International.

    A chartered accountant by profession, ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili first served the Nigerian government as Head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit, where she led reforms to public procurement. She was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals in 2005 and chaired the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. In 2006 she became Minister of Education, until taking up her World Bank post in 2007. Prior to working for the Government of Nigeria, Dr Ezekwesili was at the Center for International Development at Harvard University. Having co-founded the anti-corruption organisation Transparency International, she directed its work in Africa. She is also a Senior Economic Advisor to Open Society, which aims to build vibrant and tolerant societies with democratically accountable governments. Dr Ezekwesili holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta in 2012.

  • Co-founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group

    Tonye Cole

    Co-founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group

    Tonye Patrick Cole is a nation-builder and philanthropist who is passionate about good governance and the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

    An alumnus of University of Lagos and Harvard Business School and a Fellow of the ‘Transformational Leadership Fellowship’ programme at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford, Tonye is the Co-Founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group, an energy conglomerate with operations spanning the entire energy chain in Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries to East Africa and beyond. He was directly responsible for building the Group’s global expansion and upholding her corporate governance principles, maintaining her status with global institutions such as the World Economic Forum, where he was a key member of Pact Against Corruption Initiative (PACI), the United Nations, where he was a pioneer member of the Advisory Board of the Private Sector Advisory Group for the UNDP Sustainable Development Group Fund (SDG- F), the African Philanthropy Forum, ENACTUS Nigeria, amongst others.

  • Host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Nigeria & Graduation MC

    Frank Edoho

    Host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Nigeria & Graduation MC

    Acting as your graduation MC is TV host Frank Edoho.

    He is the host of the popular TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and previously the host of the international TV show, The Price Is Right. Aside from being a TV host, he is also a voice-over artist, photographer, producer and filmmaker.

    Watch now

Graduation agenda

11.30: Arrival of guests & graduates

Please arrive by 11:30am promptly to allow for time to registration and of course some pre-event pictures!

11.50: Academic procession

Chief Academic Officer, Cathy Plunkett will lead other NXU faculty into the hall.

12.00: Opening remarks by MC Frank Edoho

As the host of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, he will definitely make you feel like a million dollars.

12.10: Welcome Speech by Fadl Al Tarzi

Joining us all the way from Washington DC, Nexford’s Founder and CEO, Fadl Al Tarzi will be delivering the welcome speech. As a fellow African, he is truly committed to the future of this continent.

12.20: Commendation Speech by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili

Former Nigerian Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and NXU board member will be starting us off with an inspiring speech.

12.30: Roll Call of BBA and MBA 2023 graduates

Your name will be called and as you come on stage you get to fist pump with dignitaries, and if you are a graduate, get to have a group picture taken with faculty and VIP guests.

13.10: Special awards

Like the Oscars, 5 special awards will be presented to outstanding graduates who have really excelled. Will it be you?

13.20: Conferment of degrees by Dr. Cathy Plunkett

Joining us all the way from Washington DC, Dr. Cathy Plunkett, Nexford’s Chief Academic Officer will take to take the stage, confer degrees, and deliver the charge speech to get you all fired up. This is the moment you’ll get to throw your hats in the air.

13.30: Congratulatory message from NXU staff

We know exactly how much blood, sweat, and tears it took to get your degree. To acknowledge your hard work and determination, a few Nexford staff members who couldn’t be with us in person have put together a congratulatory video for you all.

13.35: Keynote address by Tonye Cole

As the Co-founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group, today employing over 4,000 people across 38 countries with an annual turnover exceeding $11 billion, Tonye knows a thing or two about starting and running a successful company. Listen carefully!

13.55: Musical performance

Time to enjoy a curated cultural performance for your viewing pleasure.

14.05: Class representative remarks

The 2023 class representative will take to the stage to deliver remarks on behalf of the class and share some personal success stories.

14.10: Recognizing Nexford's Corporate partners

Oghogho Inneh, Nexford’s Nigeria Country Director will show our gratitude to our wonderful partners. Special mention to Abubakar Suleiman, Sterling’s Managing Director who is a visionary leader prioritizing L&D across his organization. Sterling Bank has sponsored over 220 of their staff so far in Nexford’s MBA program.

14.15: Closing speech

Sadly all good things must come to an end. So, in closing, Oghogho Inneh will talk about how NXU will be helping you move forward in your careers and businesses, and some of what our wider community can look forward to over the next year.

14.25: Introduction of exhibition and masterclasses

Frank Edoho will introduce the masterclass speakers and their sessions, career exhibition and founders pitch session. While he is doing that be sure to have your confetti poppers out of your bags and prepare to pop them in unison.

14.30: Photo break for speakers, VIPs, and award winners

In this final slot of the ceremony, Frank Edoho will direct order of photos onstage:

  1. Awardees and speakers, MC Frank
  2. Awardees & NXU faculty
  3. Speakers, special guests, NXU faculty and MC Frank
  4. Sterling graduates and Sterling team
  5. All corporate partners & their grads

14.40: Cocktails and refreshments

Toast to your success with fellow graduates, and if you're chosen, you’ll be interviewed on the red carpet where you’ll be able to tell your personal graduation story. Plus, there'll be a photo session with all graduates, speakers, and special guests.

15.20: Career Fair and Startup Demo Day

Meet and network with employers currently hiring, understand what they’re looking for and get live feedback on how the employment market is evolving. Be inspired by NXU alumni founders as they exhibit their own startups.

Grow your career and business!

We will be hosting a Career Fair and Startup Demo on the same day as the ceremony, providing graduates with a platform to explore new career prospects, get free tips and masterclasses from top professionals like Sacha Haider, Iyin Aboyeji, and others!

Here's what to expect at this dynamic event:

  • Networking Opportunities
  • Free Masterclasses
  • Career Consultations
  • CV Review
  • Startup Demo

Don't forget to dress professionally, bring hard and soft copies of your updated resume, and prepare an elevator pitch that highlights your strengths and career goals.

Explore career insights from prominent employers and potential investors



9 Mobile AWS FITC Interswitch Kuda Lagos Innovates Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Nestle Oris Consulting Shortlist Sterling Bank Wakanow

Connect with entrepreneurs from Nexford's alumni network at their exhibition booths



Accesstech Innovation Bizedge Hospyta LeverPay MyTherapist Redge RetailLoop Tyms

Share your outstanding Nexford Story!

We are inspired by the journeys of our alumni and the incredible achievements they have made in their careers and businesses. We invite you, our esteemed alumni, to share success stories about your experience at Nexford. We want to hear about the ways in which Nexford University has impacted your life, career, or business.

Share with us:

  • Personal Transformations
  • Career Advancements
  • Entrepreneurial Pursuits
  • Recommendations and Testimonials

We encourage you to share your story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you. You may choose to record a short video, or share a short testimonial. Feel free to include any photos or visual elements that enhance your story.

Order caps & gowns

We've partnered with a vendor, Kaffeecom to ensure you can graduate in style.

To purchase or rent your graduation gown and cap for use at the event, place your order below.

Upload your professional headshot for the class of 2023 Yearbook!

Connect with fellow grads, create memories. Be part of the class of 2023 yearbook.

  • Share your post-grad plans and short success stories and goals achieved (promotions, new jobs, accomplishments, increased pay, etc) to motivate others.
  • Upload your professional headshot and share your LinkedIn URL.

Send us your headshot & story

Deadline: August 10, 2023

Celebrate Your Success with a Special Offer!

Nexford University is excited to announce a limited-time offer exclusively for the attendees of the 2023 NXU Graduation in Lagos. In celebration of their achievements, a discounted rate on printed diplomas is being offered, providing the perfect opportunity to obtain a tangible reminder of hard work and dedication.

Here are the discounted rates for printed diplomas:

  • MBA Diplomas: $75
  • BBA Diplomas: $75
  • Certificates: $38
  • Transcripts: $60

This discounted price will be available until September 5. For your chance to order you diploma, simply keep an eye on your inbox for the order form, and collect them on the day of the graduation from the NXU booth.

Event FAQ

You will need to order your caps, gowns and scrolls for use. We also encourage you to come with your business cards for networking and current CV’s for career consultation with recruitment experts.

All certificate and degree graduates who complete their program on or by August 30, 2023.

For the formal graduation ceremony, you can invite 2 of your family and friends to attend. Make sure you indicate the number of guests on the RSVP form before it closes.

Share your NXU journey via a short video or a short testimonial sent to alumni@nexford.org.


For content ideas we suggest the following themes:

  1. Personal Transformations: How has your experience at Nexford University transformed your life? Whether it's a newfound passion, a change in perspective, or personal growth, we want to hear how Nexford has shaped you as an individual.
  2. Career Advancements: Has your Nexford education helped you advance in your career with promotions, pay raises, or going to work for global companies? Share your professional successes, milestones, and how the knowledge and skills gained at Nexford have played a role in your career trajectory.
  3. Entrepreneurial Pursuits: If you are an entrepreneur, we want to hear about the impact Nexford has had on your business journey. How have the entrepreneurial skills and mindset cultivated at Nexford influenced your approach to business? Share your entrepreneurial triumphs and lessons learned along the way.
  4. Recommendations and Testimonials: We value your thoughts and opinions. If you would recommend Nexford University to others, why? Your testimonials carry weight and can help prospective students understand the unique advantages of a Nexford education.


We can't wait to hear your outstanding Nexford story!

The event hall will be opened by 10.00 am for graduates to register, network, take photos and visit the exhibition stands.


The ceremony will start with a graduate procession promptly at 12.00 pm.

Approach the registration desk with your email or learner ID to pick up your name tag.

Kindly check your email for the registration link, or click here to register.

The cocktail reception tickets will be available for pick up at the registration desk.

We love for all graduates to celebrate and have fun with their friends. To attend the graduation you must RSVP by August 10th, otherwise, you will be allowed access to the ceremony but without your guests and you will not be able to join the procession.

As graduation is a formal occasion, an appropriate standard of dress is expected. For men and women, business wear or formal dress is classed as appropriate. For those graduating at the ceremony, graduation gowns and caps are also acceptable.

We will be hosting a Career Fair and Startup Demo on the same day as the ceremony, providing graduates with a platform to explore new career prospects and get free tips and masterclasses from top professionals like Sacha Haider, Iyin Aboyeji, and others!


Here's what you can expect:

  • Networking Opportunities: The Career Fair and Startup Demo will bring together a diverse array of employers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. This is your chance to expand your professional network with individuals and organizations that can offer guidance and potential job opportunities.
  • Free Masterclasses: Throughout the day, there will be a series of short masterclasses led by industry experts. These sessions will cover a range of topics. Seize this opportunity to enhance your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Career Consultations: Take advantage of the career consultations available at the event. These one-on-one sessions will provide you with guidance and advice tailored to your specific career aspirations.
  • CV Review: Your resume is often the first impression employers have of you, so it's crucial to make it stand out. At the event, professional resume reviewers will be available to provide feedback and suggestions to optimize your CV. Bring hard and soft copies of your resume and gain valuable insights on how to showcase your skills and experiences effectively.
  • Startup Demo: Entrepreneurial spirits will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant world of start-ups at the exhibition. Discover innovative ideas, connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, and learn about emerging trends.

Cap and gown FAQ

We've partnered with a vendor, Kaffeecom to ensure you can graduate in style.


To purchase or rent your graduation gown and cap for use at the event, follow the steps below:

  1. Submit payment for your gown (rental ₦11,000 / purchase ₦17000) to the following account:
    • Account name: KAFFEECOM
    • Account number: 0080215135
    • Bank: STERLING BANK
    • Description: "[YOUR NAME], grad gown rental." for gown rentals, "[YOUR NAME], grad gown purchase." for gown purchases.
  2. Send proof of payment and the payer's full name to the vendor on WhatsApp at +234 816 352 8948.
  3. Upon receipt of payment, Kaffeecom will send you a Google form link to fill out.

Payment: All payments for gowns must be made between June 20th - Sept. 10th, 2023, directly to the vendor’s account above. No payment or order will be processed after this date.

Graduation gowns and caps will be available for pick up 3 days prior to the event at NXU NG Office, Workcity 3rd Floor, Polystar Building, By Pinnacle Filling Station, Lekki Phase 1, between 10 am and 6 pm.


You must come with your unique payment code for collection.

Sure! You can pick up your gowns from the vendor directly at the venue. Come in early to avoid long lines, and be sure to return gowns on time to avoid late penalty fines.

You can return your gowns to the vendor directly at the venue after the ceremony. Be sure to return gowns on time to avoid late penalty fines.

This year, graduation materials (gowns, caps and sashes) are available for rentals or full purchase. All rental items must be returned to the designated collection point immediately after the ceremony. Failure to do so will incur a fine from the vendor.

Yes, you can. However, please send a mail to nigeriagraduations@nexford.org to get the specific design and brand colors or check the illustrated design on this page.