NG Grad 2025 Graduation Speakers

• 

  Mr. 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.

  Read more

  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.

• 

  Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D

  Chief Academic Officer

  Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D. serves as Nexford University’s Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Scott is an industry leader with a career dedicated to supporting academic quality, innovation, and access in online post-secondary education.

  Read more

  Dr. Scott has held executive roles leading academic services, product development, and learning design teams across a number of organizations, working with over one hundred colleges and universities around the globe to support digital transformation.  She is passionate about quality and learner success.  Dr. Scott earned her Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas and holds an M.A. from Columbia University and an A.B. from Princeton University.

• 

  Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili

  CEO, Human Capital Africa

  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.

  Read more

  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.

• 

  Mr. Peter Obi, CON

  Business Leader, Philanthropist, and Former Governor of Anambra State

  Mr. Peter Gregory Obi is a trailblazing leader who is celebrated for his commitment to education, philanthropy, and transformational governance. A businessman-turned-politician, Mr. Obi has leveraged his influence to champion causes that uplift society, with education and youth empowerment at the heart of his mission.

  Read more

  Mr. Peter Obi's passion for education is deeply rooted in his belief that it is the key to societal progress. As the Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria (2006–2014), he made unprecedented investments in education, transforming public schools and setting new standards for excellence. As a leader, he understands the transformative potential of a well-educated and skilled youth population. His initiatives during his tenure as governor created jobs, promoted entrepreneurship, and fostered innovation, providing young people with opportunities to thrive.

  Mr. Obi’s commitment extends beyond governance. A lifelong learner himself, he has studied at some of the world’s leading institutions, including Harvard Business School, the London School of Economics, and INSEAD. His dedication to learning informs his philanthropic efforts, including funding scholarships for underprivileged students and donating resources to educational institutions across Nigeria.

  Mr. Peter Obi embodies humility and integrity. His life’s work exemplifies a dedication to leaving the world better than he found it. Whether through his efforts in governance, his philanthropic contributions, or his advocacy for education, Mr. Obi remains a beacon of hope for Nigerians striving for meaningful change.

• 

  Mrs. Bola Adesola

  Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria

  Mrs. Bola Adesola is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and leader known for her remarkable contributions to the banking and finance sector, particularly in Africa.​ She rose through the ranks in various banking institutions, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and a deep understanding of finance and economics.

  Read more

  Mrs. Bola Adesola held executive positions in reputable banks such as First Bank of Nigeria, where she served as Executive Director in charge of Corporate and Investment Banking.​

  Mrs. Adesola's most notable tenure has been with Standard Chartered Bank, where she served as the Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. Under her leadership, the bank experienced significant growth and expansion, consolidating its position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and across Africa.​

  Throughout her career, Mrs. Bola Adesola has been recognized for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the banking industry. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the "50 Leading Businesswomen in Africa" by The Africa Report magazine.​

  Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Mrs. Adesola is actively involved in advocacy for gender equality and empowerment. She is a vocal advocate for women's participation in leadership roles and is involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and financial inclusion, particularly for women and marginalized communities.