June 2025 BGU PhD graduate and oil industry executive, Michael Ikechukwu Ikebudu, is serious about changing the culture of business in Nigeria through biblical perspectives of transformational leadership and innovation.
Training pastors and giving donations to ministries in developing economies is important. Training high-level, in-country business leaders such as Michael Ikebudu to lead his company with Christian business ethics, is a less emphasized yet powerful solution. It creates long-term, sustainable social, spiritual, and economic flourishing.
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa by far. It also has one of the largest economies, heavily dependent upon oil. Yet much of that oil revenue has not benefited the majority of people as it goes to local government officials and foreigners and is hampered by corruption, vandalism, and theft. Business success without underlying Christian business principles and ethics has negatively affected much of the world, including Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Donation-centered solutions often create dependent economies as described in the widely read book, When Helping Hurts.
Since 2006, BGU has taught over 40,000 pastors and business leaders in Africa a new biblical mindset that God’s call to business is not less than God’s call to be a pastor. What started in these non-degree seminars is now resulting in people like Michael pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees to lead change in advanced ways. Respected in his industry and armed with his fresh PhD research, Michael has the trust and the tools to influence change in his part of the business culture of Nigeria.
Dr. Michael Ikebudu's PhD research demonstrated that "nurturing a positive innovation culture includes integrating employees’ vision and aspirations into the organizational vision encouraging risk-taking, cultivating and nurturing diversity, and practicing innovation mentoring." As Dr. Ikebudu proceeds to transform his country through impactful outreaches, many more African top business leaders trained at the highest levels by BGU have the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of their countries and eventually their continent.
All BGU students receive an integrated education that immerses them into BGU’s college of business, college of urban studies, AND college of Christian theology. A business leader with biblical training thinks differently. Add advanced business training and that leader makes a significant difference, especially in places like Nigeria.
As BGU approaches its financial year-end, please prayerfully consider giving to BGU’s strategic work in Africa and beyond. A donation to BGU plants the seeds for business innovation in places like Nigeria.
To hear Dr. Michael Ikechukwu Ikebudu’s short and inspirational explanation of his research and passion to change Africa, please click on this link.
Dr. Brad Smith
Chancellor