Nigerian academic, social entrepreneur, and advocate, Professor Seun Kolade, epitomizes the fusion of scholarly excellence with a fervent commitment to societal betterment. Currently holding the esteemed position of Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation at Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Kolade’s illustrious career spans leading research and teaching roles at prestigious institutions including De Montfort University, Loughborough University London, University of Wolverhampton, and London South Bank University.
Professor Kolade’s research endeavours traverse a diverse array of topics, from digital transformation and transformative entrepreneurship to social and spiritual capital, refugee entrepreneurship, and SME strategies in challenging environments. Beyond academia, he is the visionary founder of Entreprise Republic, a hub dedicated to empowering the youth in Nigeria and fostering economic development.
With a global footprint in consultancy work for organizations such as the United Nations and the British Council, Professor Kolade is recognized as a Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE) and an agile leader, holding the prestigious PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification.
As the project director of Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED), sponsored by the Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF), Professor Kolade continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at driving innovation and economic growth.
In this exclusive interview with allnaijadiaspora, Professor Kolade candidly shares insights into his upbringing, experiences as an academic in the diaspora, and his vision for stimulating diaspora entrepreneurship, offering invaluable counsel to aspiring entrepreneurs and change-makers. Excerpts:
What is your migration story?
My immigration journey is quite intriguing. After completing my first degree, I attempted to pursue a career as a naval officer, even attending the Nigerian Defence Academy at some point. However, this path didn’t materialize as expected. I then returned to the University of Ibadan for my second degree, where I excelled. Despite promises of job opportunities, various setbacks hindered my progress, including unexpected exclusions from job shortlists. For instance, I was recommended for a job at a top Nigerian university and was shortlisted for it, but just before the interview day, a week or so, my name disappeared from the list.
These challenges, coupled with a desire for new opportunities, fueled my decision to explore options overseas. The circumstances surrounding my experiences catalysed my pursuit of my PhD abroad. It’s a testament to the notion that closed doors often lead to unexpected yet transformative paths, guided by a higher purpose.
Reflecting on these events, I’ve understood that closed doors are often divine interventions guiding us toward new opportunities. This lesson has resonated throughout my life, repeatedly presenting itself in various forms, and reminding me to remain diligent and open-minded in pursuing new avenues.
For instance, earlier in my academic career, I had instances where I was deemed overqualified for positions or encountered unexpected rejections when I had been asked to apply for the role by the director.
And then that made me to then apply for a role somewhere that was more senior role than the one I was refused. And that was the one I got. So, if I had gotten the lower role, I wouldn’t have moved on to apply for a higher role.
However, each setback ultimately led me to new opportunities that I may not have considered otherwise. These experiences reinforce the importance of perseverance, focus, and adaptability in navigating life’s challenges and seizing new opportunities.
So, my message to others facing similar obstacles is simple: Stay committed, remain open to new possibilities, and never cease exploring opportunities, even in the face of adversity. Closed doors may signify the end of one chapter, but they often pave the way for exciting new beginnings.
How did your childhood shape your career decisions?
My journey is quite multifaceted, especially considering my transition from engineering to my current research focus on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and the circular economy. Despite my background in civil engineering for both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, my academic path has taken several unexpected turns. I pursued a Ph.D. in Development Studies and conducted postdoctoral research on leadership and entrepreneurship before returning to my engineering roots to explore themes like circular economy and environmental sustainability within entrepreneurship.
As for my childhood, my upbringing played a significant role in nurturing my intellectual curiosity. My father, a teacher, and my mother, a dedicated midwife, instilled in me a love for books from an early age. Although our family library wasn’t extensive, my father generously shared his collection with us, sparking our imagination and thirst for knowledge. Despite the wear and tear our borrowed books endured, my father’s encouragement never waned.
Moreover, my interest in writing blossomed early on. At just twelve years old and while I was in Junior Secondary School 2, I began composing tracts, inspired by stories from the Bible. These devotional pieces, edited and supported by my mother, marked my initial foray into the world of writing and publication. My mother’s belief in the significance of my work led her to facilitate the typesetting, printing and distribution of my tracts, a gesture that bolstered my confidence and passion for writing.
That my mother thought my writing was good enough was a significant thing to me. So, I kept at it, and I enjoyed it. I wrote the tracts from stories in the bible. They were, you know, not too short pieces – about 1,000 words. At some point, I then organized them into a series, I remember my teacher coming across one of my writings somewhere else while I was in Year 3 and was so thrilled to see what I wrote. They were devotional articles reflecting on various practical issues of life.
This early exposure to writing and research, rooted in biblical narratives, laid the foundation for my academic pursuits. The discipline and dedication honed through participation in school quizzes, debates, and church activities proved invaluable in my academic and research endeavours. Whether meticulously studying scripture for quizzes or delving into complex research topics, these formative experiences equipped me with the skills and discipline necessary for academic success.
My childhood experiences cultivated a deep appreciation for knowledge, storytelling, and rigorous intellectual inquiry, guiding me toward a career path driven by curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges.
Talking about the diverse interests that have shaped your research focus, how did you transition from studying civil engineering to delving into areas like entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and digital transformation?
If you were to speak with some of my engineering undergraduate course mates from my days at UI, they’d tell you I wasn’t the best student in the class, but surely one of the most versatile. You see, I’ve always had other intellectual interests outside the engineering discipline. While at UI, I immersed myself in philosophy and history alongside my engineering studies. This intellectual curiosity has been both a blessing and a double-edged sword. While it enriched my perspective, it also blunted my focus on engineering during my undergraduate programme. My Postgraduate programme, where I graduated top of the class, was a contrast in this regard. On the other hand, my multi-disciplinary intellectual forays as an undergraduate set the stage for the exciting journey I have followed ever since.
For me, academia has been a journey of discovery that I don’t have to sacrifice my varied interests to excel in my field. Instead, I’ve learned to integrate them seamlessly, with a central focus on digital transformation. My current research in entrepreneurship and digital transformation serves as a conduit for these diverse interests, incorporating elements like the circular economy, strategy, and project management into a cohesive framework.
As an academic, particularly one based on the diaspora, what excites me most is the application of knowledge. It’s not just about producing knowledge for its own sake but about leveraging it to create tangible values. This drive to bridge the gap between knowledge acquisition and real-world impact motivates me to explore new avenues of research and innovation continually.
That’s why I’m not just an academic, I’m also an entrepreneur and a social entrepreneur at that. Entreprise Republic and my consultancy firm represent my commitment to translating knowledge into action and practical impacts. In today’s knowledge economy, where knowledge reigns supreme, this link between knowledge creation and value generation holds immense significance, especially for countries in Africa seeking to redefine their position on the global stage.
In essence, it’s about harnessing the power of knowledge to spark meaningful change—a journey that both challenges and exhilarates me every day.
Looking at your journey and observing today’s youth in Nigeria and abroad, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the current state of young people, particularly in Nigeria and the Western societies where you’re based. What are the aspects that concern you?
Well, there’s quite a bit that catches my attention. On the one hand, there’s a remarkable amount of enthusiasm and drive among young individuals. Having mentored many—ranging from teenagers to those in their twenties and thirties, who may not fit the traditional “young” label but are still youthful in spirit, I’ve witnessed a palpable sense of ambition and confidence. This surge in self-assurance is perhaps fueled by the prevalence of social media, which has instilled a sense of empowerment and possibility.
However, what gives me pause is the apparent deficit in commitment. While confidence is undoubtedly valuable, it must be rooted in competence and anchored in a willingness to put in the necessary effort. Many young people today seem eager to reap the rewards without fully embracing the journey of growth and discipline required to attain them. There’s a tendency to seek shortcuts rather than invest in genuine skill development and preparation.
Let me illustrate with an example from my own extended family. I often find myself encouraging younger relatives to pursue skills like programming. While some express initial interest, their follow-through often falls short. For instance, I once encountered a young man who confidently claimed proficiency in Python programming, only to later discover he lacked a fundamental understanding of the language. Similarly, another individual attempted to impress with artificial intelligence-generated responses, but upon closer inspection, it was clear the substance did not match the façade.
My concern, therefore, lies in the need for confidence to be grounded in genuine competence and a steadfast commitment to personal growth. There are no shortcuts to success; it requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the hard work. Confidence is indeed an asset, but it must be complemented by substance and genuine effort to truly make an impact.
So, what’s your take on the recent migration trend, particularly the “Japa” wave, and its potential impact on Nigeria’s development trajectory?
Well, the phenomenon of “Japa” is quite nuanced, not easily defined as either entirely detrimental or entirely beneficial to Nigeria. It encompasses both positive and negative aspects, requiring a multifaceted response from the national government.
Looking at history, we see that many countries were built or sustained in their early days by contributions from the diaspora. For instance, Golda Meir’s fundraising efforts in the United States played a crucial role in ensuring the survival of the new state of Israel. This historical context underscores the potential power of diaspora contributions to national development.
I’ve done some work and I’m still doing some work on remittances from the diaspora. And one of the data I was collecting a few years ago indicated that for Nigeria and the whole of sub-Saharan Africa, the totality of ODA, Overseas Development Assistance, that includes foreign aid as well as foreign direct investment. In the case of Nigeria, remittances from the diaspora far surpass the combined totals of foreign aid and foreign direct investment.
While much of these remittances are used for immediate consumption or social impact activities like education, there’s a significant opportunity to strategically deploy these funds for broader development purposes. Unfortunately, Nigeria lacks the necessary infrastructure to support such strategic investments from the diaspora.
This highlights the potential for a win-win situation: while brain drain may lead to loss of talent, it can also result in economic gain if managed effectively. Additionally, there’s immense potential for knowledge and technology transfer from diaspora communities to benefit Nigeria’s development.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by those who choose to migrate. Many individuals leave Nigeria not only due to economic factors but also concerns about security and the future of their children. While some may find opportunities abroad, others encounter unexpected barriers, such as a lack of job prospects.
Despite these challenges, individuals must focus on the opportunities ahead rather than dwelling on the past. Just as the biblical narrative metaphorically presents Egypt as both a place of bondage and a place of destiny, the journey away from Nigeria can represent a new chapter filled with adventure and discovery.
While migration presents both opportunities and challenges, it’s essential to adopt a forward-looking perspective and explore avenues for leveraging diaspora contributions to drive Nigeria’s development forward.
What are some typical challenges faced by academics like yourself, and how have you navigated through them?
Perhaps one lesson here is not to fear change or relocation. However, I haven’t moved just for the sake of it. Each university I’ve worked with has held a special significance for me, and I’ve found connections with every institution.
It’s crucial to take ownership of your endeavours wherever you find yourself. Strive to excel both for the organization’s benefit and your own. It’s a dual perspective—seeing not only how you can contribute to the institution’s strategic goals but also how those goals align with your ambitions. The two need not be at odds; they can complement each other, reinforcing your commitment to making a meaningful impact.
For me, leaving a legacy is paramount. I aim to depart each institution leaving behind a legacy of noteworthy contributions. This mindset drives me to undertake initiatives and projects that leave an indelible mark, something I can proudly recount elsewhere.
Entering a new environment often entails starting from a lower rung, and being prepared to embrace such roles is essential for long-term growth. I began my journey as a postdoctoral research fellow, supplemented by part-time work, which collectively contributed to my professional development.
However, beyond personal achievements, it’s about fostering an environment of collaboration and support. While competition may be inherent in academia, collaboration often yields superior results. I’ve initiated research groups, mentored PhD students, and spearheaded new training programs aimed at uplifting others and leaving a positive imprint on the institutions I worked at.
These efforts may not always be immediately recognized or remembered, but that’s not the primary motivation. What matters is the lasting impact on individuals and organizations, which often extends far beyond one’s tenure.
Approaching one’s career with a mindset of being an instrument for positive change and impact can be immensely fulfilling. It transforms each endeavour into an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, irrespective of immediate recognition or remembrance. It’s about the satisfaction derived from knowing you’ve made a difference, leaving a legacy that transcends the transient challenges and triumphs of academic life.
What does it take to cultivate doctoral students who aren’t just academically proficient but are also innovative, socially conscious, and stand out in their field?
Producing such a calibre of doctoral students necessitates being more than just a researcher immersed in scholarly outputs. As a supervisor, it’s crucial to bridge the gap between research and practical application, academia, and industry. Providing your PhD researchers with the space to grow, explore, and discover, while simultaneously fostering competence, is paramount.
Competence is the cornerstone. I’m deeply passionate about nurturing it, as it forms the foundation for confidence. Supporting students in building competence is more than mere rhetoric; it’s a substantive approach that yields remarkable outcomes. When PhD students possess competence, they soar beyond expectations, charting new territories and making significant contributions to their field.
Granting them the freedom to explore and innovate is essential. A good supervisor doesn’t tether their students but instead empowers them to spread their wings and fly independently.
On the students’ part, eschewing shortcuts is imperative. Diligence and smart work supersede any inclination toward quick fixes. Completing a PhD isn’t just about obtaining a certificate; it’s about acquiring a repertoire of experiences and skills that transcend academia. It’s about the journey of personal and professional growth, not just the destination of a degree.
For instance, two of my recent PhD graduates have ventured outside academia. Despite their diverse fields—one in the gaming industry and the others in international business, they’ve excelled because they’ve honed versatile competencies during their doctoral journeys. Their ability to apply these skills in various contexts underscores the value of a comprehensive doctoral experience.
Cultivating outstanding doctoral students requires supervisors who nurture competence and students who commit to diligence and eschew shortcuts. It’s about empowering individuals to thrive beyond the confines of academia and making meaningful contributions to society.
Let’s talk about the education system in Nigeria. You’ve experienced first-hand some of its dysfunctions. What reforms would you propose to bolster Nigeria’s education system, both at the general and higher education levels?
Transparency, data availability, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are indispensable. These elements are interconnected; none can function effectively in isolation. I envision a scenario where digital tools abound, facilitated by a government department. States could maintain comprehensive databases of schools accessible through web portals. Imagine being able to monitor your alma mater’s progress effortlessly. Such transparency of data, embracing open data principles, would engage the public as active stakeholders.
Accessible data would allow for scrutiny of resource allocation, holding government officials, civil servants, and educators accountable. By visualizing trends and performance metrics, stakeholders can advocate for improvement collectively. Recognizing the value of public education, I advocate for ceremonies in every local government celebrating community achievements, attended by leaders across sectors. Such events foster a culture of appreciation and aspiration, redirecting youth aspirations away from dubious paths.
Moreover, investing in teacher retraining and continuous professional development is crucial. Equitably compensating educators and engaging alumni can bolster public education financing through alternative means. Alumni, empowered with transparent information, can contribute meaningfully to their old schools’ development.
Shifting focus to higher education, I’m currently involved in a project establishing coding clubs in southwest Nigeria’s public schools. Though encountering challenges, this initiative supported by Odua Investments aims to reach all 137 local governments.
Regarding higher education finance, a paradigm shift is necessary. Universities must be held accountable for their financial stewardship, fostering income generation. While government accountability is paramount, universities should outline their improvement plans. ASUU itself requires reform to align with evolving educational needs.
Despite resistance from some quarters, challenging the status quo is imperative. In the UK, government funding for universities is tied to research excellence, incentivizing productivity. Implementing similar mechanisms in Nigeria could curb politicization and ensure funding is allocated based on merit and intended use.
Transparency, accountability, and innovation are key to revitalising Nigeria’s education system. By fostering collaboration and leveraging resources effectively, we can pave the way for transformative change.
Considering your expertise in entrepreneurship, let’s explore transforming Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), pivotal components of the economy. How can we revitalize this sector to catalyse comprehensive economic transformation?
Currently, I’m actively researching the digital transformation of Africa’s informal economy. This sector, constituting a substantial portion of Africa’s workforce, remains marginalized and lacks comprehensive data. Western models ill-fit their dynamics, rendering these vital contributors invisible. To rectify this contradiction, we must empower and economically integrate informal workers, redefining property ownership beyond land to encompass broader assets crucial for innovation and entrepreneurship.
We’re discussing property in a broader sense of ownership, which is crucial for innovators, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. In the UK, setting up a business can be done swiftly, often within 20 minutes, with an allocated address and traceability. However, in many African countries, including Nigeria, the property system isn’t conducive for informal sector workers. The requirements, especially regarding finances, such as collateral and high interest rates, are often impractical for SMEs in the informal sector.
To address this, a digitally transforming formal sector is needed to provide alternative pathways for these individuals to be included in the system. This includes not only capturing them in data but also facilitating access to funding and larger markets. Formalisation is crucial for accessing significant opportunities, including international ones. Digital transformation offers alternative avenues for visibility, but it’s also a double-edged sword.
Some entities exploit digital tools, such as loan companies with exorbitant rates, leading to debt accumulation and harassment tactics targeting family members. This darker side underscores the importance of navigating digital transformation cautiously and ethically to ensure equitable opportunities for all stakeholders. To mitigate these risks, robust regulatory frameworks and ethical business practices must be enforced.
Digitally driven reforms hold immense potential to transform the informal sector’s prospects. By reducing barriers to funding, unlocking new market opportunities, and optimizing public procurement practices, Nigeria can harness the latent potential of its SMEs and MSMEs. Unlike in the UK, where public procurement stimulates smallholder growth, Nigeria’s flawed procurement system haemorrhages funds through opaque subcontracting chains, benefiting only a select few.
Addressing corruption and patronage networks is crucial to optimizing public procurement’s potential as a catalyst for economic empowerment. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and meritocracy, Nigeria can leverage procurement as a strategic tool to empower its informal sector stakeholders.
While systemic challenges persist, Nigeria’s informal economy holds immense promise for economic transformation. By embracing digital innovation, instituting transparent governance practices, and fostering an enabling environment for SMEs and MSMEs, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its entrepreneurial spirit and drive comprehensive economic development.
How can we foster diaspora entrepreneurship and social innovation?
It’s crucial to recognize the immense potential of diaspora entrepreneurs in driving both personal success and national development. Diaspora entrepreneurs possess a unique advantage due to their mixed embeddedness – they straddle two significant markets, their home country, and their host country. This positioning allows them to create products and services tailored to both markets, leveraging the diverse opportunities available.
Take, for instance, a media entrepreneur based in the UK with ties to Nigeria. Through mixed embeddedness, they can tap into networks and resources in both countries, expanding their reach and impact. Similarly, diaspora entrepreneurs benefit from access to new markets and opportunities by establishing themselves in their host countries. By embracing this mindset and ambition, they can unlock doors to international success.
However, it’s essential to move beyond the enclave mindset, where diaspora entrepreneurs primarily engage with familiar communities. While it may be convenient, it limits their potential for growth and collaboration. Instead, diaspora entrepreneurs should actively seek out diverse networks and opportunities, fostering bridging and linking social capital.
We must step out of our comfort zones because there are even greater opportunities beyond our immediate circles. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including non-Africans, can significantly expand our horizons. Consider this: Why confine yourself to interacting only with people of similar backgrounds in a country like the UK, where Black individuals make up less than 10% of the population? It’s convenient but short-sighted. By limiting ourselves in this way, we miss out on a vast array of opportunities.
Aspiring entrepreneurs must consciously challenge this mindset. They’re situated amidst vast potential, so why restrict themselves to familiar networks? Instead, they should aim higher and seek out diverse groups and organizations beyond solely Black communities. Building connections and social capital is crucial. It’s not just about bonding with those we already know; it’s about bridging connections with unfamiliar individuals who may eagerly embrace our ideas.
By fostering these diverse connections, we can collaborate on innovative projects and create products and services not only tailored to African countries but also to non-African markets. This broader perspective opens a world of possibilities beyond our immediate spheres, enriching our entrepreneurial endeavours and impacting communities far and wide.
By joining diverse organizations, chambers of commerce, and engaging with a broader range of individuals, diaspora entrepreneurs can build valuable connections and partnerships. These collaborations enable them to create products and services not only for their home countries but also for non-African markets, further expanding their impact and contributing to global innovation. I think the aspirant entrepreneurs need to embrace that mindset they are positioned here to do great things.
