In a thrilling display of strategic thinking, teamwork, and business acumen, Baze University students emerged as the overall winners of the 2025 Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA) Business Leader Challenge, solidifying the institution’s reputation as a powerhouse of future business leaders and innovators.
A Prestigious Platform for Aspiring Business Leaders
The CGMA Business Leader Challenge is a highly competitive, simulation-based competition organised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for university students across Nigeria. The challenge is designed to replicate real-world business scenarios, encouraging participants to think critically, collaborate effectively, and deliver compelling strategic solutions to complex problems.
Participating teams are judged by a distinguished panel of Chartered Global Management Accountants and experienced business professionals, making the competition one of the most respected platforms for developing future leaders in finance and business.
Baze University’s Path to Victory
The Baze University team outperformed tough rivals from universities across the country, amassing the highest points total — 296 points — across the competition. Their exceptional performance at the finals, held at a prominent venue in Lekki, Lagos, earned them the top prize and widespread recognition.
Among the institutions they bested were respected competitors such as Covenant University and Thomas Adewunmi University, highlighting the depth of talent that Baze University showcased throughout the challenge.
Impressive Rewards and Opportunities
Winning the CGMA Business Leader Challenge came with substantial incentives that will further empower the Baze University students on their professional journeys. Their victory earned them:
- A ₦1,000,000 cash prize;
- Access to the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme, a professional development opportunity aimed at boosting strategic financial leadership skills;
- Internship opportunities with leading corporate organisations, providing critical industry exposure and real-world experience.
These rewards not only celebrate their current success, but also set the stage for future achievements in their careers.
Voices from the Organisers: Cultivating Future Business Leaders
Speaking on the significance of the competition, Ijeoma Anadozie, Country Director of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and CIMA, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. She highlighted the importance of the challenge as a platform for tapping into young talent and nurturing critical business skills early in participants’ careers.
Anadozie reaffirmed CIMA’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of future leaders in finance and business, emphasising that the challenge serves as a key engagement tool for inspiring excellence among youth across the nation.
The Impact on Student Development and Career Readiness
Competitions like the CGMA Business Leader Challenge are more than contests — they are incubators for practical skills that universities don’t always teach in the classroom. By simulating real corporate and financial decision-making environments, students gain:
- Critical thinking and analytical skills;
- Collaborative teamwork experience;
- Enhanced leadership and communication competencies;
- An understanding of strategic business operations.
For participants, these experiences sharpen employability and position them as attractive candidates for future roles in finance, consulting, management, and entrepreneurship.
Baze University: A Tradition of Excellence
Baze University’s victory is seen as a testament to the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and student empowerment. The win comes after years of active participation and consistent performance in national academic challenges, with the university frequently being recognised as a formidable competitor in simulation competitions and leadership initiatives.
This milestone also adds to the institution’s growing legacy of producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but prepared to make meaningful contributions to industry and society.
Looking Ahead: What This Victory Means for Nigeria’s Youth
At its core, Baze University’s triumph at the CGMA Business Leader Challenge reflects a broader narrative — that Nigerian students continue to excel on competitive platforms when given the opportunity to showcase their talents. This achievement highlights the importance of fostering environments where young professionals can develop practical skills and leadership abilities that extend far beyond theoretical knowledge.
For Nigerian businesses and the wider economy, nurturing such talent will be crucial in driving innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the years ahead.
Team Revenants – Team Members
- Ugochukwu Udorji (Team Lead)
- Ninma Jedida Kolo
- Iliya Jasmine Maryayi
- Tiffany Beh-Nubel
