UK-based Nigerian scholar, Professor Christian Harrison, has made Nigeria proud by winning the prestigious 2025 British Academy of Management (BAM) Medal for Contribution to Communities. Learn about his remarkable achievements, leadership impact, and what this recognition means for African academics in global education.
Introduction: A Nigerian Scholar Shines in Global Academia
The global academic community recently celebrated a remarkable achievement as Professor Christian Harrison, a UK-based Nigerian scholar, received the 2025 British Academy of Management (BAM) Medal for Contribution to Communities.
This outstanding honor highlights not only Professor Harrison’s influence in the field of leadership and management studies but also his dedication to strengthening academic collaboration between Africa and the United Kingdom.
His recognition stands as another testament to the global excellence of Nigerian academics abroad, and it sends a strong message about the growing visibility of African scholars in international academic networks.
About the British Academy of Management (BAM) Medal
The British Academy of Management (BAM) is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for academics and practitioners in the fields of management, business, and leadership.
The BAM Medal for Contribution to Communities is a prestigious annual award created in 2024 to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to BAM’s networks, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and academic communities through leadership, mentorship, and impactful engagement.
Recipients of this award are nominated by the BAM Council, Fellows, and SIG Chairs, and final selections are made by the Awards and Executive Committees.
Winning this medal is one of the highest forms of recognition a management scholar can achieve in the UK and globally.
Who is Professor Christian Harrison?
Professor Christian Harrison is a respected leadership and management scholar who has made remarkable contributions to global academia. He currently teaches and conducts research at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) and is widely known for his extensive publications on entrepreneurial leadership, ethics, and African business management.
Over the years, Professor Harrison has built an international reputation for fostering collaboration between African universities and UK institutions, mentoring young academics, and leading key projects that bridge academic research and community impact.
Why Professor Harrison Won the BAM Award
According to BAM’s announcement, Professor Harrison earned this prestigious recognition for his outstanding leadership, community service, and scholarly impact within the organization.
Below are the major reasons behind his selection:
Exceptional Leadership of the Leadership SIG
Professor Harrison’s leadership of the Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG) was described as “outstanding.”
Under his coordination, the SIG grew into one of the most vibrant and impactful sub-networks within BAM, attracting diverse scholars and organizing influential academic events.
Co-founder of the BAM African Studies Track
He co-founded the BAM African Studies Track, now in its fourth year.
This initiative has provided a platform for African-based and diaspora scholars to share research, collaborate, and influence management thinking from an African perspective.
Council Service and Event Coordination
As a member of the BAM Council, Professor Harrison co-led the Management Knowledge and Education Teaching Practice Conference, contributing to advancing teaching quality and research dissemination across universities.
Dedication to Community and Mentorship
Beyond administrative roles, Harrison has shown deep commitment to mentoring early-career researchers, particularly from Africa, helping them access global academic platforms.
The Meaning of the Award for Nigerian and African Scholars
This award goes beyond personal success—it symbolizes a major win for African academia.
- It proves that Nigerian scholars abroad are excelling on the world stage, earning respect through leadership and innovation.
- It opens more doors for African-focused research within global academic bodies like BAM.
- It inspires younger academics from Africa to pursue excellence and leadership roles in their disciplines.
Professor Harrison’s success story is a powerful reminder that dedication, mentorship, and a global vision can take African scholars to the pinnacle of academic recognition.
Strengthening UK–Africa Academic Partnerships
One of the most significant aspects of Professor Harrison’s achievement is how it enhances UK–Africa higher education relations.
Through initiatives like the BAM African Studies Track, he has built platforms that connect African academics to global research networks, conferences, and policy discussions.
This aligns with the growing trend of international collaboration in education, where knowledge sharing and innovation are driven by partnerships between developed and emerging academic regions.
What This Means for Nigerian Universities
For Nigerian universities, this award highlights the importance of global engagement and leadership development.
It encourages institutions to:
- Invest in international collaboration programs
- Support scholars to participate in academic associations like BAM
- Recognize the role of research communities in shaping knowledge and policy
- Empower faculty members to pursue leadership positions beyond their institutions
If more Nigerian academics engage globally like Prof. Harrison, the country’s higher education system will gain more recognition and influence worldwide.
Quotes and Reactions
According to the British Academy of Management, the award is a recognition of “outstanding service, community building, and leadership” within the organization.
Peers described Prof. Harrison as a visionary leader who is passionate about mentorship, inclusivity, and advancing research that addresses real-world business and leadership challenges.
Many African academics and education advocates have since praised him on social media for bringing honor to Nigeria and Africa at large, calling him a beacon of excellence in international education.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Professor Harrison’s journey demonstrates that academic success is not defined only by publications or positions, but by the ability to create impact, foster collaboration, and build communities of learning.
His work proves that Nigerians and Africans can lead in global academic spaces, influence research directions, and inspire new generations of leaders who will shape the future of higher education.
Conclusion
The British Academy of Management Medal for Contribution to Communities 2025 awarded to Professor Christian Harrison is a shining example of how commitment, leadership, and vision can elevate scholars beyond borders.
As Nigeria continues to produce world-class academics, this recognition reaffirms the country’s growing contribution to global education, leadership, and management scholarship.
It also reminds policymakers, universities, and educators that investing in people—mentorship, training, and research networks—is the key to building a stronger, globally respected academic ecosystem.
