Program Overview
The MBA International Agribusiness and Value Chain Management program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global agribusiness industry and the various value chain management strategies used to optimize performance and profitability.
The agribusiness industry is a vital sector of the global economy, with food and agricultural products accounting for a significant percentage of international trade. The industry is continually influenced by dynamics in consumer behavior, growing continental populations and disruptive technologies. At the edge of this transformation is a huge demand for creative professionals that can innovate smarter ways of producing foods and managing agribusiness operations.
However, to excel in their practices, agribusiness professionals must have a deep understanding of the complex dynamics of the global market and the ability to manage the various components of the value chains embedded in the sector.
This program will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic and fast-paced industry. Graduates will be well-equipped to manage global agribusiness operations, develop and implement effective value chain strategies, and make informed business decisions in a constantly changing market. Additionally, the program will also provide students with an understanding of the social and environmental aspects of the agribusiness sector and the importance of sustainable practices.
Overall, the MBA International Agribusiness and Value Chain Management program will provide students with the necessary tools and skills to excel in the agribusiness industry and to make a positive impact on the global food system.
WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM UNIQUE?
- Currently rated as the best MBA International Agribusiness program in West Africa by Agribusiness Executive Magazine, this program offers a unique learning pedagogue that combines insightful classroom learnings with in-depth analysis of industry case studies, business model simulations, team project activities and interactions with global industry players.
- A creative blend of academic leadership and agrifood industry excellence
- The Only double Certification MBA International Agribusiness program in Africa
- Supports students in developing strong management capacities needed to excel in senior agribusiness roles
- Helps entrepreneurial students to scale their agrifood operations and transition them into global niche leaders
- A unique and technology-driven blended study mode that allows students to study while maintaining their full time work roles.
- A carefully structured screening and enrollment process that ensures only the best applicants make it to class. This has helped in attaining high level of in-class interactions and in building an outstanding alumni network for the program.
PROGRAM FRAMEWORK
The Program is structured into three segments.
- First Semester
- Second Semester
- International Study Tour
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
First Semester Course Structure
Second Semester Course Structure
CURRICULUM OF SOME OF THE CORE MODULES
MODULE 1
Agribusiness and the Global Food Economy
This module focuses on the evolving global economy in relation to consumer dynamics, production, distribution, preference, retail and purchasing power. Our principal emphasis is upon the positioning and interaction between agribusiness operations and the multilayered global food economy. The module will conclude with how managers can continually navigate the dynamics in the global food economy to their operational advantage.
MODULE 2
Digital Transformation in Agribusiness Operations
Digital Transformation in Agribusiness Operations is a module that aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the digital technologies and approaches that are transforming the agribusiness industry. Students will learn how to leverage technology to optimize agribusiness operations and improve performance and profitability. Some of the areas covered in the curriculum include the latest digital technologies and trends in agribusiness, including IoT, big data, AI, and Blockchain, Managing and leading digital transformation projects in agribusiness value chain activities, The Use of digital platforms for marketing in the agribusiness sector, Use of digital tools for monitoring and analyzing environmental and social performance among others.
MODULE 3
Agribusiness and the Global Food Economy
This module will look at a number of relevant strategic models for achieving high performance in food and agribusiness operations. Participants will be able to use and evaluate these models in settings strategic directions, developing new marketing pathways, managing personnels and resources for optimal productivity, mitigating against operational risks and steering agribusiness organizations to the path of sustainability.
MODULE 4
Agrifood Supply Chains and Operations Management
This module focuses on the evolving global economy in relation to consumer dynamics, production, distribution, preference, retail and purchasing power. Our principal emphasis is upon the positioning and interaction between agribusiness operations and the multilayered global food economy. The module will conclude with how managers can continually navigate the dynamics in the global food economy to their operational advantage.
MODULE 5
Financial Management of Agribusiness Operations
This module will provide a strong framework on the principles and practices of corporate finance to assist Agrifood managers in analyzing the current state of their businesses effectively using key financial models. This module will cover analysis and interpretation of financial information for making key decisions, business valuation and cost analysis. Other components of the module will focus on identifying sources of investor’s value and how to use them to make corporate financial decisions and investment choices.
MODULE 6
Agribusiness Sales and Marketing Dynamics
This module will give participants first hand opportunity to learn business models for developing and executing strategies for growing market share sizes. Participants will be equipped with volume-driven, customer-centered and technology-focused marketing strategies that are adaptable to the global Agrifood sector.
MODULE 7
Managing Innovation for Growth
This module will help participants to lead the transformation of Agrifood operations and drive business growth through innovation and strategic thinking. This module will examine how innovation models such as Big data, Artificial intelligence and Internet of Things can be used to make predictive analysis and developing new business models that can drive growth, profitability and sustainability of agribusiness operations.
MODULE 8
International Agrifood Study Trip 1
This module will be taken at our partner institutions in either Ghana, Kenya, Uganda or South Africa. Participants will understudy primary, secondary and tertiary agribusiness operations first hand in a different climate, culture and market. The module will equip participants with the important framework for thriving in international agribusiness operations.
MODULE 9
Managerial Economics for Agrifood Managers
This module will discuss the various frameworks supporting the global Agrifood markets, food system value chains, consumer demands, dynamics and distributions of food commodities, cost and revenue models as well as directions of global competition for Agrifood products.
MODULE 10
Opportunities in the Global Commodities and Food Value Chains
This module will expose participants to institutional and entrepreneurship opportunities in the commodities and food value chains of countries in Africa, North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Middle East. It is an entrepreneurial module that will equip participants with specific opportunities for trade facilitation and business growth.
MODULE 11
Business Analytics and Big Data in Agribusiness
This module will cover how Business analytics and Big Data can be used to Analyze market trends and consumer behavior to inform product development and marketing strategies, Optimize supply chain management by analyzing data on inventory levels, delivery times, and other logistics-related metrics, Improve financial performance by identifying areas of inefficiency and overspending, Monitor and analyze environmental and social performance of agribusinesses e.t.c.
INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS
As an MBA program focused on International Agribusiness and Value Chain Management, the annual global study tour is an important component of the program. The tours help in deepening the understanding of our students of the global agribusiness industry and provide them with valuable insights that can inform their future careers. Additionally, it also enhances the student’s global perspective and expose them to new ideas and ways of thinking. This is very beneficial in today’s globalized world, where agribusiness companies operate in multiple countries and cultures.
In 2022, our International Study Trip was to Ghana where our students had exciting learning sessions at Blue Skies Ltd, Ghana Commodity Exchange, Qualipine Farmers Union, Bomart Ltd, African Continental Free Trade Zone National Office, West African Competitiveness Program, Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, Fruit Terminal Ltd Beauty Secrets Ltd and Ghana Port Harbour Authority.
LOCAL TECHNICAL TOURS
Apart from the international study tours, MBA students also participate in local study tours to further put their learnings on the program into practical perspective within the context of the local production economy. During the tours, class members utilize various strategic frameworks and business models already absorbed during the program to conduct on-sight review of the organization’s operational models and provide new direction for growth.
Graduating class of January 2022 at a field trip to the factory of GX Foods Ltd, Ibadan, makers of Frudi brand of juice. The students understudied risk management models in the Fruit Juice Value Chain and provided strategic insights for the company’s growth.
RESEARCH
All the students on the MBA International Agribusiness and Value Chain Management conduct in-depth and independent research on themes of their choice within the field of international agribusiness. The outputs of these researches have been valuable to the global industry by helping professionals to improve the quality of their practices. Some of the research works conducted by students of the program include:
• The Effect of MergeData, an Internet of Things Platform on the Economic Performance of Soybean Production in South West, Nigeria by Olaore Abiodun
• Exploring the Economic Importance of Clustering for Smallholder Farmers in Improving Food Supply in Nigeria: A Case Study of Farm More Limited, Abuja, Nigeria
• Accessing the Challenges and Advancements in the Tomato Supply Chain Backward Integration in Nigeria by Damilola Mapayi
• Evaluation of Commercial Dairy Farms in Nigeria: An Analysis of Production Efficiency and Profit Margins by Yila Umaru
• Succession Planning and its Impact on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Poultry Industry of Ogun State, Nigeria by Nasir Olusanya
• Economic Viability of Catfish Fingerlings Production: A Case Study of Selected Farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria by Wakeel Olayiwola
• Assessment of Risk Management Strategies and Allocative Efficiency of Rice Value Chain Actors in Agricultural Zone C of Niger State by Daniel Nyam
• Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production in Ninewa Governorate of Iraq by Cinya Rufino
• Analysis of Barriers and Opportunities in the Adoption of Organic Foliar Fertilizer in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria
• Economic Assessment of the impact of Garri Processing on the income of Cassava farmers in Kinshasha, Congo by Friday Iroulo
DURATION AND MODE OF STUDY
The duration of the program is ONE YEAR. The program has two entries annually; in January and September. The blended mode of the program allows professionals to combine their full time work engagement with their studies seamlessly. During the international study module, participants will spend one week at any of our partner agribusiness institutions in other African countries to immerse themselves into the dynamics of agribusiness activities in that environment. During this international session, participants will learn firsthand management of agribusiness operations from a different cultural orientation. They will also gain global exposure and build new business relationships. The choice of the country for the international study module will change in every academic session of the program and would be determined by the program directorate.
DOUBLE CERTIFICATION
In a unique structure of integrated curriculum and collaborative learning, graduates of the MBA International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management also automatically earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness. This double Certification continues to put graduates of the program in an elite league of agribusiness superstars leading various industry operations across the globe. The curriculum and structure of the two programs are already integrated, so students do not have to do any extra work or pay extra fees.
INDUSTRY LEARNING PARTNERS
The program partners with leading institutes, industries and research organizations locally and internationally to create a unique academic-industry synergy that promotes excellent uptake of business education. Through these synergies, up-to-date agrifood business case studies are brought to class from the field every session, helping participants to develop a cross functional approach to agribusiness management and connect theory to real life practice situation. This uniqueness has made our MBA International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management to be one of the best and most attended executive Agribusiness MBA programs in Africa with excellent global industry rating.
FINAL DEGREE AWARD
Graduates of this program earn an MBA International Agribusiness and Value Chain Management degree of Lead City University, Ibadan. They also earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness, an NBTE accredited awarding body under the National Skill Qualification Framework
ALUMNI NETWORK
The program has an excellent alumni network that ensures that even after completing their program, our students continue to engage themselves and continue their professional development. Alumni network activities include continuing professional development programs, networking events for career and business growth, annual conferences, international trade missions e.t.c. All graduates of the program are automatic members of the alumni network. Some of the alumni of the program include:
- Vincent Isegbe, Director-General, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service
- Henrietta Ojuri, Chief Veterinary Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture
- Victoria Madedor, Head of Agribusiness & FMCG, Bank of Industry Investment Trust
- Gideon Dagunduro, Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- David Olukayode, Chief Executive Officer, Farmers Business School
- Godwin Osagbemi, Chief Operating Officer, Eraskorp Plc
- Olufemi Akinwale, Chief Executive Officer, FDH AgroVet Ltd, Ibadan
- Friday Iroulo, Plant Manager, Noodles at Marsavco
- Olusanya Nasiru, Chief Executive Officer, Tayelolu Farms, Sagamu
- Yila Umaru, Managing Consultant, OmniAgrik Specialties, Kaduna
- Kwaji Peter, Field Operation Officer, Nuru International, Adamawa
- Hon(Dr) John Godson, CEO Pilgrims Farms and First Black Senator in the Parliament of Poland.
- Cinya Rufino, Project Officer, Oxfam, South Sudan
- And many others.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
Candidates seeking admission to the MBA degree in International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management must have a BSc/HND qualification from a recognized institution with a minimum of second class lower division. Holders of professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACIB, ANAN e.t.c can also apply. We are looking for well-motivated professionals with competitive profile, creativity and ability to think critically.
NEXT START DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINE
The next start date for the 2023/2024 Academic Session is September 9, 2024. Admission screening exercise will be conducted for all applicants. Due to the limited class size for each cohort, early application is advised.
TUITION
The next start date for the 2023/2024 Academic Session is September 9, 2024. Admission screening exercise will be conducted for all applicants. Due to the limited class size for each cohort, early application is advised.
TUITION
Application Form- N25, 000 (Application Fee is payable to Lead City University Ibadan, Access Bank, Account Number: 0014074992). Application Fee Receipt should be attached to Completed Application Form and Supporting Documents at the point of application.
First Semester Fee Structure:
First Semester: N550,000
Second Semester Fee Structure:
Second Semester: N550,000
Full tuition fee includes University Tuition fee for the semester and field work fees. Installmental Payment Plan is available upon enrolment.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
- A detailed resume
- Copies of all academic qualifications
- Three reference letters
- 4 Passport photographs
- Academic transcripts of previously obtained degrees
TESTIMONIALS
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS
Are you strongly motivated and interested in enrolling for the January, 2024 intake of the MBA International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management program, fill in a pre-application form through the link below. Thereafter, the Program Directorate will schedule you for pre-admission screening session. After that session, you will be able to apply for the program. Please note that early application is advised. If you have any urgent enquiry to make, kindly send an email to: mba@agribusinessnigeria.org or agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
Join The Agribusiness Gladiators And Make Huge Agrifood Impact Today!
FOR GENERAL ADMISSION ENQUIRIES, CONTACT
If you need specific information about the program that is not on this page?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advise about your specific case
or contact:
Program Coordinator
Post Graduate Agribusiness Programs,
Lead City University, Ibadan
e-mail: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng