adams adeiza
I am Dr Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor at the School of Management & Business (SoMB), MILA University, Malaysia, specializing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and executive education. I am the Founder/CEO of A A Advisory.
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to creating impactful changes in academia, policy, business, and community development, both in Malaysia and my home country, Nigeria.
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I hold a PhD in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an MSc in Management with a focus on Marketing, and a BSc in Business Administration.
I’m also a Microsoft Certified Educator, credentialled in 21st Century Learning Design (otherwise known as Technology Literacy for Educators), a framework for teaching students the key skills for working, living, and thriving in the 21st Century World.
At the invitation of President Barack Obama, I attended the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders program, completing advanced training in Business and Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University at Evanston, USA.
experience
My Career and Impact in Nigeria
Before moving to Malaysia in 2020, I spent 14 years as a Lecturer at Dangote Business School, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. Teaching entrepreneurship and leadership was only one part of my role—I also worked on numerous socio-economic development projects in collaboration with international organizations like DFID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the US Embassy.
These projects allowed me to support communities across Nigeria, providing interventions that created lasting impact. My dedication to community and professional development led to honors including the Nigerian Institute of Management’s Young Manager of the Year, Center for Values in Leadership's Young Leader of the Year, the YouWiN Enterprise Award, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, awarded by President Obama.
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Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to Nigeria’s national policies, working as a technical anchor for the 2021-2025 Medium Term National Development Plan and Nigeria Agenda 2050. My involvement in these initiatives has helped shape long-term economic strategies for Nigeria’s future.
Through my work with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), I contributed to the development of a national curriculum for entrepreneurship education, designed to equip students with practical, market-ready skills. I also serve as a Senior Fellow on Digital Economy at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and as a Senior Policy Consultant for Jigawa State, working on initiatives that drive economic and social development.
My Roles in Malaysia
Since joining Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in 2020, I’ve taken on multiple leadership roles, reflecting my commitment to advancing education and innovation. As the Director of Executive Education, I secured and managed training grants to deliver executive programs for high-level government officials and professionals across diverse sectors.
One of my proudest achievements at UMK was establishing a campus-based tech startup lab, one of the first of its kind in Malaysia, as part of my role as Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Center. This lab has provided a dynamic platform for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
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In addition to my work at UMK, I’ve had the privilege of supporting the Malaysian government, particularly the Prime Minister’s Department and the Public Service Department of Malaysia (JPA), in developing and delivering leadership programs for senior public servants. These programs have aimed to strengthen leadership capacity within Malaysia’s public sector, and I’ve had the opportunity to design and lead modules on topics such as transformational leadership, persuasive communication, and innovative public service delivery.
Broader Contributions in Malaysia
I also serve as Vice-President at the Kuala Lumpur Business and TVET Institute (KLTVET), where I focus on developing programs to prepare Malaysia’s youth with 21st-century skills. My work with KLTVET ensures that the next generation is equipped to meet modern workforce challenges and global opportunities.
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As a Senior Fellow on Policy and Industry Engagement with the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), I collaborate with government and industry leaders to generate strategic insights that shape national and regional policies. My role at ASLI has allowed me to contribute to initiatives that drive sustainable economic growth and foster resilience across the ASEAN region.
Personal and Professional Commitment
I am passionate about making a positive impact through policy, education, and community engagement. From supporting foundational policies in Nigeria to helping shape the future of leadership in Malaysia, my journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and service.
Representing Ebiraland and Kogi State on the international stage is both a privilege and an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunities to bridge communities and drive meaningful progress across borders.
