Industry Newspaper: Otubela’s education, entrepreneurship experience to shape 2026 Top 50 Impact Awards

By Amin

Renowned entrepreneur and educationist, Chief Yomi Otubela, is set to bring his extensive experience in education, entrepreneurship and private-sector advocacy to the 2026 edition of The Industry Newspaper’s Top 50 Nigerian Companies of Impact.

Otubela, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and Founder/CEO of Lagooz Schools, has been appointed Chairman of the flagship annual recognition, which celebrates Nigerian companies making significant contributions to economic growth and national development.

The 2026 edition, themed “Building Resilience, Driving Growth: Nigerian Companies Shaping the Next Decade,” will be unveiled at an awards and networking luncheon on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The organisers said Otubela’s background in institution-building, education and entrepreneurship made him particularly suited to lead a platform focused on recognising businesses that combine commercial success with measurable impact.

Under his leadership, Lagooz Schools has developed a reputation for academic excellence, innovation in learning, technology integration and youth development, while his role in NAPPS has placed him at the centre of advocacy on private education and policies affecting the sector.

Beyond education, Otubela has consistently advocated stronger private-sector participation in national development, with particular emphasis on skills development, human-capital investment and creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow.

As Chairman of the 2026 Top 50 project, he is expected to provide strategic guidance for the selection process, deliver the Chairman’s Address at the awards ceremony and lead discussions on how companies can deepen their impact through innovation, governance and social responsibility.

Speaking on the appointment, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Industry Newspaper, Goddie Ofose, said Otubela embodied the values the platform seeks to celebrate.

“We are honoured to have Chief Yomi Otubela chair this year’s Top 50. He embodies the spirit of impact we seek to celebrate — building institutions, empowering people, and creating value that outlives quarterly reports,” Ofose said.

He described Otubela’s combined experience as an entrepreneur and educationist as an asset to the project, particularly in identifying companies that are not only profitable but also purposeful.

The 2026 Top 50 recognition will feature companies across banking, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, aviation, education and other key sectors of the economy.

According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to highlight companies demonstrating resilience, innovation, job creation and responsible corporate citizenship while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

The 2026 edition will be distributed to C-suite executives, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria and the diaspora.