PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
It’s been an exciting and impactful quarter at The Investment Society, and we’re pleased to share some of the highlights with you.
We kicked off the quarter with a series of engaging General Body Meetings (GBMs), featuring insightful sessions with distinguished professionals, including:
Tami Koroye – Lecturer in Law and Regulation of Virtual Currencies, University of Bradford
Itome Edache - Project Lead, AHEAD by Africa Foresight Group
Titilayo Ola - Director, Global Sustainable Finance, Morgan Stanley
Katherine Mone – Executive Associate, Internal Control and Operational Risk Management, United Capital PLC
Boason Omofaye – CEO and Executive Editor, Frontier Africa Reports
A major milestone of the quarter was the official appointment of Mr. Banji Fehintola as a Patron of the Society. We are honored to welcome him on board and look forward to his guidance and support.
We also launched our Weekly Market Snapshot through the Research Division, providing timely insights and analysis on market performance as part of our continued effort to equip members with practical knowledge and tools.
Further bridging the gap between theory and practice, members had the opportunity to visit leading firms such as BCG, Octerra, Ventures Platform, and McKinsey.
We’re especially excited to have recently hosted the 2025 edition of The Colloquium. It was a successful conference that brought together industry leaders, professionals, and students for insightful conversations. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to its success. Special thanks to our sponsors, partners, and guest speakers for helping us deliver such an impactful event.
Until next quarter,
Aminat Giwa,
President, The Investment Society, University of Lagos.
Investment Banking Division
In Q2 2025, the Investment Banking Division built on its strong Q1 foundation by further equipping members with advanced skills and preparing them for more responsibilities.
In Q1, members strengthened their equity research skills by analyzing companies across multiple sectors, gaining exposure to value chains, market drivers, competitive positioning, and key financial statement forecasts.
In Q2, we advanced this by applying our three-stage model more rigorously and interpreting line items across different industries. Members worked in groups to analyze four companies in diverse sectors, furthering their understanding of how key items behave and affect valuation, and sharpening our industry-specific insights.
We also reinforced core financial modeling principles, setting the stage for building a full three-statement model in the next quarter.
Plans for Q3 include:
Completing our financial modeling and valuation training by building a full three-statement model.
Presenting real investment banking deals.
Ramping up interview preparation to help members stand out in recruitment processes.
Management Consulting Division
This previous quarter, the Management Consulting Division took another big step forward in turning theory into practice. Members sharpened their core consulting skills by tackling case interviews and mastering market sizing, thereby building analytical fluency, critical thinking, and structured communication. The MECE framework was a central theme, helping members approach problems with clarity and precision. This period marked a shift from theory to tangible application, with weekly sessions designed to simulate the pace of real consulting environments.
A standout initiative in Q2 2025 was the implementation of the TIS Advisory Board. What began as an idea has evolved into a dynamic advisory service to support Unilag-based student entrepreneurs. The Board took on its first active business case from a fellow student entrepreneur, creating a rare opportunity for student consultants to provide hands-on solutions to real operational challenges. The experience was collaborative and rewarding, a perfect example of peer-led innovation meeting business acumen.
As the Advisory Board opens its doors to more campus businesses, it signals a new chapter, one where the Division’s impact is measured not just by skills gained but by businesses and ventures meaningfully supported.
Securities and Trading Division
As we wrapped up Q1 and stepped into Q2, our focus shifted to the dynamic world of commodities, where market variables shape prices daily. We dedicated considerable attention to understanding how supply and demand, geopolitical events, and economic trends impacted commodity markets. A notable case study highlighting the impact of global events on oil prices provided valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing commodity prices.
Alongside commodities, we revisited key concepts covered in the first quarter. A quiz designed to reinforce understanding of market structures and financial instruments helped solidify knowledge and prepare us for more advanced topics.
Our exploration of currencies was also enlightening, as we delved into the basics of currency markets, exchange rates, and the various factors that influenced them. This foundation set the stage for our deep dive into derivatives. Within the realm of derivatives, we examined Forwards and Futures contracts, gaining a deeper understanding of their mechanics and applications.
Now, we’re gearing up to tackle Options next, exploring their features, strategies, and practical uses.
Alternative Investments Division
Last quarter, the Alternative Investments Division strengthened its foundation through a mix of technical learning and market exploration.
We kicked off with hands-on company valuation exercises in collaboration with the Investment Banking Division. Using Investment Banking: Valuation, LBOs, M&A, and IPOs by Rosenbaum and Pearl as a guide, members analyzed key Nigerian sectors like FMCG, agriculture, and manufacturing which helped in deepening both analytical and sector-specific knowledge.
Next, we explored unconventional asset classes in our “Rise of Art and Luxury Goods as Alternative Investments” series, which highlighted the growing appeal of collectibles in portfolio diversification. Shifting focus to commodities, members examined their performance and role as inflation hedges and stabilizers in volatile markets.
To broaden our macro perspective, we studied the ripple effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on global commodity supply chains, especially oil, gas, and wheat, and explored the intersection of green energy and commodities, unpacking the growing demand for critical minerals tied to the energy transition.
We capped the quarter by enrolling in Bocconi University’s Private Equity and Venture Capital course, equipping members with key insights into the legal, financial, and operational dimensions of private equity.
Corporate Communications and Partnerships
Q2 2025 was an exciting quarter for the division. Our main focus was peer-to-peer learning, so members were tasked with creating presentations and facilitating sessions on specific topics assigned to them. We also held our first physical meeting, a potluck that gave everyone the chance to connect in person after many virtual sessions and timeouts.
Another highlight this quarter was our series of office visits. We organized visits to Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, Octerra Capital, and Ventures Platform. These visits not only gave our members fresh perspectives but also helped us build new relationships with leading companies and reinforced our commitment to setting the Investment Society’s standard as a top-tier community.
On the partnerships front, we’re proud to have established new collaborations with Blue Advisory and the Young Professionals and Emerging Leaders (YPEL), further extending the reach and impact of the Society.
Media and Technology
Our activities in the previous quarter can be explained in two words: creativity and execution. We executed several bold, intentional, and creative campaigns that elevated the society's visibility within and beyond the campus.
In May, we released a video for the Mental Health Week 2025, utilizing storytelling to express university struggles. For The Colloquium 2025, we consistently created content, launched a dedicated newsletter, and partnered with media firms to increase engagement and register delegates.
As you already know, The Colloquium 2025 was a success. With raised shoulders and a smile of accomplishment, the division will continue to keep the flag flying and increase visibility for the society.
Programs and Operations
This past quarter, we delivered a rich blend of insightful sessions and engaging activities for our members.
We began with an Alumni session featuring Itome Edache, who spoke on the impact of building leadership skills. This was followed by another Alumni session on mastering attention to detail with Katherine Mone. We also hosted a discussion on U.S. tariffs and their impact on the global market.
Our speaker series kicked off with Tami Koroye’s session on digital currencies. Building on that momentum, Bimbo Oyeyiga from Rand Merchant Bank gave an engaging overview of Corporate Finance. Next, Boason Omofaye led an inspiring session on crafting your voice in finance, and we wrapped up with a thought-provoking discussion on global sustainable finance with Titilayo Ola, a Director at Morgan Stanley.
To foster bonding among members, we organized a games session and closed out the quarter with a lively conversation exploring the Artificial Intelligence industry.
On the internal side, the division also ran practical sessions on preparing and applying for local and global internship opportunities. We’re now looking forward to learning Microsoft Excel in this third quarter.
Human Resources
In Q2 2025, the HR division focused on enhancing key soft skills, specifically teamwork, communication, and feedback. Recognizing that these interpersonal skills are essential to effective HR practice, we ran a series of targeted sessions to help members collaborate better, communicate more clearly, and build confidence in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Our teamwork sessions emphasized trust-building, shared responsibility, and understanding different working styles. For communication, we explored how to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and tailor messages to different audiences. On feedback, members worked through real-life scenarios, learning how to offer helpful input with empathy while staying open to receiving it.
These sessions were highly interactive, combining peer exercises and scenario-based discussions that encouraged reflection and application. As a result, we’ve observed more cohesive teamwork and thoughtful engagement during internal meetings and project discussions, setting a stronger foundation for more effective collaboration across the division.
Research Division
The Research Division introduced the Weekly Market Snapshot, a concise roundup of key highlights each week, covering both local and global market developments. The first snapshot was published in LinkedIn on May 19th and has since been released every week. We’re committed to keeping you informed and up to date.
The division also worked on a research paper for the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), exploring coconut as an emerging commodity in Nigeria.
Remember to keep an eye out for our Weekly Market Snapshot and let us help you stay ahead of the curve!
Investment Fund Division
Over the past quarter, the division worked to build members’ technical skills through a valuation series covering methods such as DCF and trading comparables. Members also gained exposure to fixed income instruments, enhancing their understanding of market structure beyond equities. Throughout the quarter, we kept our sector reports across the 10 sectors updated, staying informed on key market trends. The fund’s equities portfolio delivered an impressive return of over 70% year-to-date.
In Q3, we plan to expand members’ knowledge across asset classes through targeted training sessions. We also aim to maintain the fund’s strong performance while advancing our diversification strategy in line with its mandate.
We are delighted to have recently hosted the sixth edition of our annual flagship event, The Colloquium, which was held on July 3rd, 2025. This year’s event was a remarkable success, and we remain truly grateful to everyone who contributed to making it a landmark conference.
We were privileged to welcome over 3,000 attendees and delegates from more than 10 universities, including one secondary school. This year, we moved to a new venue, the Jelili Adebisi Omotola Hall (UNILAG Multi-Purpose Hall) and we’re proud to have filled both halls to capacity. It was indeed a sight to behold.
This success was the result of months of planning, strategy meetings, social media campaigns, campus publicity walks, and the tireless commitment of our delegates and volunteers.
With the theme “Financing the Future and Rethinking Capital: A Web of Disruptive Technologies, the Creative Economy, and Sustainable Development in Africa,” the conversations explored how innovative financial models, emerging technologies, and the creative sector can work together to drive inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent.
We are especially grateful to all our panelists who generously shared their time and insights in the various discussions. We also extend a huge thank you to our keynote speakers, Mr. Banji Fehintola and Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi. Their speeches deeply resonated with the audience, sparking fresh inspiration and a renewed commitment to self-discovery.
Finally, we are extremely thankful to our sponsors and career fair partners. Your support made all the difference, and we are truly grateful for you.
Click here for a quick trip down memory lane.
And with that, we say, see you in The Colloquium 2026!
Thank you for reading our newsletter, we appreciate your continuous support. To support our activities:
Account Number: 2334500722
Account Name: THE INVESTMENT SOCIETY UNILAG
Bank: UBA