Dr. Ladi Ibrahim Thomas
Dr. Ladi Ibrahim Thomas
Director of Business DevelopmentDr. Ladi Ibrahim Thomas serves as the Director of Business Development at Al-Muhibbah Open University. She is also a Member of the University’s Governing Council and serves as the Representative of the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A distinguished public administration and development professional, she brings over two decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, international development, and the non-governmental sector.
Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, a Master of Public Personnel Management (MPPM) from the National Open University of Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos. She is currently pursuing a second PhD in Gender and Democratic Governance at the Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, University of Abuja, reflecting her continued commitment to academic excellence and policy leadership.
At Al-Muhibbah Open University, Dr. Thomas provides strategic leadership for business development, institutional advancement, corporate partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with the University’s executive leadership, she drives initiatives that expand access to technology-enabled, learner-centred higher education while strengthening strategic collaborations, fostering innovation, and supporting the University’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Prior to joining Al-Muhibbah Open University, Dr. Thomas held leadership and programme development roles with UNICEF, the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), Nigerian Turkish Nile University, and the Al-Muhibbah Foundation. Across these organisations, she made significant contributions to organisational development, strategic communications, programme management, peacebuilding initiatives, and human capital development, earning a reputation for building effective partnerships and delivering sustainable institutional impact.
A certified practitioner in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Management from the Centre for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, USA, Dr. Thomas combines academic scholarship with practical leadership. Her expertise in strategic planning, democratic governance, institutional development, and stakeholder relations continues to strengthen Al-Muhibbah Open University’s national and international partnerships, advancing its vision of delivering accessible, globally relevant higher education that transforms individuals, communities, and society.