Abiola Lukman Lawal, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eterna Oil Plc, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration with Distinction from Selinus University of Science and Literatures, completing doctoral research focused on the role of artificial intelligence in corporate decision-making.
Lawal’s doctoral thesis, titled “How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Can Enable Improved Business Decision Making as a Competitive Advantage,” explores how AI technologies can help organisations enhance strategic decisions, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their competitive positioning in an increasingly data-driven global economy.
The research comes at a time when businesses worldwide are accelerating investments in artificial intelligence to transform operations, improve productivity and gain competitive advantages across industries ranging from finance and manufacturing to energy and healthcare.
Reflecting on the achievement, Lawal described the doctoral journey as one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of his career.
“My PhD journey has been one of the most challenging, rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. I have learned so much, and I look forward to applying this knowledge to create value in business, leadership and society. Above all, I give thanks to God for His grace, strength and faithfulness throughout this journey,” he said.
Lawal, who has built a career in Nigeria’s energy sector and corporate leadership, said the milestone demonstrates that persistence and continuous learning remain essential to professional and personal development.
He expressed hope that the accomplishment would encourage young professionals, entrepreneurs and the people he mentors to pursue ambitious goals despite challenges.
“This achievement is a reminder that no goal is beyond reach, regardless of how long it takes or how difficult the path may seem. My greatest hope is that this milestone inspires my children, the youths I mentor, and anyone pursuing a dream to remain focused, resilient and committed. With faith, perseverance and hard work, extraordinary goals can become reality,” he said.
Lawal also announced plans to celebrate the academic milestone with family and friends during his graduation ceremony in Europe later this year.
His research reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in boardroom decision-making, as organisations across the world increasingly adopt AI-powered tools to support strategic planning, risk management, customer engagement and business innovation. The study also underscores the expanding intersection between executive leadership and emerging technologies as companies seek to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
