- Postgraduate in Artificial Intelligence for Business Class of 2024–2025
By Sonny Iroche
Spending the past year at the University of Oxford, enrolled in the Postgraduate Program in Artificial Intelligence for Business, has been nothing short of transformational. As someone with decades of experience in investment banking, business, public policy, and corporate leadership, and board Chairman and director, this journey was driven by a lifelong dream—to study at Oxford—and a strategic purpose: to better understand AI and its potential to shape and disrupt, not only Africa, but the future of the world.
From the moment I walked through the doors of Saïd Business School, after my one- year research as a Senior Academic Visitor at the African Studies Centre of Oxford, I was immersed in a world that combined Oxford’s rich academic tradition with cutting-edge insights on technology, ethics, and leadership. What I encountered was far more than a course. It was a complete recalibration of how I see the future.
Learning at the Frontier
The programme was intellectually rigorous and practical in its design. It wasn’t just about algorithms, it was about how to lead and govern in an AI-driven world. Under the guidance of Professors Felipe Thomaz, Marc Ventresca, Bige Kahraman Alper, Andrew Stephen and other distinguished faculty members. And several seminars and workshops on AI, some delivered by Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the Head of Jesus College. We delved deep into the principles of machine learning, Generative AI, deep learning, data ethics, responsible innovation, and strategic deployment of AI in business.
Each session deepened my understanding of the risks, opportunities, and governance implications of emerging technologies—lessons I now bring to boardrooms, public institutions, and leadership conversations across Africa.
The Oxford Experience
Outside the lecture hall, Oxford was an education in itself. The historic architecture, college dinners, punting at the River Cherwell, debates at the Oxford Union and the Oxford Town Hall, and conversations with peers from around the world reminded me of the power of diverse ideas and global perspective. The environment gave me the space to reflect deeply on the challenges facing Nigeria and the continent, and how AI, if applied responsibly, could be part of the solution.
This was not just academic learning; it was a life experience. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of education to transform individuals, communities, and entire nations.
Turning Knowledge into Action
Since completing the programme, I’ve returned to Nigeria with a renewed sense of mission. As CEO of GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd, (whose mantra is “AI or Die”), I am leading AI awareness and adoption efforts among banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and professional services. Our goal is to prepare African leaders and organisations for the AI era—not just as users, but as informed and ethical participants in its development.
Oxford equipped me with the tools, confidence, and global perspective to be a bridge between advanced AI thinking and practical application in Africa. And it reminded me that the future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build.
Gratitude and Outlook
I remain grateful to God Almighty for the grace to pursue this goal, and to my darling wife, Suzanne, and my sons- Martin, Nnamdi and Femi, for their unflinching support throughout this journey. I also thank the faculty and staff of Saïd Business School- Dean, Prof Soumitra Dutta, Kathy Harvey, Joe Parton, who gentle persuasion word me to the program, Joanna Francis, and Hilary O’Hare, for creating a learning environment that is both intellectually demanding and personally enriching.
Oxford was more than a destination. It was a beginning.
As I move forward, I carry not only the honour of having studied at one of the world’s great institutions, but also the responsibility to apply what I’ve learned for the benefit of my country, continent, and future generations.
“Oxford taught me that leadership in technology is not just about what machines can do—but about what humanity must do with them.”
Let me end with a quote from Alvin Toffler: “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn”.
NB: Sonny Iroche, who some refer to as the Godfather of AI in Nigeria, holds a post graduate degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business from the University of Oxford and was also a Senior Academic Fellow, African studies Centre 2022-2023, of the same University.
• Holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Member, UNESCO Technical Working Group on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology for Nigeria.
• Member, Nigeria AI Strategy Committee
• Guest lecturer, Joint MBA, between the London Business School and Columbia University, New York, USA.
• Chief Executive Officer; GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd.
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sonnyiroche
• Email: [email protected]
• X (Twitter) @IrocheSonny
