Jane Nwagu earns her online master of business administration from SUNY Oswego during December Commencement. Nwagu traveled from Nigeria to celebrate this accomplishment.
For Jane Nwagu, earning her online master of business administration from SUNY Oswego was worth the trip for December graduation –- which included meeting President Peter O. Nwosu, a fellow Nigerian, and navigating one of Oswego’s famous snowfalls.
Nwagu, who is the Group Head of Business Development for FBN Insurance Brokers in Lagos, is prepared for the next level of C-Suite executive in the highly competitive insurance industry in Nigeria with the completion of this MBA program.
“The MBA will get me ready for a bigger management role,” Nwagu said, noting that the dynamics of the insurance landscape are evolving. “I needed to get the MBA ready so I can be ready for the emerging opportunities. I know a lot is expected when one gets to that level of leadership.”
Starting the MBA with Oswego in 2021, the lessons in the classes have already served her in Nwagu’s current role, where she leads a business development department with marketers reporting from four regions of the country.
“From the MBA, I’ve been able to become a better manager of people. In one of the classes, strategic management, I learned a whole lot about … how to bring out the best in the team,” Nwagu said, noting the team exceeded their figures in the past year. “The lectures allowed me to redirect my focus on how to get the best out of the business environment.”
Nwagu researched top MBA programs around the world, including North America and the United Kingdom, “prioritizing academic excellence and cost-effectiveness,” she said.
Benjamin Ogwo, who was her undergraduate mentor at University of Nigeria, Nsukka –- and now professor and chair for SUNY Oswego’s Career and Technical Educator Preparation Department –- provided a “compelling endorsement of how SUNY Oswego's online MBA program perfectly aligned with my criteria for a world-class education at an accessible price point.”
Oswego’s MBA “exceeded my expectations,” Nwagu said, giving much credit to “exceptional guidance” from Irene Scruton, assistant dean in the School of Business and the MBA program director.
“From our first interaction, she recognized my potential and provided unwavering support throughout my academic journey, culminating in my December 2024 graduation,” Nwagu noted. “The dedicated support team, particularly Melisa [Arduini] and Tara [Magner], played an instrumental role in this transformative educational experience.”
Worth the journey
In addition to her rise up the ranks at FBN Insurance, Nwagu also literally went a long way to attend Commencement on Dec. 14.
“I always told myself that after what I’ve gone through, I’ll be present at Commencement,” Nwagu said. When she learned of President Nwosu’s appointment to the helm of SUNY Oswego, it made the journey all the more meaningful.
“Meeting President Peter O. Nwosu was a defining moment of my SUNY Oswego experience,” Nwagu said. “As the institution's 11th president and first African-born leader, his appointment in 2023 exemplifies SUNY Oswego's commitment to recognizing merit and fostering diversity. Our shared Nigerian heritage — both from Anambra state — made his achievements particularly inspiring.”
It also meant Nwagu also had the opportunity to experience the winter and snowfall that so many Lakers have learned to navigate. The day before Commencement, Ogwo drove her up to Oswego from Syracuse in a whiteout part of the way, but this leg of her journey was rewarding as well.
“Despite his demanding schedule, President Nwosu prioritized our meeting, rearranging commitments to have a meaningful discussion,” Nwagu said. “Our conversation during that snow-swept day revealed not just his exceptional leadership and dedication to student engagement, but also provided invaluable insights that will stay with me throughout my career. His presidency stands as a powerful testament to SUNY Oswego's inclusive excellence.”
The time in town also provided the opportunity for Nwagu to meet Scruton and other members of the Oswego team who made her academic journey such a pleasure.
Global accomplishments
Nwagu navigated occasional logistical challenges along her academic journey, taking classes from across the globe and sometimes dealing with infrastructure constraints back home, but credited Oswego’s team for ensuring it was a transformative and valuable experience.
“The program's robust online platform and meticulously structured curriculum ensure deep learning beyond mere examination requirements,” Nwagu said. “Each module systematically builds both professional capabilities and personal growth.”
Interactions with faculty, staff and alumni were always top-notch. “The program's commitment to real-world application was evident through exclusive access to and interaction with industry leaders, including PWC's [recently retired] Global Chairman Bob Mortiz,” Nwagu said.
Even while working full-time in a demanding job and dealing with time differences and other challenges, Nwagu knew she was in good and understanding hands.
“With Professor Scruton's exceptional guidance and understanding faculty, I completed the program at my own pace while managing a demanding career,” Nwagu said. “SUNY Oswego's demonstrated commitment to student success, regardless of geographical location or circumstance, makes it an outstanding choice for ambitious professionals seeking a quality MBA education.”
Nwagu had many people to thank along the way, a testament to the depth and breadth of expertise and caring across the SUNY Oswego community.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to an extraordinary team of mentors and educators who made this journey possible,” Nwagu said: “President Nwosu, for his invaluable time and insights; Dr. Ben Ogwo, for guiding me to SUNY Oswego; and professor Irene Scruton, whose unwavering belief in my potential shaped my success. The exceptional faculty – Sarah Bonzo, Mohammad Tajvapour, Thomas Ingram, Paul Barbiarz, David Vampola, Andrew Wolfe, Eric Tsai, Ashraf Attia, Jingjie Su, David McLain and Jinpei Wu – demonstrated remarkable understanding of my unique circumstances, consistently extending deadlines to accommodate Nigeria's challenges. Their commitment to my success exemplifies SUNY Oswego's dedication to global education.”
For more information on Oswego’s MBA program and options, visit oswego.edu/mba.
December MBA graduate Jane Nwagu meets with fellow Nigerian native SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu while visiting to celebrate Commencement.