7UP Unveils 16th Harvard MBA Scholar, Reaffirming Commitment to Nigerian Leadership

Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has unveiled Jochebed Angbazo as the 16th recipient of its prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA Scholarship, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to developing Nigerian leaders through world-class education and leadership training.

The announcement was made during an unveiling ceremony in Lagos, where company executives described the scholarship as one of SBC’s flagship social investment initiatives. Established in 2010 to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, the programme provides a fully funded MBA scholarship for outstanding Nigerians admitted into Harvard Business School, creating a growing network of professionals committed to driving positive change across the country.

Angbazo, who was born in Jos, Plateau State, brings more than eight years of professional experience spanning real estate, financial services, digital media and hospitality. According to SBC, she emerged after a rigorous selection process that assessed candidates not only on academic excellence and career achievements but also on their commitment to creating meaningful impact in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, SBC Managing Director Sari El-Khalil, represented by Chief Finance Officer Muhammed Ahmad, said the company has remained committed to the scholarship despite challenging business conditions because of its proven impact on both recipients and society.

He noted that previous scholars have gone on to establish influential businesses and social enterprises, citing the programme’s first beneficiary, Misan Rewane, whose organization, WAVE Academy, has helped strengthen employability skills for thousands of young people across West Africa.

SBC’s Head of People and Culture, Olayinka Olufade, said the selection process deliberately goes beyond impressive résumés. She explained that the company seeks individuals who believe in Nigeria’s future and are prepared to return the value of their education by contributing to national development and their communities.

Receiving the award, Angbazo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue what she described as a lifelong dream of studying at Harvard Business School. She also encouraged Nigerian parents to continue investing in the education of girls, emphasizing that access to quality education has the power to transform families, communities and the nation. Over the past 16 years, the 7UP-HBS Scholarship has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected corporate education initiatives, producing alumni whose careers span entrepreneurship, public policy, business and social development. As Angbazo joins that growing community, the programme continues to demonstrate how strategic investment in exceptional talent can create lasting leadership capacity for Nigeria’s future.