From Boardroom to Classroom: A finance Leader’s MBA Journey at Miva Open University

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, effective leadership increasingly depends on continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic depth. Temitope Oloruntoye represents this blend of experience and forward thinking. With over 25 years of professional practice spanning consulting, corporate finance, governance, and risk management, she has built a reputation grounded in discipline, credibility, and results.

Now serving as Chief Financial Officer at Credlock Africa, her decision to pursue an MBA at Miva Open University reflects a deliberate commitment to staying intellectually relevant while strengthening her strategic leadership capacity. In this interview, she shares her career journey, the personal story behind her enrolment, and how flexible learning is helping her balance executive responsibilities, family life, and academic growth.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your professional journey so far.

I grew up in Ilorin, Kwara State, where I completed my early education before studying Accounting at the University of Ilorin. Being the eldest of four siblings shaped my sense of responsibility early and influenced my leadership style over the years.

Over the past 25 years, my career has spanned consulting, corporate finance, governance, and risk management across diverse industries. I became a Fellow of ICAN and CITN, milestones that strengthened both my technical depth and professional credibility. Today, as CFO at Credlock Africa, I focus on financial stewardship, strategic planning, and supporting sustainable organisational growth. Throughout my journey, integrity, discipline, and continuous improvement have remained my guiding principles.

With over two decades of experience in finance and leadership, what inspired you to pursue an MBA at this stage?

There comes a point in life when you start looking for a new direction, and the real task is finding the right path to get there. I had always wanted to pursue an MBA, but the timing, the environment, and quite honestly, the finances needed to align.

At this stage of my career, the motivation was less about adding another qualification but more about gaining perspective. I wanted to deepen my strategic thinking, refresh my leadership approach, and better understand how global business trends intersect with local realities.

Finance leadership today goes well beyond the numbers; it requires strong people management, innovation, and strategic agility. The MBA offered an opportunity to consolidate years of practical experience with structured learning, ensuring I remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing economic environment.

How did you first hear about Miva Open University, and what influenced your decision to enrol?

I first heard about Miva from my husband while we were searching for a university for our first daughter. He encouraged me to research the institution, and I was immediately drawn to its Board of Trustees, many of whom I knew by reputation within the finance and corporate space. Their credibility made the university feel both reassuring and promising, and we were happy when our daughter gained admission.

As she progressed in her studies, I became increasingly impressed and even a little envious. She was studying Accounting, and many of the concepts she encountered formally were things I had learned primarily through work experience. I sometimes studied alongside her and would often say, half jokingly, that if Miva ever introduced an MBA programme, I would enrol without hesitation.

When the MBA programme was eventually launched, my husband and daughter encouraged me to take the step despite my initial hesitation. That decision marked the start of my journey, and interestingly, my second daughter has since joined us at Miva, making it a truly shared family experience. Beyond the personal connection, the university’s reputation and flexible, technology-driven model made enrolling both a natural and meaningful choice.

What specifically attracted you to Miva’s online and flexible learning model?

Flexibility was the biggest attraction. The model recognises that learning does not have to be confined to physical classrooms or rigid schedules. Being able to access lectures and materials at convenient times made pursuing an MBA realistic without compromising professional or family responsibilities.

It also reflects inclusiveness by making quality education accessible regardless of location or demanding work schedules.

As a busy executive, how has the flexible model helped you balance work, family, and studies?

The flexibility has been invaluable. Miva’s online learning model allows me to plan my studies around demanding work schedules and family commitments without feeling overwhelmed. I can engage with course content during quieter periods, weekends, or even while travelling, which makes a significant difference. This level of flexibility has helped me maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and academics. Rather than adding pressure, the programme fits naturally into my routine, making the learning experience sustainable rather than stressful; something that is especially important for professionals operating at senior leadership levels.

Can you share a particularly impactful course or learning experience?

Courses such as organisational behaviour and corporate strategy were especially impactful. They deepened my understanding of leadership dynamics, employee motivation, and strategic decision-making. My research project on behavioural and socioeconomic factors influencing loan defaults among mobile loan users in Lagos was particularly meaningful. It strengthened my analytical rigour and demonstrated how academic research can directly inform real-world financial and policy decisions. The Corporate Strategy course complemented my learning journey exceptionally well. It challenged me to think more holistically about how finance, technology, people, and long-term competitive positioning intersect. Collectively, these experiences did more than enhance my academic credentials; they reshaped how I approach complex strategic decisions as a finance leader. I am more reflective, more analytical, and more grounded in evidence.

In what ways has the MBA strengthened your leadership or strategic outlook?

The MBA programme at Miva has significantly sharpened my strategic thinking and broadened my professional outlook by pushing me to see organisations as interconnected systems rather than isolated functions. It strengthened my ability to align financial strategy with long-term value creation, governance, and human capital considerations, which is critical at the executive level. Through case-based learning and research-driven coursework, I’ve developed a more structured, evidence-based approach to decision-making, alongside greater comfort with ambiguity and competing stakeholder interests. Just as importantly, the programme has refined my leadership perspective, encouraging self-awareness, ethical judgement, and collaborative problem-solving; so I engage with teams, boards, and complex business challenges with greater confidence, balance, and strategic intent.

How would you describe the quality of teaching, resources, and student support?

The quality of teaching, learning resources, and student support at Miva Open University has been strong and well aligned with the needs of postgraduate learners. Faculty combine academic rigour with real-world experience, ensuring lectures go beyond theory through case studies, group work, and practical industry examples. This approach has helped me think more strategically, moving from textbook knowledge to solving complex business problems relevant to leadership roles. Learning materials are also comprehensive and well structured, with curated readings, core texts, and shared research resources that are particularly useful for academic and project work.

Student support is proactive and accessible. Success advisors and programme coordinators provide guidance on course planning, research, and administrative processes, while the collaborative student community adds significant value through peer learning and shared support. What would you say to professionals worried about time, cost, or accessibility?

For anyone concerned about time, cost, or accessibility, Miva Open University demonstrates that further education can be both practical and attainable. Its flexible structure allows professionals to continue advancing their careers while studying, without sacrificing family or personal responsibilities.

The experience goes beyond earning a qualification. It equips learners with sharper strategic thinking, renewed confidence, and a broader leadership perspective. For driven professionals seeking to grow without stepping away from real-life commitments, it offers a clear and empowering path forward.

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