Remembering Albert Alos, First Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University

Femi Odugbemi, a renowned filmmaker and film scholar, fondly recalls meeting Prof. Albert Alos in 2003 during his tenure as President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN). Alos, born in Barcelona, Spain and having moved to Nigeria in 1967, dedicated his life to Nigeria's intellectual and institutional development for nearly six decades.

An electrical engineer and professor, Alos served as the pioneer Dean of Lagos Business School and became the first Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University.

Odugbemi remembers Alos for his vision of Nigeria's creative economy, sharing countless hours of discussions over coffee at Alos' apartment in Victoria Island. Alos challenged Odugbemi to think bigger and provided facilities, resources, introductions to influential people, and support for business models. In 2004, Alos hosted the ITPAN International Forum on Video and Cinema in Africa, held at the newly-built Lagos Business School auditorium, demonstrating his belief in the convergence of media and business for the growth of Nigerian creativity.

Alos also commissioned Odugbemi to produce a documentary on Lagos Business School, further showcasing his trust in creative practitioners and dedication to documenting the institutions he helped build. After retiring from his role at Pan-Atlantic University, Alos continued to support the creative industry, including serving as a member of the jury for the Afrinolly Short Film Competition.

Today, the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University embodies Alos' belief in the power of media, creativity, and knowledge.

Upon his death at the age of 86, just days before his 87th birthday, Alos was granted Nigerian citizenship in 2022. Odugbemi expresses gratitude for the opportunity to know and learn from Alos, praising his foresight regarding the importance of institutions, business knowledge, and investment in the creative economy. He fondly remembers the stimulating conversations they shared about the potential of Nigerian media.