An old video from 2022 showing a Stanford Graduate School of Business student addressing Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu by his first name has resurfaced online, reigniting public discussion following a similar incident involving a United Bank for Africa (UBA) graduate trainee.
The resurfaced clip was recorded during a fireside chat hosted as part of Stanford’s “View From The Top” speaker series.
In the video, student interviewer Chisom Obi-Okoye greeted the business leader with “Hi Tony” prior to starting the session—a style aligned with the casual, first-name cultural norms common in Western academic and corporate institutions.
Background of the UBA incident
The footage began recirculating shortly after an interaction at a UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) ceremony in Lagos went viral.
During the event, a young female trainee greeted the bank chairman with “Good morning, Tony.”
Elumelu corrected the trainee on stage, requesting to be addressed as “Mr. Elumelu” and explaining that he does not adhere to informal Western naming conventions in the workplace.
The moment sparked widespread online debate regarding workplace hierarchy, corporate decorum, and traditional African respect.
Public reactions and debate
Social media users have shared contrasting views regarding the two interactions:
Critique of corporate culture: Commentators, including social media user Awuzie Frankline, highlighted perceived inconsistencies in how professional boundaries are applied, noting that while cultural expectations exist, public corrections should avoid turning into public embarrassment.
Contextual differences: Others argued that a formal corporate graduation ceremony within a Nigerian institution carries different expectations than an international academic setting abroad, where informal address is standard practice.
The discussion continues to generate engagement across platforms, bringing renewed attention to the balance between local cultural values and international corporate standards.
Watch the video on our Telegram Channel.
Read Also: Beyond the Elumelu first-name saga: Navigating the complex trap of corporate culture, an experience-shaped perspective by writer John Awe
