The Azaiki Foundation has commended the appointment of Prof Stephen Sinikiem Azaiki as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Third Governing Council of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Penpushing reports that the commendation and celebration contained in a press statement followed his appointment by the Founder and Visitor of the University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien
‘This prestigious appointment is a fitting recognition of Prof. Azaiki’s distinguished career as an academic, education administrator, public servant, development strategist, author, and institution builder whose contributions have positively impacted higher education, governance, research, and community development across Nigeria and beyond’, the statement read.
Penpushing further reports that the foundation added that Azaiki’s academic accomplishments span more than four decades, adding that he holds advanced degrees in Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Public Administration, and Project Management.
The statement stated that he has undertaken executive leadership programmes at globally renowned institutions including Harvard University, Oxford University, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Yale University.
Penpushing also reports that it added that he equally undertook leadership programme at University of London, and has taught and conducted research in Nigeria and internationally, serving as Professor and Visiting Professor in several universities and research institutions.
‘His appointment is particularly appropriate given his extensive experience in university governance. Prof. Azaiki previously served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, where he chaired critical committees responsible for finance, development, administration, and institutional advancement’, the statement stated.
‘He also served as a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, bringing strategic oversight and policy leadership to the governance of higher education institutions’, it added.
‘Beyond academia, Prof. Azaiki has distinguished himself in public service. He has served as Pioneer Commissioner for Agriculture in Bayelsa State, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Director in the National Directorate of Employment, and Member of the House of Representatives representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency’.
Penpushing further reports that Azaiki Foundation pointed out that Azaiki’s leadership experience cuts across government, policy development, economic planning, and institutional management.
‘On the international stage, Prof. Azaiki has represented Nigeria with distinction as Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF, President of the Nigerian Chapter of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), Executive Member of the World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES), and participant in numerous global policy and educational forums’.
‘Equally remarkable is his commitment to educational and cultural development. Through visionary philanthropy and personal dedication, he established the Azaiki Public Library, the Azaiki Museum of Niger Delta and African Arts, ISCEST Nigeria and the Institute of Science and Technology, Yenagoa—institutions that continue to promote literacy, research, innovation, heritage preservation, and lifelong learning’.
‘An accomplished author and scholar, Prof. Azaiki has published extensively on governance, education, agriculture, development, federalism, environmental sustainability, and the Niger Delta question, earning national and international recognition for his intellectual contributions. He is also a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his service to the nation’, the statement read.
‘The Azaiki Foundation believes that Ritman University has chosen a leader whose record demonstrates a lifelong commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, ethical leadership, innovation, and nation-building’.
‘His wealth of experience in university administration, public policy, international engagement, and educational advancement will undoubtedly strengthen the University’s quest to produce globally competitive graduates and advance its vision of excellence in teaching, research, character formation, and societal impact’.
‘As Prof. Azaiki assumes this important responsibility, we are confident that he will bring to Ritman University the same passion, wisdom, integrity, and transformational leadership that have characterized his distinguished career’.
‘On behalf of the Board, Management, Staff, and stakeholders of the Azaiki Foundation, we extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Steve Azaiki on this well-deserved appointment and wish him a successful and impactful tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Ritman University’, the statement emphasised.
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