… Heralds New Dawn If Academic Brilliance And Visionary Leadership
Caleb University Imota, Lagos, has announced the appointment of the erudite and globally acclaimed scholar, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
He succeeded Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, who had completed his two terms in office.
Asikhia, a professor of Business Administration of international repute, distinguished academic, researcher, institutional leader, management consultant, and entrepreneur whose impressive career spans over 30 years, brings to the helm of affairs a luminous pedigree of scholarly excellence, visionary leadership, and an unblemished record of service to the academy.
A statement by Olawale Adekoya, Information, Media and Publication Specialist, stated that the appointment of Prof Asikhia will usher in a new epoch of intellectual refinement and progressive governance in the annals of the Imota Lagos- based Citadel.
His visionary leadership at Caleb University commenced in the year 2021 when he assumed the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy, and Administration), where his transformational leadership has birthed key achievements including successful strategic planning and institutional transformation, designing and implementing the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, achieving 71.2% success by 2024 and elevating Caleb University’s national ranking from 66th to 18th, with a 57% increase in institutional visibility.
A multiple grant award-winning researcher, a born leader, serial winner and a child of fate, Professor Asikhia has won the SME and Poverty Alleviation grant of the University of South Africa twice (2014 and 2015), funded to the tune of $100,000, thus influencing national and international policies.
Globally, his efforts have positioned Caleb University on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, even as the AD Scientific Author Index ranked him among Nigeria’s top 3% researchers in Business Administration, top 5.6% in Africa and top 23.6% in the world.
Over the decades, Prof. Asikhia has distinguished himself as a paragon of academic integrity and pedagogical innovation.
His groundbreaking research in strategic management and organisational development has not only enriched the frontiers of knowledge but also informed policies and practices within corporate and academic spheres alike.
His contributions have revolutionised business management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and social policy, making him a prominent figure in academia and beyond.
Renowned for his innovative strategies, ethical research practices, and leadership acumen, Professor Asikhia has left an indelible mark on institutions, students, and communities across Africa and the world.
His academic journey undoubtedly exemplifies an unwavering commitment to learning and excellence. Beginning with his higher education at the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry (Biostatistics) in 1987, his passion for multidisciplinary learning led him to pursue several postgraduate programs, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics (Manpower Development) at the University of Lagos, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Development Economics, University of Lagos (1995), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ogun State University (1998). Driven by a thirst for advanced knowledge, Professor Asikhia achieved dual doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management (Entrepreneurial and Strategic Management) from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa (2020) and a Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) in Strategy and Marketing from the University of South Africa (2006).
The new Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University has so far supervised and graduated 95 doctoral students, out of which 7 are already Professors. His efforts have also produced 17 master’s degree students and 136 undergraduate students across various disciplines. His scholarly contributions include a towering 157 peer-reviewed publications, including 10 authored books.
