Azaiki Foundation celebrates Prof. Steve Azaiki’s well-deserved appointment to lead Ritman University’s Governing Council.

The Azaiki Foundation has expressed delight over the appointment of Hon. (Prof.) Stephen Sinikiem Azaiki, OON, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Third Governing Council of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The appointment was made by the Founder and Visitor of the University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, and is regarded as a deserving recognition of Prof. Azaiki’s outstanding career as an academic, education administrator, public servant, development strategist, author, and institution builder. His contributions have made significant impacts on higher education, governance, research, and community development within Nigeria and beyond.
With an academic career spanning more than four decades, Prof. Azaiki holds advanced degrees in Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Public Administration, and Project Management. He has also completed executive leadership programmes at globally renowned institutions, including Harvard University, Oxford University, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, and the University of London. Throughout his career, he has taught and conducted research both in Nigeria and internationally, serving as Professor and Visiting Professor in several universities and research institutions.
The Foundation noted that the appointment reflects Prof. Azaiki’s extensive experience in university administration. He previously served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, where he chaired key committees on finance, development, administration, and institutional advancement. He also served as a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, providing strategic leadership and policy direction.
Beyond academia, Prof. Azaiki has enjoyed a distinguished public service career. He has served as the 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. His leadership experience spans government, economic planning, policy development, and institutional management.
On the international stage, Prof. Azaiki has represented Nigeria in several notable capacities, including 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 international educational and policy forums.
The Foundation also highlighted his commitment to educational and cultural development through the establishment of the Azaiki Public Library, the Azaiki Museum of Niger Delta and African Arts, ISCEST Nigeria, and the Institute of Science and Technology, Yenagoa. These institutions continue to promote literacy, research, innovation, cultural preservation, and lifelong learning.
An accomplished scholar and author, Prof. Azaiki has published extensively on governance, education, agriculture, development, federalism, environmental sustainability, and the Niger Delta. His intellectual contributions have earned him national and international recognition, while his award of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) reflects his outstanding service to the country.
According to the Foundation, Ritman University has chosen a leader with an exceptional record of academic excellence, institutional development, ethical leadership, innovation, and nation-building. It expressed confidence that his vast experience in university governance, public policy, international engagement, and educational advancement will further strengthen the University’s mission of producing globally competitive graduates while advancing excellence in teaching, research, character development, and societal impact.
The Foundation stated that as Prof. Azaiki assumes his new responsibilities, he is expected to bring the same passion, integrity, wisdom, and transformational leadership that have distinguished his career.
On behalf of its Board, Management, Staff, and stakeholders, the Azaiki Foundation congratulated Prof. Steve Azaiki on his well-deserved appointment and wished him a successful and impactful tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ritman University.
Signed
Azaiki Foundation
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
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