Caleb University names Prof. Olalekan Asikhia as new Vice-Chancellor

Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has named Professor Olalekan Asikhia as its new Vice-Chancellor, marking the beginning of what the institution has described as “a new era of academic excellence and visionary leadership.”

Asikhia takes over from Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, who completed two terms in office.

The university praised his predecessor for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.

The appointment of Professor Asikhia, a seasoned academic and management consultant, was announced in a statement signed by Olawale Adekoya, the institution’s Information, Media and Publication Specialist. Adekoya noted that the decision reflects the university’s commitment to institutional advancement and global academic standards.

A professor of Business Administration with over three decades of experience, Asikhia previously served as Caleb University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy, and Administration) from 2021. During that period, he spearheaded strategic planning initiatives and institutional reforms. His efforts led to the creation and execution of the university’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, achieving 71.2% implementation by 2024. Under his leadership, the university’s national ranking improved from 66th to 18th, alongside a 57% rise in institutional visibility.

Adekoya stated that the University Management expressed profound confidence in Professor Olalekan Asikhia’s capacity to elevate the university to unprecedented heights of scholarly preeminence and institutional prestige. “His wealth of experience, profound erudition, and global insight align perfectly with our vision of becoming a world-class university rooted in excellence, innovation, and service,” he said.

Professor Asikhia’s academic career spans top Nigerian and South African institutions. He holds dual doctorate degrees—a Ph.D. in Management (Entrepreneurial and Strategic Management) from the University of KwaZulu Natal and a Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) in Strategy and Marketing from the University of South Africa. He also earned a Master of Science in Development Economics, an MBA, and several postgraduate diplomas, alongside a B.Sc. in Biochemistry (Biostatistics) from the University of Benin.

He has held key academic and administrative roles at Ogun State University, Covenant University, and Babcock University, where he contributed to research, curriculum development, and institutional consultancy. Notably, he has supervised 95 Ph.D. students, 17 master’s students, and over 130 undergraduates, and published 157 peer-reviewed works, including 10 books.

Professor Asikhia has also received international recognition as a grant-winning researcher and thought leader in business and development policy. The AD Scientific Author Index recently ranked him among the top 3% of researchers in Business Administration in Nigeria, top 5.6% in Africa, and top 23.6% globally.