Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi is a distinguished and forward-thinking leader in Computer Science and Engineering. His extensive qualifications include a BSc, MSc, and PhD from Loughborough University, one of the top 10 universities in the UK, and he holds prestigious accreditations such as CEng, CITP, FIET, FBCS, FIAP.

With a robust academic background, Professor Al-Akaidi has consistently revitalized institutions, transforming them into dynamic centers of education and research. His illustrious career spans key roles and significant contributions across several renowned institutions.

At De Montfort University (DMU), UK, as Head of the School of Engineering & Technology, Professor Al-Akaidi led the establishment of the Media Studio and the Creative Technology programs in partnership with the BBC. This initiative positioned DMU at the forefront of media production technology education and research, integrating industry expertise with advanced academic curricula. His visionary leadership transformed these programs into benchmarks for innovation in media technology, significantly enhancing DMU’s reputation and influence in the field.

At the Arab Open University (AOU), as Vice President of Academic Affairs, he expanded academic programs across multiple branches, all fully accredited and validated by the Open University (OU) UK. He launched two international journals, contributing to the institution’s global academic discourse. His strategic initiatives at AOU resulted in the widespread implementation of academic programs, which are recognized for their quality and relevance across the MENA region.
At the American University in the Emirates (AUE), Dubai, serving as Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Computer & Information Technology, Professor Al-Akaidi founded the Blockchain Centre in collaboration with Dubai Blockchain. This groundbreaking initiative as a pioneer in blockchain education. He also organized and chaired two international conferences and numerous international webinars, further solidifying AUE’s status as a leader in emerging technologies.

Moreover, Professor Al-Akaidi has fostered strategic partnerships with leading universities and global corporations such as Rolls Royce, BT, France Telecom, Toyota, and Nokia. These collaborations have enriched academic offerings and provided invaluable industry insights and opportunities for both students and faculty.

His dedication to global collaboration is demonstrated through the successful establishment more than 50 international partnerships and the creation of new university brands and centers across various regions. These efforts have extended the reach and impact of the institutions he has served, reinforcing their roles as influential players in the global academic community.

Beyond his administrative roles, Professor Al-Akaidi is celebrated for his commitment to student mentorship and leadership development. At AOU, he significantly boosted student retention through the Student Retention Enhancement Project. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes nurturing curiosity and empowering students for success beyond the classroom. Additionally, he pioneered Blended, Online, and e-Learning in the MENA region and introduced MOOCs in the middle east.

His innovative teaching methods integrate emerging technologies, interactive tools, and real-world applications, promoting critical thinking and adaptability. His global impact is reflected in his editorial and chair roles at over 40 international conferences, keynote invitations at more than 50 global events, and the supervision of 45 MPhil/PhD students and more than 100 MSc students, who have excelled worldwide. With over 300 publications in reputable international journals and conferences, he has made significant scholarly contributions. He is a QAA (UK) auditor and a member of accreditation panels for IET & BCS, among others. Recently, he was appointed General Director for the Middle East & Turkey for the RUR Universities Ranking, and he is a co-founder of Eurosis and General Chair of the MESM conferences.

Wigwe University is thrilled to welcome him as a transformative leader. With his profound knowledge and vast experience, Professor Al-Akaidi is poised to inspire our students, guiding them on a life-changing journey from academic scholars to fearless leaders of tomorrow.

Professor Leroy Chuma Edozien, Ubili Ka Nkwu Ahaba, is a medical doctor and doctor of law. He holds degrees in basic medical sciences (BSc, MSc), medicine (MBBS), and law (LLB, MPhil, PhD) from the universities of Ibadan, London and Glasgow,, as well as membership of UK, Irish and West African postgraduate medical colleges (FRCOG, MRCPI, FWACS). He also has a Certificate in Medical Education from the Royal College of Physicians London, and a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

As a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, he won a UK national clinical excellence award in 2006, and students of the University of Manchester honoured him as an ‘Exceptional Role Model’ in 2009.

He has written books and papers in both medicine and law. His ‘Labour Ward Handbook’ was shortlisted for the British Medical Association Book of the Year award 2010, and his medical law book was acclaimed for ‘outstanding contribution to scholarship’. He was President, International Society of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISPOG) 2019-22.

He established an academic Health Law programme and is founding Dean of the Faculty of Health Law and Humanities at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo, Nigeria.

He has delivered lectures in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, Brazil, Ghana, Trinidad, Malaysia, India, Estonia and Egypt, and received various awards for service and leadership.
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Francis Oisaghaede Egbokhare was born on 22 September, 1962. He is from Afuze in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. He graduated from the University of Benin in 1983 with a BA Degree in Linguistics, 2nd class honors, upper division. He had his MA and PhD degrees in Linguistics at the University of Ibadan in 1985 and 1990 respectively. He was employed as an Assistant Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Ibadan in 1985.

Francis Egbokhare became a full professor of Linguistics at the University of Ibadan in 1999. He is a versatile scholar who has distinguished himself in many fields and endeavours, locally and internationally. Professor Egbokhare is a former President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, current President, Open Distance and e-Learning Association of Nigeria; President of Naija (Nigerian Pidgin) studies Association. He is a one time branch secretary of ASUU, founding editor of The Scholar, the flagship magazine of ASUU.

Professor Egbokhare is patron, Chairman and member of Advisory Board of numerous Boards and Centre’s, some of which are Centre for Digital Humanities, University of Lagos, African Languages Technology Initiative, Dignified Youth Development Mission, among others.

His national service opportunities are diverse. He served in in the Humanities subcommittee of National Research Fund of TETFUND (2019-2022), is a member of Research Development and Strategy Committee of TETFUND, a former Chairman of Council of National Institute for Nigerian Languages, an inter university centre of the Federal Government and is currently a member of National Laureate Committee of the federal government.

Professor Egbokhare is a member of Council of

Edo State University Iyamho and Dominion University Ibadan, and was a former member of Council of the University of Ibadan.

Francis is consultant and researcher in Higher Education Management, Distance Learning and Language Policy. He has been part of Commonwealth of Learning and National Universties Commission activities as a consultant and trainer. He has worked in diverse initiatives of RETRIDOL of the National Open University of Nigeria.

He has served as Chairman of Proposal Implementation Committee of diverse proposed private Open Universities, and has helped in setting up many Open Distance Learning Centres in many dual mode institutions.

Francis is Chairman Board of Trustees of Linguistic Association of Nigeria, a member of Board of Trustees of Association of Phoneticians and Phonologists of Nigeria among others. He was a Council member of the West African Linguistic Society.

Professor Egbokhare is a Fellow of some academic and professional bodies, among which are: the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung of Germany, The Nigerian Academy of Letters, West African Linguistic Society, Linguistic Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigerian Authors, Institute of Development Administration of Nigeria and Institute of Social Work of Nigeria. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Benin. He has been a Visiting Scholar to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, USA of numerous occasions, the University of Georgia at Athens, USA, University of Hamburg and the National Univerities Commission.

Part of his exposure, training and experience include grants writing, strategic planning and critical thinking, project management, M&E, strategic thinking, among others.

He is an exceptional humanistic scholar with very deep ideological passion for nation and people.

Professor Egbokhare is a highly published linguists who has done very fundamental works in grammar and phonology of Edoid languages. His latest work is a dictionary of Nigerian Pidgin. His interest in linguistics extends from phonetics and phonology, language and culture documentation, Nigerian pidgin studies, language, society and development; language, business and economic development; forensic sociolinguistics and digital humanities.  He has been part of numerous international collaborations and grants initiatives across Nigeria, Europe and America.

He is a very active youth coach and mentor to many youth entrepreneurs. He speaks regularly as  keynote speaker in wide ranging fields to professional bodies, government officials, community and social organizations. His writings and speaking engagement are diverse showing his deep capacity for critical, creative and strategic thinking. He is a regular public analyst, a newspaper columnist and a poet.

He is a devoted Christian and is married with children and grandchildren.

Prof. Uchenna Udeani holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) honors degree in Zoology and a Ph. D in Science Education from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She is a Professor of Science Education and an Equal Opportunities Specialist. She retired from the University of Lagos in February 2026.

Prof. Udeani’s area of research interest is conceptual learning relating to the use of prior conceptions and adaptive cognition in measuring the learning of science concepts. She has a special interest in the underrepresentation of girls and women in STEM disciplines and developed a Gender Inclusive Instructional Strategy for use in secondary schools to help more girls learn science. She has worked on an Affirmative Action Project aimed at improving girls’ attitude and achievement in science.

Prof. Udeani is a seasoned academic and has over 70 publications in both national and international journals and has successfully supervised several B. Sc (Ed) M. Ed and Ph.D. students who have gone ahead to become successful educationists in the Nigerian Educational space. She has attended and presented papers at academic conferences, workshops and seminars both nationally and internationally and serves on the editorial board of some national journals.

Prof. Udeani’s expertise and influence extend beyond the academic sphere. She is a consultant to many organizations including the Federal Government of Nigeria, UNESCO, World Bank, ENERGIA,  Friends of the Environment (FoTE),  ALOFOS Science Foundation, Ajesola Majekodunmi Foundation (ASMAF) She was on the Board of Nigerian Breweries, Felix Ohieweri Education Trust Fund and CDNet a Career Development Initiative for youths. She works as an Equal Opportunities Specialist for several non-governmental organizations.

During her active service, Prof Udeani and her research team won competitive national and international grants worth several millions of naira. She benefitted from several fellowships and awards including a study fellowship from the State Department, United States of America, to spend three weeks at Michigan State University, East Lansing, a travel fellowship from the Volkswagen Foundation to attend the first international workshop on the Global State of Young Scientists. In 2017 she was appointed a member of the programme committee of the International Dialogue on STEM (IDoS)

In a career spanning over forty years, Prof. Udeani held various academic, administrative, and professional positions within the University of Lagos and served as Director of the Distance Learning Institute and Chairman, Management Board of the University of Lagos Consultancy Services.

She belongs to several learned and professional associations including African Women in Science and Engineering, Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria.

Beyond her professional career, Prof Udeani is passionate about the SDGs and is involved in some activities to address them especially SDG4, 5 &7 on Education, Gender Equality and Clean and Affordable Energy. In retirement, Prof Udeani founded the Uchenna Nkiruka Udeani Foundation, which empowers vulnerable children and youth through education.

Abimbola, Ini-Abasi Laura, DBA, FSPIN, M.ICRS, M.CIod, MNIM, DESGS

Ini Abimbola brings over 25 years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors, leading and advising on institutional & development innovation reforms, strategy development and deployment, public policy execution, stakeholder engagement, external/public relations, sustainability, ESG, and corporate/board governance, often in complex environments where delivery depends on disciplined governance and credible

stakeholder alignment.15+ years in development sector program management, innovation management, ResultsBased Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), designing frameworks that turn data into accountability.

A 2008 Draper Hills Fellow on Democracy, Development & Rule of Law at Stanford University California, a

Fellow, Vice-President/Founding Trustee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN), and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Ini holds a Bachelor’s and an MBA from Nexford University, a Bachelor in English Language & Literary Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, a Diploma in ESG Strategy from the ESG Institute and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Rome Business School, Italy.

Ini was, until May 2023, the UN Technical Expert on Women’s Political Leadership, supporting the Office of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives in Abuja. She is a Lecturer/Member of Faculty, MBA Program on International Corporate Social Responsibility Management at the Ferdinand Porsche FernFH – University of Applied Sciences, Austria; a Visiting Faculty at the Nigerian University of Technology &

Management (NUTM) and serves as Country & Regional Lead (Sub-Saharan Africa) for The CSR Company, a global CSR Network of organisations spanning four continents – Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East &

Africa.

Ini served as Executive Secretary of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ) between 2009 and 2011. In 2010, she founded Nigeria’s foremost Sustainability, CSR, and Management Consulting firm, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited (TPC). She later served as the Lead Consultant and CEO of TPC for nine years before stepping down in 2020 to make way for a new CEO.

Her career trajectory also includes consulting positions with the Women, Gender and Development Directorate of the African Union, the African Centre for Gender & Development within the UN Economic Commission (UNECA), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; as the pioneer Executive Director of Defence for Children International – Nigeria Section as well as curating the Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (ARCSR) for eight years – 2011-2018.

A member of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Ini is a researcher and sits on several boards within the private and development sectors (Chair of the Governance Committee on two boards), and consults for many organisations, public agencies and state governments.

Ini has a track record of developing and implementing innovative strategies. She has actively developed and curated subnational election strategies, promoted sustainability and ESG strategies and projects, implemented business strategies for expansion purposes and ensured risk management practices across various

programs and projects.

Mrs. Omotayo Omotunde Ikotun is an accomplished University Administrator, distinguished Education leader and an iconic figure in Nigerian Higher Education Administration, whose remarkable career spans over four decades of dedicated and impactful service. Her professional journey has been defined by visionary leadership, institutional development, administrative excellence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of University Education in Nigeria.

A proud alumna of the University of Ibadan, Mrs. Ikotun rose through the ranks of University administration, distinguishing herself through competence, diligence and exceptional leadership. She served as Registrar of the University of Ibadan from 2007 to 2011, becoming the second female Registrar of the prestigious institution. In that capacity, she championed significant Registry reforms, strengthened academic administration, service delivery, promoted professional development and capacity building for Registry personnel.

Her remarkable administrative career also saw her appointed Pioneer Registrar of Bells University, Ota, Ogun State, where she established foundational administrative structures, Registry operations and governance procedures. She later served as Pioneer Registrar of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Oyo State, playing a pivotal role in building the administrative and governance frameworks that supported the institution’s development and growth.

Earlier in her career at the University of Ibadan, as the Admissions Officer, she introduced measures that enhanced transparency and credibility in admissions administration, strengthened admission integrity systems and provided effective leadership in critical academic processes. Her exceptional contribution to the University earned her commendation from the Senate.

Beyond her distinguished service as a University Administrator, Mrs. Ikotun has continued to contribute immensely to higher education governance and national development. She is currently serving on the Governing Councils of Wigwe University, Isiokpo, River State, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State. In pursuit of her pioneering service, she was the Pioneer Visiting Administrative Fellow at the Institute for African Culture & International Understanding, a UNESCO Category II Institute, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. She has equally served on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and several Educational Boards and Committees.

Her exceptional record of service has earned her the affectionate and highly respected descriptions of “Registrar of Registrars” and “Emeritus Registrar.” She holds the rare distinction of having served as Registrar in three Universities, including two Pioneer Registrar Appointments, in Nigeria. She has also contributed her wealth of experience to the appointments of Senior University Administrators through participation on interview panels in several Nigerian Universities.

A consummate professional, Mrs. Ikotun’s areas of expertise include University Governance, Registry and Academic Administration, Admissions Management, Strategic Leadership, Institutional Development, Policy Formation and Implementation, Staff Development, Change Management and Stakeholder Relations. Her career reflects a rare blend of professionalism, institutional wisdom, strategic thinking, integrity, accountability and people-centred leadership.

Mrs. Omotayo Omotunde Ikotun stands today as a celebrated administrator, institution builder, mentor and distinguished elder in Nigerian Higher Education, whose enduring legacy is reflected not only in the institutions she served but also in the Administrators she inspired and the systems she helped to build. Her life and career remain a testament to the power of dedicated service, principled leadership and excellence in public administration.

Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam brings invaluable

expertise in law, governance, and public administration. Her distinguished career as the first female Attorney-General of Rivers State and the pioneering Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) positions her as a strategic asset in shaping the university’s direction and policies.

With a Master of Laws (LLM) from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, her academic credentials underscore her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, enriching the intellectual discourse within the university community.

Drawing from his extensive background in finance and banking, Mr. Emman Chisor-Wabali offers invaluable expertise in financial management and investment strategies to our university. Mr. Wabali is an experienced Economist with extensive Banking (Commercial and

Development Banking) and professional experience in the public and private sector. His career has been marked by integrity, credibility, and passion for progress to governance efforts. A Start-Up Consultant Compliance and Process expert, he has extensive work experience

following his involvement with the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement, Rivers State Economic Advisory Council, Technical Committee on the Review and Reform of Nigerian Deposit Insurance and as Corporation NDIC 2007-2008 Controller Investment Appraisal Department, Industrial Development Bank of India Mumbai. Added to all these, Mr. Wabali will be one of two members of the Host Community on the Council.

Paschal Ainoghena Eruaga currently heads the Legal Division of the National Universities Commission, Abuja. He holds law degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels from the Universities of Benin and Sunderland, United Kingdom respectively.

Paschal has extensive experience in matters related to university governance. Apart from playing critical roles in the drafting and reviewing Laws in the Nigerian University System, he has worked as a member and headed the Secretariat of several strategic committees in the Commission. He was a member and later Secretary of the Standing Committee on Private Universities and was instrumental in the establishment of several private universities in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he has participated in visitation panels for universities and various Presidential White Paper drafting committees for federal universities. Prior to his employment with the Commission, Paschal worked with the Barclays Bank in the United Kingdom.