Accolades Trail Azaiki’s Appointment As Ritman Pro-Chancellor

The appointment of Prof. Stephen Sinikiem Azaiki as pro-chancellor and chairman of the Third Governing Council of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State has attracted widespread praise from stakeholders across the country.

Azaiki’s appointment, approved by the university’s Board of Trustees and conveyed by the founder and visitor of the university, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, is for a four-year tenure.

In the appointment letter dated 24 June, 2026, Essien expressed confidence in Azaiki’s ability to advance the institution.

“It is hoped that you will bring your wealth of knowledge and experience to the growth and development of Ritman University,” the Founder stated.

He noted that the pro-chancellor would preside over the Governing Council and be responsible to the Board of Trustees for the effective discharge of his duties.

Reacting to the development, the Azaiki Foundation described the appointment as a fitting recognition of Prof. Azaiki’s outstanding contributions to academia, public service, institutional development and national growth.

The foundation said Azaiki’s distinguished career, spanning more than four decades, had been marked by excellence in teaching, research, university administration, governance and development planning.

According to the foundation, Azaiki’s extensive experience in higher education governance, including his previous service as pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University and as a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, makes him well-suited for the role.

“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.

“We believe Ritman University has chosen a leader whose record demonstrates a lifelong commitment to academic excellence, institutional development, ethical leadership, innovation and nation-building.

“We are confident that he will bring the same passion, wisdom, integrity and transformational leadership that have characterised his distinguished career,” the Foundation added.

The Foundation also congratulated Prof. Azaiki on behalf of its Board, management, staff and stakeholders, wishing him a successful and impactful tenure.

Similarly, the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), while celebrating the appointment, described it as well-deserved and a reflection of Prof. Azaiki’s exceptional leadership in academia, policy development and public administration.

The Consortium noted that Azaiki’s stewardship as its Executive Coordinator had strengthened research-driven policy advocacy, expanded strategic partnerships and positioned APRC as a respected platform for evidence-based governance across Africa.

“This prestigious appointment represents a well-deserved recognition of Professor Azaiki’s exceptional contributions to public service, academia, institutional governance and national development. His record stands as a compelling testament to the power of purposeful scholarship applied to the service of society,” APRC said.

Speaking on behalf of APRC, the Consortium’s Deputy Coordinator, Prof. Edward Agbai, described the appointment as a major milestone for both Ritman University and the wider academic community.

“Professor Stephen S. Azaiki’s appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ritman University is a significant milestone not only for the institution but also for the entire academic and policy community.

“His unmatched leadership credentials, broad administrative experience and tireless dedication to excellence make him exceptionally qualified for this high calling.

Ritman University stands to benefit enormously from his vision, network, and unrelenting commitment to institutional advancement. We are proud of him and confident that his stewardship will be transformative,” he added.

APRC further expressed confidence that Azaiki’s tenure would be characterised by rigorous governance, a renewed institutional vision, and strengthened academic excellence, while fostering stronger collaboration between the university, policy institutions, and pan-African research networks.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in a statement by the APRC, also congratulated Azaiki on the appointment.

“We thank God. You truly deserve the appointment. Your kind is not many. Congratulations,” he said.

An accomplished scholar and recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Prof Azaiki has served in several strategic positions, including Bayelsa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Director at the National Directorate of Employment, and member of the House of Representatives representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.

He has also represented Nigeria in several international organisations and established educational and cultural institutions, including the Azaiki Public Library, the Azaiki Museum of Niger Delta and African Arts, and the Institute of Science and Technology, Yenagoa, reflecting his enduring commitment to education, research and national development.