James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos, has appointed renowned economist and management scholar, Prof. Austin Nosike, as its new Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment, announced by the university’s Board of Trustees on Friday, followed the recommendation of the Joint Governing Council, Senate, and Search Team of the institution.
In a statement, the Board described the development as a strategic step to consolidate the university’s mission of delivering world-class education in Nigeria.
“The Vice-Chancellor is the chief exponent of the university’s mission and values. We are confident that Professor Nosike’s international experience, leadership pedigree, and passion for academic excellence will propel James Hope University to new heights,” the statement read.
Prof. Nosike, who has over three decades of teaching, research, and consultancy experience spanning Africa, Europe, America, and Asia, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the young but ambitious institution.
“I am deeply honoured to assume this role. James Hope University represents a bold vision for Nigerian higher education, and my administration will focus on academic innovation, research excellence, and building global partnerships that will empower our students to become transformative leaders,” he said.
Over the course of his career, Prof. Nosike has held senior academic and leadership positions including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Director, and Head of Department in several universities across the world. Before his new appointment, he served in top management roles at the International University of Equator in Burundi, the University of Kigali in Rwanda, Copperstone University in Zambia, and Ugandan Pentecostal University.
He has also been a Visiting Professor of Finance and Management at Kigali Independent University, and a Visiting Scholar of Globalisation and Development at the Universidad del País Vasco in Spain.
Beyond academia, Nosike has consulted widely with governments, international agencies, and NGOs, and has organised over 100 international conferences, seminars, and workshops. His research interests include globalisation, corporate governance, development management, finance, and public policy.
Established in 2021 by philanthropist and business leader Jim Ovia, James Hope University is an extension of the James Hope College Foundation, which has provided quality secondary education since 2013.
With Prof. Nosike now at the helm, stakeholders and the Board anticipate a new phase of growth for the institution.
“This appointment signals a commitment to building a university that competes with the best in the world. We expect Professor Nosike to strengthen the culture of research, innovation, and community impact that James Hope University stands for,” the Board of Trustees said.
As Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nosike will oversee academic policies, financial management, student admissions, and the overall governance of the institution.
