Ritman University has once again demonstrated its commitment to visionary leadership, academic excellence, and global relevance with the appointment of Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki, PhD, OON, as the institution’s new Pro-Chancellor.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey of strengthening institutional governance, expanding international partnerships, and advancing its mission of producing graduates equipped for leadership, innovation, and sustainable development.
Prof. Azaiki brings to Ritman University an extraordinary blend of scholarship, public administration, policy leadership, and philanthropy, qualities that align strongly with the institution’s vision of nurturing knowledge for societal transformation.
An accomplished academic and internationally recognised scholar, Prof. Azaiki has built an impressive career at the intersection of education, research, international engagement, and strategic leadership. He is a Professor of Conflict and Crisis Management and International Relations at the Ukrainian Academy of Personnel Management and International Relations, where his contributions continue to influence conversations around governance, diplomacy, and development.
His passion for education and intellectual advancement extends beyond classroom teaching and research. He is the founder of ISCEST, a platform created to bridge African scholarship with global academic networks, promoting innovation in education, science, and technology. Through this initiative and several others, he has consistently championed knowledge exchange as a tool for national and continental development.
Further reflecting his growing international profile, Prof. Azaiki was appointed Director of the Centre for Polish and African Affairs at the University of Communication and Management in Poznań, Poland, on May 4, 2026, an appointment that underscores global recognition of his expertise and leadership.
As an author and thought leader, he has contributed extensively to intellectual discourse through three published books and hundreds of scholarly and public policy articles, and has also served as Chairman and member of Governing Councils of 2 Universities.
His work continues to shape conversations around governance, conflict management, development, and institutional advancement.
Beyond academia, Prof. Azaiki’s public service record stands as a testament to impactful leadership and nation-building. He has served as the representative of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, where he contributes to legislative efforts aimed at national growth and development.
Over the years, he has held several strategic government positions, including Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources in Bayelsa State, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, and State Director of the National Directorate of Employment in Rivers State. These experiences have equipped him with practical insights into governance, institutional management, economic development, and public accountability.
His influence also extends into policy development and intellectual advocacy. As Coordinator of the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), a continental think tank dedicated to advancing education, science, technology, and governance, Prof. Azaiki has remained committed to creating sustainable frameworks for African progress. He is also the founder of the National Think Tank Nigeria, reinforcing his dedication to evidence-based leadership and strategic national development.
Complementing his professional accomplishments is an enduring commitment to philanthropy and community impact. Through the Azaiki Foundation and Azaiki Public Library, he has supported initiatives focused on educational access and community empowerment. As President of the World Environmental Foundation of Africa (WEFFA), he has also promoted environmental sustainability and responsible development across the continent.
An agronomist by training, Prof. Azaiki’s academic journey includes studies and professional engagements at globally respected institutions including Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Abidjan. His national recognition as an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) further reflects distinguished service and contribution to Nigeria.
For Ritman University, this appointment represents more than a leadership transition, it is a strategic investment in the future. The university stands at an exciting stage of growth, marked by expanding academic offerings, strengthening infrastructure, deepening industry engagement, and broadening international visibility.
With Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki assuming the role of Pro-Chancellor, Ritman University is poised to deepen its pursuit of excellence while creating stronger connections between academia, industry, governance, and global opportunities.
As the institution continues to build on its reputation as a centre of innovation and quality education, the arrival of Prof. Azaiki signals renewed momentum toward positioning Ritman University as a leading private university committed to producing graduates who are prepared not only for careers, but for meaningful leadership and impact in an evolving world.
Ritman University community welcomes Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki and looks forward to an era of transformational leadership, global collaboration, and sustained institutional advancement.
