UNIZIK APPOINTS VALENTINE OZIGBO AS VISITING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
In a strategic move to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world leadership practice, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has appointed renowned Nigerian business leader and governance advocate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, as a Visiting Associate Professor at the UNIZIK Business School.
The appointment is designed to provide students—particularly those in the MBA programme—with direct exposure to the practical experiences and leadership insights of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished corporate executives.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, described the development as part of the institution’s commitment to enriching academic learning with industry expertise.
According to him, universities achieve their greatest impact when knowledge meets real-world experience.
“Mr. Ozigbo’s distinguished career in corporate leadership and governance will offer our students invaluable lessons in leadership, ethics, and institutional responsibility,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Mr. Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, brings over three decades of leadership experience across Nigeria’s corporate and financial sectors. His career spans major institutions including Transcorp Hotels Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Diamond Bank, and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), where he gained recognition for strategic leadership, governance reforms, and institutional transformation.
Beyond corporate leadership, Ozigbo is widely known for his strong advocacy for ethical governance and principled leadership in both business and public life.
Director of the UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Pius Okoye, noted that the appointment strengthens the school’s drive to connect classroom theory with practical leadership experience.
“Leadership and ethics are the bedrock of sustainable organisations. Having someone with Mr. Ozigbo’s experience interact directly with our students and significantly enriches their learning experience,” he stated.
Responding to the appointment, Mr. Ozigbo described the role as an opportunity to invest in the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
“Leadership is about responsibility, integrity, and service. It is a privilege to engage with students who will shape the future of our institutions and our country. If my experience can strengthen ethical leadership, then it is a worthwhile endeavour,” he said.
Despite receiving numerous recognitions—including the Seven Star Leadership Award (2025), an Honorary Doctorate from Tansi University, and several traditional chieftaincy titles—Ozigbo maintains a preference for simplicity.
“Titles are appreciated, but what matters most is the work we do in service to society,” he remarked.
The pro bono appointment, effective February 12, 2026, will see Mr. Ozigbo teach Organisational Leadership and Ethics, offering students practical insights into governance, institutional responsibility, and the challenges of leading large organisations in a dynamic global environment.