Featured: University of Kigali welcomes Prof. Olu Akinkugbe: A new era of academic excellence and global engagement

The University of Kigali (UoK) has added a new chapter to its growth story with the appointment of Prof. Olu Akinkugbe as Deputy Vice-Chance...

The University of Kigali (UoK) has added a new chapter to its growth story with the appointment of Prof. Olu Akinkugbe as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic (DVCA). A renowned economist, academic leader, and global policy advisor with more than four decades of experience across Africa, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, Prof. Akinkugbe’s arrival marks a strategic milestone in UoK’s pursuit of excellence and innovation. With a doctorate in Applied Econometrics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Prof. Akinkugbe built his early academic foundation as part of the Ford Foundation-sponsored LINK Project, a pioneering global economic modeling consortium. His doctoral thesis developed a 197-equation macro-model of the Nigerian economy, an achievement that positioned him at the frontier of macroeconomic modeling and policy translation. This formative experience has since shaped his lifelong commitment to bridging research, practice, and policy. Prof. Akinkugbe’s career spans some of the world’s most respected institutions. He has taught and led at universities in Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Notably, he served as Dean of the largest faculty at the University of Namibia, overseeing more than 25,000 students and 70 staff members, and as Head of Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He also played a pivotal role in establishing James Hope University and its Business School in Nigeria, where he was the Founding Dean. Beyond his academic leadership, Prof. Akinkugbe has built a reputation for institutional transformation. He has successfully restructured faculties, developed quality assurance frameworks, and cultivated international partnerships. His leadership philosophy emphasises sustainable governance, financial resilience, faculty development, and community engagement, principles that align seamlessly with UoK’s strategic pillars of academic excellence, innovation, and global impact. Prof. Akinkugbe is also a highly respected policy advisor. His work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Commonwealth Secretariat has influenced economic strategies across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. He designed Barbados’ national macroeconometric model, advised on agro-processing strategies in Botswana, and supported youth employment initiatives in Zambia. As a prolific scholar, his research covers pressing issues such as energy economics, trade policy, health and education financing, and poverty dynamics. His studies on green finance, intergenerational poverty, and road mortality in the SADC region have informed both academic discourse and real-world policy, reinforcing his ability to translate knowledge into impact. Prof. Akinkugbe joins UoK at a critical moment in the University’s trajectory. His leadership vision focuses on: Strengthening global partnerships: Deepening collaborations with international universities, research networks, and industry stakeholders to enhance UoK’s global visibility, foster knowledge exchange, and create pathways for student and faculty mobility. Realigning and co-streaming programmes: Continuously reviewing and restructuring academic programmes to align with global standards, integrate interdisciplinary learning, and ensure graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the evolving demands of the global economy. Fostering financial sustainability: Building resilient financial models that balance innovation with efficiency, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen the University’s long-term capacity to deliver high-quality education and research. Driving inclusive growth: Expanding access and equity in higher education while ensuring UoK’s programmes remain relevant, innovative, and impactful, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation and Africa’s development agenda. This vision resonates strongly with UoK’s mission of shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. By combining academic rigor with practical relevance, Prof. Akinkugbe is set to accelerate UoK’s transformation into a hub of excellence and a driver of socio-economic development in Rwanda and beyond. The arrival of Prof. Akinkugbe is more than an appointment, it is a statement of intent. It underscores UoK’s determination to attract world-class talent, expand international collaborations, and deliver education that is globally competitive yet locally relevant. As Rwanda continues to position itself as a regional centre of knowledge and innovation, the University of Kigali is equipping itself with the leadership needed to rise to this challenge. With Prof. Akinkugbe at the helm of academic affairs, UoK is not only strengthening its internal capacity but also aligning with national and continental development priorities. In the words of many who have worked with him, Prof. Akinkugbe is a “transformative leader with a global outlook and a local heart.” His appointment is a major step in UoK’s journey towards becoming a university of choice in Africa, committed to excellence, relevance, and impact. The University of Kigali is proud to welcome Prof. Olu Akinkugbe into its leadership team, a leader whose wealth of experience will help transform challenges into opportunities, in perfect alignment with the University’s strategic pillars and Rwanda’s vision for education and development.

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