By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has inaugurated the Board of its Centre for Capital Market Studies (UCCMS), bringing together prominent business leaders, investment experts, entrepreneurs, legal practitioners and academics to strengthen capital market education, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
The inauguration, held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, marks a significant step in the University’s efforts to promote collaboration between academia, industry and the Nigerian capital market.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the Centre’s development, noting that it had grown rapidly from a modest beginning with virtually no operational structure into a platform for capital market education, research, entrepreneurship development, investment awareness and public engagement through strategic partnerships.
Professor Onyeizugbe disclosed that the Centre was establishing an Innovation Hub to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, promote financial literacy and provide support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
He also announced plans for an apprenticeship-to-enterprise initiative modelled after the traditional Igbo Igba Boi system, which is designed to equip young people with the skills and business experience needed to establish and sustain successful enterprises.
The Director further revealed that the Centre would host another major conference and workshop on December 3, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen capital market awareness and strengthen relationships between businesses and investment institutions.
Emphasising the importance of business continuity, Professor Onyeizugbe urged indigenous business owners to embrace succession planning and appropriate corporate governance structures to ensure that their enterprises survive beyond their founders.
Among the dignitaries present at the inauguration was the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Chukwudi J. Okpala, alongside members of the University management and other distinguished guests.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned engineer, industrialist and Chairman of Geometric Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, highlighted the strategic importance of the capital market in promoting national economic growth, wealth creation and business sustainability.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities offered by Nigeria’s capital market, while stressing the need for sound corporate governance and long-term business planning to build sustainable enterprises.
The newly inaugurated Board is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, with Nicholas Okoye serving as Co-Chairman. Other members include the Director of the Centre, Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Bullcrest Mineral Resources and Co-founder of Oando Plc, Onajite Okoloko; and Founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria and HealthCap Africa, Dr. Ola Brown.
Also on the Board are Ms. Ozioma Agu, Partner at Stren & Blan Partners; Yusufu Modibbo, Chairman of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers; Oluwafemi Tejuoso, Founding Operating Partner of Helios Investment Partners Africa; and Oluwakemi Awodein, President of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria.
Other members are Professor Chris Imumolen, Founder of Global Wealth University and UNIC Open University; Mr. Patrick Ilodianya, Founder of STS Capital Ltd; Dr. Kasarachi Michael Enyinna, Founder of Fund Fine Group; and Professor Emmanuel Chukwudebere Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies. Mrs. Ugo Umennabuike serves as Secretary of the Board.
The Board is expected to provide strategic direction for the Centre’s activities, particularly in the areas of institutional partnerships, research, entrepreneurship development, investment education and policy advocacy, with a view to accelerating economic growth and strengthening Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
With the inauguration, the UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies is expected to expand its contribution to capital market research, enterprise development and innovation, further strengthening the University’s role in academic advancement and national development.
