PROFESSOR OLALEKAN ASIKHIA
Professor Olalekan Asikhia is a distinguished scholar, administrator, and thought leader in the fields of business management, entrepreneurship, and social policy research. With a career spanning over three decades, he has dedicated his life to advancing academia, research, and institutional development, emerging as a pivotal figure in shaping entrepreneurial education and research ecosystems in Africa.
His academic journey is marked by excellence. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry (Biostatistics) from the University of Benin, followed by postgraduate diplomas in Economics and Marketing from the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism respectively. He later obtained an MBA from Ogun State University, a Master’s in International Economics from the University of Lagos, and two doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. in Management (Entrepreneurial Management) from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, and a Doctor of Business Leadership (Strategy & Marketing) from the University of South Africa. His commitment to continuous executive development is further demonstrated by his recent participation in the prestigious Creating High Performance Teams program at Cambridge Judge Business School, Executive Education, University of Cambridge in November 2025.
Professor Asikhia’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of academia, research, and industry impact. He began his career as a Research Fellow and Management Consultant at the Institution of Industrial Managers, Lagos, where he designed training programs for organizations like Cadbury Nigeria and Lagos State public services. Transitioning to academia, he lectured at Ogun State University and Covenant University, rising to the position of Senior Lecturer. At Babcock University, he served as a professor, supervising and graduating 95 doctoral students, consulting for multinationals like Shell Petroleum, and boosting institutional visibility through high-impact research.
In 2021, he joined Caleb University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy, and Administration), a role that epitomizes his leadership acumen. Here, he spearheaded the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, elevating institutional productivity by 32% and brand visibility by 57%. Under his guidance, Caleb University’s national ranking surged from 66th to 18th. He revitalized research culture by establishing ethics committees, securing grants, and publishing findings in high-impact Scopus-indexed journals. His initiatives, such as the Employability Fair and collaborations with industry giants like Nestle and MTN, bridged academia and industry, creating job opportunities for graduates.
A prolific researcher, Professor Asikhia has authored 157 publications, including Scopus-indexed articles, and 10 books on business statistics, managerial economics, and marketing. His groundbreaking work on SMEs’ role in poverty alleviation earned him a $100,000 (R1.4 million) grant from the University of South Africa. He has edited prestigious journals, including the Journal of Banking and Babcock Business and Marketing Review, and mentored generations of scholars. His strategic partnerships with institutions like Lancaster University (UK), North Carolina University (US), University of Kwazulu-Natal (South Africa) and Kenyatta University (Kenya) amplified Caleb University’s global footprint.
Administratively, he redefined governance through frameworks like the Strategic Monitoring System and staff capacity-building programs. His efforts in ethical research compliance led to Caleb University’s registration with the National Health Research Ethics Committee. He also championed community-driven initiatives, such as the Symposium and Entrepreneurship Exhibition (SEE 1.0), fostering youth innovation.
Recognized among Nigeria’s top <1% researchers in business administration by the AD Scientific Index, top 2% in Africa, and top 14% in the world, Professor Asikhia’s work transcends academia. He believes in the transformative power of education to drive societal change, often stating, “Entrepreneurship is not just a skill—it’s a mindset for sustainable development.” His legacy lies in nurturing future leaders, advancing research, and positioning institutions as hubs of excellence.
As a devout Christian and Film Evangelist, he integrates spiritual values into leadership, evident in initiatives like the Caleb University Discipleship Programme. Through relentless innovation, ethical rigor, and a passion for mentorship, Professor Olalekan Asikhia continues to redefine the boundaries of academic and entrepreneurial excellence in Africa and beyond. He has produced and impacted the world with over 100 Christian films. He is married to Professor Olubusayo Asikhia of Lagos State University of Education with two children; Dr. Priscilla Akhemigbeze and Iseoluwa Asikhia, and many Spiritual Children. He currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Lagos.