Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the appointment of Prof. Stephen Azaiki as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Third Governing Council of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State.
   
Congratulating Azaiki on the appointment, Jonathan said he truly deserves the role, adding that his kind are not many.
   
Azaiki’s appointment was approved by the university’s board of trustees and conveyed by the Founder and Visitor of Ritman University, Senator Emmanuel Essien, stating confidence in his ability to advance the institution through his “wealth of knowledge and experience.”
   
Also reacting to the development, the Azaiki Foundation described the appointment as a fitting recognition of Prof. Azaiki’s outstanding contributions to academia, public service, institutional development and national growth.
   
According to the foundation, Azaiki’s extensive experience in higher education governance, including his previous service as pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, and as a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, makes him well-suited for the role.
   
It further described this appointment as “a fitting recognition of Prof. Azaiki’s distinguished career as an academic, education administrator, public servant, development strategist, author and institution builder whose contributions have positively impacted higher education, governance, research and community development across Nigeria and beyond.”
   
Similarly, the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC), while celebrating the appointment, described it as well-deserved and a reflection of Azaiki’s exceptional leadership in academia, policy development and public administration.
   
It noted that Azaiki’s stewardship as its executive coordinator had strengthened research-driven policy advocacy, expanded strategic partnerships and positioned APRC as a respected platform for evidence-based governance across Africa.
   
On behalf of APRC, the Consortium’s Deputy Coordinator, Prof. Edward Agbai, described the appointment as a major milestone for both Ritman University and the wider academic community.