Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market Studies, Uche Uwaleke, will deliver the 50th Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on February 26, 2024.
In a statement issued on Sunday, it was stated that the lecture, titled “Unlocking Wealth and Leveraging Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystems: Understanding Capital-Harnessing Essentials,” would focus on wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and the role of capital markets in economic development.
The statement read, “An inaugural lecture is a formal academic event where a professor presents their research, academic journey, and vision for their field. It marks the professor’s official induction to the academic community and represents a significant milestone in the academic career of the varsity don.
“The Inaugural Lecture would also provide Uwaleke, who is the President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, an opportunity to present his research journey and key contributions to the development of the country’s financial markets.”
The event is expected to attract key government officials, financial regulators, and industry leaders. Among those listed to attend are Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is a Fellow and Grand Patron of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
Also expected are Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Market, Osita Izunaso; and House Committee Chairman on Capital Market, Solomon Bob.
Other dignitaries include former Governors of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Adamu, and Tanko Almakura; former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; and former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong. Financial market regulators such as CBN Deputy Governor (Operations), Balla Bello; SEC Chairman, Mairiga Aliyu; and SEC Director-General, Emomotimi Agama are also expected at the event.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Umaru Kwairanga; Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, M.B. Shehu; and Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako are also billed to attend.
Traditional and academic leaders, including Emir of Keffi, Alh. Dr. Chindo Shehu Yamusa III, and President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, will also be present.
Leaders of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and Institute of Capital Market Registrars will be in attendance.
The statement noted that Uwaleke, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, has had an illustrious career spanning academia, regulatory agencies, and government.
He was a former Commissioner for Finance in Imo State and Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria.
He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies at Nasarawa State University.
In 2022, former Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, described Uwaleke as a key figure in Nigeria’s financial sector, citing his extensive contributions to economic policy and financial market analysis.
The lecture is expected to provide insights into capital market development and economic transformation, bringing together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry.
