American College Appoints Nigerian Professor as President

Nigerian-born economist and educator, Benjamin Ola Akande, has emerged the ninth President of Champlain College, an American academic institution.

While announcing his appointment on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the Chairman of the college Board of Trustees, Charles Kittredge, stated that Akande’s unrivalled excellence qualified him for the promotion to the top job.

“Dr Akande is an agent of change and a visionary leader with a global perspective,” he said.

“His enterprising mindset and commitment to students’ success will be essential as he leads Champlain College in an evolving higher education landscape.

“We look forward to welcoming Dr Akande to Champlain. Supporting his work to advance the college’s strategic position and build on the strength of our distinctive academic offerings,” Kittredge added.

Dr Akande has served as a consultant to the World Bank and United Nations Development Program, as well as an advisor to global business entities.

The college said it was promoting diversity by Akande’s appointment, to change the statistics that showed only eight per cent of college and university presidents have African or African-American roots.