Professor Akan Bassey Williams stands out as one of Nigeria’s foremost academic leaders, known for his strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and deep contributions to the advancement of higher education.
His journey from a young scholar in Calabar to a respected professor and university administrator reflects a lifelong dedication to learning, service, and transformative leadership. He now brings the experience to Ritman University.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 16, 1970, in Calabar, Cross River State, Professor Akan Bassey Williams hails from Itoko, Ibesikpo, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He attended Primary School, Fosbery Road, Calabar, before proceeding to Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Ibesikpo, in 1981, where he completed his secondary education in 1986 as the School’s Senior Prefect.
He earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Calabar in 1991, followed by an M.Sc. in Petroleum Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from Covenant University in 2011.
Professor Williams has also obtained over 21 certifications from Coursera, alongside multiple credentials from the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy, and the Harmonization, Accreditation and Quality Assurance in African Higher Education (HAQAA2) MOOC Series.
Academic and Professional Journey
He began his academic career at the University of Uyo before joining Covenant University on September 1, 2004, as an Assistant Lecturer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning his professorship in Chemistry in December 2017, effective January 1, 2018.
At Covenant University, Professor Williams held several key positions, including Head, Department of Chemistry, Director, Academic Planning, Dean of Students, Director, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Director, Central Instrumentation Research Facility (CUCIRF), and Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies. He also served as Chairman, Committee of Deans, and Chairman, Senate Business Committee for three years.
Before his current appointment, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, demonstrating strong administrative acumen and visionary leadership.
Research and Academic Contributions
A Professor of Chemistry specializing in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Professor Williams has spent over 23 years in the Nigerian university system. His research focuses on the monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and the use of bio-resources for environmental clean-up.
He has published over 110 articles in international refereed journals, encyclopedias, and conference proceedings. Additionally, he has supervised numerous Master’s dissertations and five Ph.D. theses to completion.
Professor Williams serves as an external examiner and professorial assessor to universities within and outside Nigeria, including the University of Johannesburg, University of Fort Hare (South Africa), University of Sierra Leone, Bharathiar University, and the University of Madras (India).
Professional Memberships and Leadership Roles
He is a Fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), and a Member of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society. He also served as Chairman, CSN Ogun State Chapter and has chaired or served on more than 25 standing and ad-hoc committees at Covenant University.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Williams has received numerous awards for excellence and leadership, including recognition as the Best Former Vice-Chancellor at the VICBHE Training Module on Artificial Intelligence in Teaching, Research, and Community Service in Higher Education. He also earned distinction for his work on Grant-Writing and Fundraising.
He has been honoured with the Award of Leadership Excellence by the Ibesikpo Union and Clan Council of Ibesikpo Kingdom.
Faith and Family
Beyond academia, Professor Williams is deeply committed to faith and community service. He served as a Deacon in the Living Faith Church Worldwide from 2001 to 2008 and has been a Pastor in the Commission since 2009, leading at various levels. He is also a lecturer at all tiers of the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI).
He is married to Dcns Lifted Williams, and they are blessed with two sons — Divine and Dominion.
Looking Ahead
With his wealth of experience, research depth, and unwavering dedication to academic excellence, Professor Akan Bassey Williams is poised to lead Ritman University into a new era of growth, innovation, and global relevance.
