Driven by a vision for accessible, quality education, this inspiring female activist has transformed countless lives through her passionate leadership. Prof. Abiola Awosika-Fapetu’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. SONIA OKERE writes
Who is Prof. Abiola Awosika-Fapetu?
She is a dedicated academic and educator known for her impactful contributions to education in Nigeria and beyond. She has taken on important leadership roles in various educational institutions, working tirelessly to improve the quality of education.
Prof. Awosika-Fapetu has advanced degrees in finance and management, along with extensive experience in academia and the corporate world. Her educational journey began in Nigeria, where she built a strong foundation before studying abroad. She earned her PhD in Business and Finance and a Master’s in Management.
This academic background has given her a deep understanding of leadership and financial management. Her time at respected institutions in the U.S. and Europe has enriched her perspective, allowing her to bring innovative ideas back to Nigeria to help shape future leaders.
Roles and contributions
Prof. Awosika-Fapetu is passionate about education and loves sharing her knowledge. She teaches finance, economics, and management to graduate students at Liberty University and the University of Wisconsin in the U.S., as well as the University of South Wales in the UK.
She also runs the Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies, where students can earn diplomas in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Through her work at Edutech, she collaborates with universities in emerging markets, helping them use technology to reach more students. Additionally, she is the CEO of Santrum College, a school that focuses on developing essential professional and vocational skills.
Her international expertise spans the USA, UK, China, South Korea, Europe, East Africa, South Africa, UAE, and Nigeria, making her a valuable voice in Nigeria’s economic discourse.
Awards and recognition
Over the years, Prof. Awosika-Fapetu has received many awards for her contributions to education and leadership. In 2014, she was honored at the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit for her valuable service on various committees and for moderating a key session.
In 2012, she received the Mentorship Award at the Business Management Conference for her leadership in youth development and entrepreneurship. She earned the Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) Award from the YWCA (USA) in 2002 for her support of women in leadership.
Other recognitions include being named the David L. Parks Distinguished Professor at Montreal College for the 1998/99 academic year and receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the Academy of International Business in 1998.
She was awarded the Paul E. Hoffner Outstanding Service Award for her dedication to Adult Higher Education. Earlier in her career, in June 1989, she also received a Merit Award from U.S. International University for her outstanding performance in Doctoral Studies.
A voice for education and economic growth
As a respected media voice, Professor Awosika-Fapetu shares her insights on Channels TV and LTV, and in major publications like the Guardian, Punch, and Sun newspapers. She discusses current affairs, economics, and education.
On October 16, 2024, Prof. Abiola Awosika-Fapetu joined Kofi Bartels on Nigeria Info FM’s Morning Crossfire Show. While discussing the current inflation in Nigeria, she expressed optimism about the country’s future, and predicted a potential appreciation of the naira currency. She also urged Nigerians to have faith in the government’s policies aimed at curbing inflation and alleviating poverty.
