By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity, UK, has appointed Dr Gregory Elayeche Oko as Director of Academic Programmes (Africa).

Oko’s appointment is in recognition of his outstanding academic accomplishments, distinguished leadership in higher education, and remarkable contributions to teaching, research and academic development across Africa.

The appointment, which takes effect from 25 July 2026 for an initial tenure of two years, was approved and signed by the President of SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, and formally communicated through the University Office of International Relations by Daphne Vaughan.

Meanwhile, the appointment marks another significant milestone in Dr. Oko academic relationship with the University, in which he was first honoured by SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK with the title of Honorary Professor in recognition of his contributions to education, leadership and community development before his subsequent appointment as Adjunct Professor.

During his service as Adjunct Professor, he played a leading role in coordinating the University pioneering three-month diploma scholarship programmes in Africa, successfully facilitating the expansion of scholarship opportunities from the initial 200 slots to the final admission of 676 beneficiaries across fifteen diploma programmes under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The University noted that his academic journey reflects an unwavering commitment to scholarship, institutional development, mentoring young scholars, promoting research collaboration and strengthening higher education initiatives across the African continent.

Commenting on the appointment, the President of SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, described Dr. Gregory Elayeche Oko as a distinguished academic, researcher and higher education leader with an established record of excellence in teaching, research, academic administration and institutional development.

Khan said the appointment reflects the University confidence in Dr. Oko ability to provide strategic academic leadership and foster meaningful institutional partnerships across Africa.

According to him, “Dr. Gregory Elayeche Oko brings an outstanding combination of academic excellence, leadership, research expertise and international perspective.

“His appointment marks an important milestone in our expansion across Africa and reinforces our commitment to delivering globally relevant education, fostering strategic partnerships, and advancing sustainable development through higher education.

“We are confident that his leadership will significantly contribute to our vision of becoming a globally connected institution recognized for academic excellence and innovation.”

In his new capacity, Dr. Oko will provide strategic leadership for the development and expansion of the University’s academic programmes across Africa.

His responsibilities include promoting academic collaborations and institutional partnerships with universities, research institutions and professional bodies; identifying and facilitating accreditation opportunities while supporting quality assurance processes; facilitating academic exchange programmes, joint research initiatives and collaborative educational projects

Recommending new academic and professional programmes that respond to regional needs; identifying suitably qualified academics for appointment as Adjunct Faculty, particularly those capable of supervising postgraduate research; promoting the University’s academic programmes and recruiting qualified prospective students across Africa.

Also representing the University at academic conferences, educational forums and institutional engagements; providing strategic advice on curriculum development, research, academic quality assurance and institutional development; facilitating the University’s membership in recognised academic, professional and accreditation organisations; upholding and protecting the University’s reputation; and advancing the University commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through academic collaboration and sustainable educational initiatives.

Reacting to the appointment, he expressed profound appreciation to the President, Governing Council and Management of SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK for the confidence reposed in him. He described the appointment as both a great honour and a call to greater responsibility in advancing the University vision across Africa.

He commended the institution for its commitment to providing accessible, flexible and globally relevant education through academic excellence, innovation and international collaboration.

Dr. Oko pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by providing purposeful academic leadership and working closely with the University’s leadership, Adjunct Faculty and strategic partners to strengthen institutional collaboration, expand academic opportunities, promote international partnerships, enhance the University visibility across Africa and further its mission of delivering world-class education and sustainable development.

Dr. Oko also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University Adjunct Faculty members who have voluntarily accepted to serve humanity through education and capacity building. He acknowledged Dr. Ella Adakole Boniface, Adjunct Associate Professor; Dr. Thomas Odey Magu, Adjunct Associate Professor; Dr. Patrick Ogar Ogar, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Mr Solomon Offem Iyam, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Sir Gerald Uche Ikhizamah, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Barr. Pascal Aboh, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Engr. Sunday Ogbor Ogar, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Mr. Bob Abua, Adjunct Lecturer; and Mr. James Adoga Idagu, Adjunct Lecturer for their professionalism, dedication and selfless commitment in coordinating the University’s diploma programmes under their respective Sustainable Development Goals.

He described their voluntary service as a demonstration of academic excellence, integrity and commitment to developing human capital across Africa, expressing confidence that together they would continue to advance the University vision and expand its educational impact throughout the continent.