Distinguished academic, entrepreneur, governance expert and public affairs advocate, Prof. Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, has received another significant international recognition following his admission as an Associate Member of the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) for the 2026–2027 membership cycle.

The certification, issued by the International QAHE Association on June 26, 2026, affirms Prof. Asikhia’s commitment to advancing global standards in education, institutional governance and quality assurance. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and uphold internationally accepted best practices in educational leadership and professional development.

The latest recognition adds to an already distinguished profile that spans academia, business, public policy, leadership development and humanitarian service.

Prof. Asikhia is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Festrut Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests across real estate, construction, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, transportation, private security, education, consulting and humanitarian initiatives. Through the group, he has championed enterprise development while promoting sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities.

A native of Uzebba in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Prof. Asikhia has built an impressive interdisciplinary academic portfolio that reflects his belief in lifelong learning and leadership through knowledge.

His academic journey began with a Diploma in Engineering before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Ambrose Alli University. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science degree in Social Work, followed by a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Science and Technology.

Further expanding his expertise, he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Management from Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM), and later completed postdoctoral studies in Psychology at Atlantic International University.

His pursuit of continuous professional development has also taken him to some of the world’s leading institutions. He completed Yale University’s programme on The Science of Wellbeing and Stanford University School of Medicine’s Artificial Intelligence in Health Capstone Programme, equipping him with additional expertise at the intersection of technology, healthcare and human development.

Internationally, Prof. Asikhia has remained actively involved in higher education and academic leadership. He serves as Professor of Governance and Leadership at Atlantic International University in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, is Honorary Director at Pebble Hills University in Belize, and also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Governance) at Citiedge University.

His professional affiliations further reflect his multidisciplinary career. He is a member of the Institute for Social Work and Geriatric Studies Nigeria, a Certified Fellow of the National Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, and is also affiliated with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria.

Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Prof. Asikhia established himself in education and public service, where he focused on knowledge transfer, institutional development and governance. Over the years, he transitioned into academia, strategic consulting and corporate leadership, providing direction across several sectors while mentoring emerging leaders and professionals.

Beyond boardrooms and lecture halls, Prof. Asikhia has distinguished himself as an author and researcher with publications covering governance, leadership, national development and business psychology. His works, available on academic platforms including Academia.edu and Amazon, include Nigeria: The Anatomy of Her Existence and Mastering the Art of Mental Stability for Business Success, among numerous journal articles and research papers.

His influence has equally extended into Nigeria’s political space. During the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Prof. Asikhia sought to represent the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Throughout his campaign, he advocated citizen-centred representation, transparent governance, youth empowerment, improved security and inclusive development, promising to make legislative representation more responsive to the everyday needs of FCT residents.

Observers have described his political philosophy as one rooted in participatory governance and practical leadership, reflecting the same principles that have shaped his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.

The conferment of Associate Membership by the International QAHE Association therefore represents more than another professional credential. It underscores Prof. Asikhia’s growing international reputation as a scholar, governance specialist, business leader and advocate for institutional excellence.

As higher education increasingly embraces global standards of accountability, innovation and quality assurance, recognitions such as QAHE membership position accomplished professionals like Prof. Asikhia within an expanding international community committed to strengthening educational systems, promoting ethical leadership and advancing sustainable development.

With accomplishments spanning academia, enterprise, governance and public service, Prof. Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia continues to build a legacy defined by scholarship, innovation, leadership and an unwavering commitment to national and global development.