Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu: New VC, Kwararafa University, Wukari
It is with great delight that I announce the appointment of Professor Ochefu as the new VC of Kwararafa University. A transformational leader, he is known for his energy, drive, creativity and vision. He has revived an entire academic society, with all the things that go with it. Known for his large heart, commitment to others, selflessness and entrepreneurship, the university is lucky to have made such a choice.
He needs no introduction. However, to non-Nigerians reading this, let me say a few words. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu is an academic, University administrator and entrepreneur. He was born in Kaduna on the 24th of October 1960. He had his primary education at Army Children School, Dan Tunku Road, Kaduna and St. Bernadette's Private School Ibara, Abeokuta. His secondary education was at St. Gregory's College Obalende Lagos. He proceeded to the University of Calabar in 1978 and earned a B.A., (Hons) degree in History graduating top of his class and second best in the Faculty of Arts in 1982. After his National Service in Funtua, Katsina State, he attended the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom where he earned an M.A. degree in Political Economy and Economic History in 1985. Ochefu returned to his alma mater for his doctorate degree in economic history in the same year. He also started his academic career at the University of Calabar where he taught history from 1985 to 1992. In 1993, he was one of the pioneer staff of Benue State University where he helped establish the History Department. He held various positions in the University such as Head, History Department, Dean, Students Affairs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Economic History and Development Studies.
Professor Yakubu Ochefu has always seen himself as an active historian who not only studies history but also attempts to make history. He is a Fellow and former National President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, which is the oldest professional association in Nigeria. He has over 60 publications in form of books, journal articles, conference papers, technical reports and commissioned projects to his credit. Amongst these is a 700-page book on the History of Central Nigeria that he co-edited. In the course of his busy academic career, he found time for engaging with the wider community at several levels. He was at various times, treasurer of ASUU at the University of Calabar, Coach of the University of Calabar Judo Team, Consultant to Federal and State Governments, and International agencies such as the World Bank, UNDP, DFID and IRI on social, economic and political issues. He was also a member of Governance Reform Team of the Benue State Government from 2000 to 2005.
As an Information Communication Technology Consultant, Professor Yakubu Ochefu was Chair of the Benue State Information Systems Committee and National Coordinator of the "Digital Bridge Initiative" one of the largest eEducation deployments ever in this country. As an entrepreneur Ochefu has established a number of enterprises. These include:
Þ Orbit Technologies and Investments Limited,
Þ Aboki Publishers and Investments Limited
Þ Waste to Energy Nigeria Limited
Þ Kiyarsu Services Limited
He seats on the Board of a number of companies including
Þ Director Fronter eEducation Nigeria Limited
Þ Director, Novasys Limited (an Information Technology and Software Development and Consulting Firm)
Þ Director, HWR Limited
He is currently the Director, Consultancy Services, Benue State University and CEO, BSU Consultancy Services Limited.
He is married to Hilda Ihinwa Ochefu and they are blessed with three children. In his spare time, he enjoys reggae, soukous and classical music. He is a computer enthusiast, enjoys skydiving, rain forest hiking, martial arts, cricket and golf. A widely travelled man, Ochefu has visited 35 of the 36 states in Nigeria and 19 countries in Africa, North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
As someone who has interacted with him, he is very funny, always relaxed, always happy.
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