…Vows to deepen academia-Industry collaboration
Renowned Capital Market scholar, Professor Uche Uwaleke, has been re-elected President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN) for a second two-year term, with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, government and regulators to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Uwaleke was returned unopposed at the association’s Second Biennial Conference held in Abuja. He was first elected president in June 2024.
The conference also elected a new Executive Council to oversee the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The newly constituted leadership comprises Prof. Seth Akutson as First Vice President; Dr Mohammed Hussein, Second Vice President; George Ibekwe, General Secretary/Legal Adviser; and Prof. Taibat Atoyebi.
Assistant Secretary; Associate Professor Samson Ogege, Financial Secretary; Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, Treasurer; Prof. Maryam Abdu, Auditor; Dr Bibiana Okereafor, Publicity Secretary; Prof. Sani Abdullahi, Research Lead; Prof. Ayo Olowe, South-West Zonal Coordinator; Prof. Emeka Okereke, South-South Zonal Coordinator; Prof. Mohammed Madawaki, North-East Zonal Coordinator; Prof. Chuke Nwude, South-East Zonal Coordinator; Associate Professor Clement Adewole, North-Central Zonal Coordinator; and Prof. Shehu Rano, North-West Zonal Coordinator.
In his acceptance speech, Uwaleke thanked members for renewing their confidence in his leadership, describing his re-election as a mandate to expand the association’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s financial markets and the broader economy.
He reaffirmed CMAN’s commitment to serving as a bridge between academia, government, regulators and industry, stressing that evidence-based research and sound policy recommendations are critical to sustainable economic development.
“As President of CMAN, I reaffirm our commitment to serving as a trusted bridge between academia, government, regulators and industry. We are ready to provide independent research, policy advice and intellectual support for Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.
According to him, the association will continue to harness the expertise of its members to support ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s capital market while promoting research that addresses emerging challenges in the financial sector.
Uwaleke also congratulated recipients of the association’s Fellowship Awards, describing the honours as recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s financial system.
“I congratulate all our Fellowship Award recipients. Your recognition reflects your contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s financial system, and we look forward to your continued leadership and service to the financial markets community,” he stated.
He urged participants at the conference to ensure that the deliberations and recommendations from the event translate into practical actions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s financial institutions.
According to him, closer collaboration between academics and industry practitioners will improve policy formulation, enhance market efficiency and drive sustainable economic growth.
“Let this conference be remembered not merely for the awards and papers presented, but for the practical commitments made. If we strengthen the handshake between academia and practice, we will strengthen our financial institutions. And if we strengthen our financial institutions, we will strengthen Nigeria’s economy,” he added.
The biennial conference attracted academics, regulators, policymakers, capital market operators and other stakeholders who deliberated on contemporary issues affecting Nigeria’s financial markets and the wider economy.
Established as a registered professional body, CMAN was created to advance Nigeria’s financial markets through research, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy. The association has positioned itself as a leading financial sector think tank, bringing together researchers, educators and practitioners from universities, regulatory agencies, government institutions and the private sector.
Since becoming fully operational in 2021, CMAN has recorded significant milestones, including hosting its maiden biennial conference in 2024, organising webinars and virtual lectures, registering its flagship Capital Market Journal, strengthening stakeholder engagement and forging strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
A key priority of the association is fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry by creating sabbatical opportunities for academics in corporate organisations and regulatory institutions, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
CMAN’s membership spans public and private universities across Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, University of Abuja, University of Jos, University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Kaduna State University.
Stakeholders say Uwaleke’s re-election is expected to consolidate CMAN’s advocacy for evidence-based policymaking, deepen engagement with regulators and market operators, and further strengthen the role of academic research in shaping the future of Nigeria’s financial markets and the nation’s economy.
