In a significant move for academic and corporate Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria has announced the appointment of a distinguished scholar to a historic position. Professor Kenneth Amaeshi has been named as the inaugural occupier of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
A Legacy Chair for Ethical Leadership
This prestigious academic chair is not a new creation. It was instituted back in 1994 as a core component of the FirstBank Education Endowment. The position was established to honour Samuel Asabia, the first indigenous Managing Director of the bank. The broader endowment programme was strategically designed to fund and promote high-level research and learning across federal universities in Nigeria's six geographical regions.
The individual who occupies this chair carries a weighty responsibility. They are tasked with spearheading pioneering research initiatives and mentoring both academics and professionals. The core mission is to guide them through the complex landscape of modern business ethics, thereby fostering a lasting culture of integrity and responsible leadership within Nigeria's economic sphere.
Meet the Pioneer: A Global Scholar with African Roots
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi brings an exceptional portfolio of global experience and scholarly acclaim to this pivotal role. His appointment signals FirstBank's and UNILAG's commitment to attracting world-class intellect. Currently, Amaeshi holds the Chair in Sustainable Finance and Governance at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. He also serves as the Chair in Sustainable Business and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
His extensive body of work continues to shape international discourse on critical topics. He is a leading voice on:
- Responsible capitalism
- Corporate governance
- Africapitalism – a philosophy he champions, which positions business as a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the African continent.
Aligning Vision with Action for Nigeria's Future
The leadership of FirstBank has expressed strong confidence in this appointment. Olusegun Alebiosu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, commented on the decision. He stated that the bank is delighted to welcome Professor Amaeshi as the chair's first occupant. Alebiosu emphasized that Amaeshi's global expertise and dedication to ethical leadership perfectly align with FirstBank's own vision of fostering sustainable development and principled business practices.
"This Chair is a platform to inspire generations of leaders to drive socio-economic transformation through integrity and innovation," Alebiosu said. "We are confident that Professor Amaeshi’s expertise will inspire meaningful socio-economic impact now and into the future."
In its own statement, the University of Lagos highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the initiative. The university noted that Professor Amaeshi's appointment underscores the shared commitment of UNILAG and FirstBank to advancing scholarship, integrity, and values-driven leadership. This commitment extends beyond the university's walls into the wider community. UNILAG believes his presence will inspire students, academics, and professionals to lead with ethics, vision, and purpose in every arena—from the classroom to the boardroom and society at large.
Through this landmark partnership on the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair, FirstBank and UNILAG are laying a foundation. Their goal is to advance cutting-edge research, deliver impactful mentorship, and cultivate thought leadership. Ultimately, this collaboration is poised to shape Nigeria's and Africa's next generation of business leaders and define the future of sustainable finance on the continent.
