In a significant development for Nigerian academia and the corporate sector, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi has been named the inaugural occupant of the prestigious FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). This appointment, announced in December 2025, places a globally recognised scholar at the helm of a key initiative designed to foster integrity and responsible leadership in business.
A Legacy Chair for Ethical Leadership
The FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair is not a new creation; it was established back in 1994. It forms a core part of the FirstBank Education Endowment, a programme honouring Samuel Asabia, the first indigenous Managing Director of the bank. The endowment's mission is to fund and promote high-level research and learning across federal universities in Nigeria's six geographical regions.
The academic occupying this chair carries a weighty mandate. The role involves spearheading pioneering research initiatives and mentoring both academics and professionals. The goal is to guide them through the complex landscape of modern business ethics, thereby cultivating a lasting culture of integrity and principled leadership within Nigeria's economic sphere.
The Scholar: A Global Authority on Ethics and Africapitalism
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi brings an exceptional portfolio of global expertise to this pivotal role. His current academic positions underscore his international standing:
- Chair in Sustainable Finance and Governance at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.
- Chair in Sustainable Business and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
His scholarly work has consistently shaped global discourse on critical themes like responsible capitalism, governance, and the philosophy of Africapitalism. This philosophy advocates for business to act as a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the African continent.
Aligning Vision with Impact
The appointment has been met with strong endorsement from both the corporate and academic institutions involved. Olusegun Alebiosu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, expressed his delight. He stated that Professor Amaeshi's global expertise and dedication to ethical leadership perfectly align with FirstBank's vision of promoting 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 shared commitment behind the initiative. UNILAG noted that the appointment underscores the joint dedication of the university and FirstBank to advancing scholarship, integrity, and values-driven leadership within the academic community and the wider society. The university expressed confidence that Amaeshi's presence will inspire students, academics, and professionals to lead with ethics, vision, and purpose in all spheres of life.
A Partnership for Africa's Future
Ultimately, the activation of the Samuel Asabia Chair with a scholar of Amaeshi's calibre represents a powerful partnership. FirstBank and the University of Lagos are joining forces to advance cutting-edge research, deliver impactful mentorship, and establish thought leadership. This collaboration is poised to shape the next generation of Nigerian and African business leaders, directly influencing the future of sustainable finance and ethical corporate practice on the continent.
