The uLesson Group has announced a strategic restructuring of its leadership, with Iheanyi Akwitti, the current Group Chief Academic Officer and Registrar, set to become the CEO-Designate effective June 1, 2026. He will formally assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, Sim Shagaya, the Founder and Group CEO, will transition to the position of Executive Chairman.
Succession Planning and Leadership Continuity
This transition, which received unanimous approval from the Board, is the result of a deliberate succession planning process designed to ensure continuity, strengthen leadership, and position the Group for its next phase of growth. During the transition period, Shagaya will continue to serve as Group CEO, working closely with Akwitti on operational, board, governance, investor, partner, and external stakeholder matters. As Executive Chairman, Shagaya will continue to support the Group’s long-term strategy, institutional partnerships, and broader vision for education across Africa.
Akwitti's Role in Group Expansion
Since joining the uLesson Group in 2022 as Senior Vice President of Academics and Curriculum, Akwitti has been instrumental in the Group’s expansion from K-12 learning into higher education. In his capacity as Group Chief Academic Officer and Registrar, he has led key academic, regulatory, accreditation, and institutional initiatives across the Group. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the pursuit of Miva Open University’s license from the National Universities Commission and the subsequent launch of the institution. Additionally, Akwitti has forged important partnerships with government bodies, policy makers, educational institutions, and enterprises, thereby supporting the Group’s collaboration with major public sector and institutional partners. His appointment underscores the Group’s continued focus on building robust academic systems, expanding access to quality education, and deepening its impact across the continent.
Statements from Leadership
Commenting on the appointment, Shagaya said: “Iheanyi has been at the centre of some of the most consequential work we have done as a Group. He has helped build the academic and institutional foundations that will carry us into our next phase. His clarity, discipline, and deep understanding of education make him the right leader for this next chapter. I am confident that under his leadership, the uLesson Group will continue to expand its impact and build even stronger institutions for African learners.”
Akwitti brings extensive experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, institutional accreditation, school administration, regulatory engagement, and education technology. Prior to joining the uLesson Group, he held senior leadership roles in the education sector, including serving as Principal of Supreme Education Foundation Schools.
In response to his appointment, Akwitti stated: “It is a great honour to be entrusted with this responsibility. The uLesson Group has always been driven by a clear belief: that African learners deserve access to excellent education built for their reality and their future. I am grateful to Sim for his trust and leadership, and I look forward to working with our teams to build on the strong foundation already laid.”
Growth Under Shagaya's Leadership
Under Shagaya’s leadership, the uLesson Group has evolved from a K-12 learning platform into a comprehensive education group, offering products and institutions that serve learners at various stages of their academic journey. This includes uLesson, its K-12 learning platform, and Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first operational private open university. The leadership transition is designed to support continuity, deepen institutional strength, and position the Group for its next stage of growth.
