By Suleiman Abubakar
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commended Professor Uche Uwaleke for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s capital market, describing him as a trailblazer in the field.
Speaking at the 50th Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Shettima—represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim—highlighted Uwaleke’s role in shaping economic policies and fostering financial development in Nigeria. He noted that Uwaleke’s decades-long dedication to capital market studies has significantly influenced economic growth, making him a vital figure in national development.
The event, held at NSUK’s Assembly Hall, was graced by top government officials, financial experts, and industry leaders. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, emphasized that the university’s Inaugural Lecture Series aligns with the Keffi Declaration of 2022, which mandates that newly appointed professors deliver lectures within two years of their promotion.
Delivering his lecture titled "Unlocking Wealth and Leveraging Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystem: Understanding Capital Harnessing Essentials"—an acronym for his name, UCHE UWALEKE—the distinguished professor analyzed Nigeria’s economic landscape. He underscored the urgent need to strengthen infrastructure and bridge the skills gap to unlock the country’s hidden wealth through the capital market.
Uwaleke advocated for strategic incentives to boost capital formation, the privatization of public enterprises via the stock market, and optimized resource utilization. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial education in transforming Nigeria’s untapped resources into real wealth.
Dignitaries at the event included former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Senate Committee Chairmen on Banking, Capital Markets, and Science & Technology—Senators Adetokunbo Abiru, Osita Izunaso, and Aminu Abbass; House Committee Chairman on Capital Markets, Hon. Solomon Bob; SEC DG, Dr. Timi Agama; NGX Group Chairman, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; and other notable figures in finance and academia.
A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a plaque, certificate, and medal to Professor Uwaleke in recognition of his role as the 50th Inaugural Lecturer. The honor was bestowed by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside Vice-President Shettima’s representative.
Professor Uwaleke, from NSUK’s Department of Securities & Investment Management, also serves as Director of the Institute for Capital Market Studies.
