Leadership
November 15, 2023 2026-10-07 6:03Leadership
Leadership
Founders Message
Jim Ovia, CFR.
Founder
Founder of Zenith Bank, established James Hope University with the vision of transforming lives through quality education and empowering the next generation of leaders. His unwavering commitment to education and innovation continues to shape the university’s future, providing opportunities for students to thrive in a globalized world.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the highest governing body of the University and is charged with the overall policy direction and financing of the University. The Board is comprised of seasoned individuals who are passionate about education and grooming the next generation of leaders. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, they provide oversight for the governance of the University through strategic decision-making.
The Board of Trustees has established JHU’s Governing Council, the body charged with the general management of the affairs of the University, in particular the control of University property and expenditures. The Council consists of the following:
- Pro-Chancellor, Chair
- Vice-Chancellor
- Deputy Vice-Chancellors
- Senate Representatives (4)
- Congregation Representatives (2)
- Convocation Representatives (2)
- Lekki/Lagos Community Representative (1)
- Four Additional Advisors appointed by the Board of Trustees
- Representative from the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education
- Representative from the National University Commission
- The University Registrar, Secretary
Governing Council
Charged with the general management of the affairs of the University, including the control of University property and expenditures.
Professor Chukuka S. Enwemeka
Pro-Chancellor
Dr. Chukuka S. Enwemeka is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of James Hope University – Lagos, an Emeritus University Distinguished Professor, and a seasoned leader with extensive academic experience, including roles as President and Vice Chancellor, University Trustee, University Provost, and a senior Vice President, Dean, and academic Chairman at various universities.
Zephia Ovia-Ikem
Director, Strategic Partnerships & International Office
Zephia Ovia-Ikem is a Member of the Governing Council and Director of Strategic Partnerships & International Office. Zephia joined the leadership team of James Hope University in 2025. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies, from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Bachelors degree in Politics & International Relations from the University of Manchester in the UK. Zephia’s academic pathway has equipped her with the tools to champion business and development solutions across public and private sectors.
Dr. Somachi Kachikwu
Founder & CEO The Learning Transformer
Dr. Somachi Kachikwu is an accomplished educator, curriculum specialist, executive leader, education author, and youth success strategist with more than two decades of experience in education, program management, leadership development, and institutional capacity building across the United States and Africa.
She is an Adjunct Lead Faculty member at the African School of Governance, where she teaches Leading Self and Others: Behavioral Science for Better Decisions. She also serves as Executive Director of the Women Leadership Institute and is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Box International, an education consultancy specializing in curriculum development, instructional design, educator development, and youth success.
Dr. Charles Ujomu
Chief Economist, Zenith Bank
Charles Ujomu is a highly accomplished economist, investment banker, financial strategist and scholar who serves as the Chief Economist and Group Head of Research & Sustainability at Zenith Bank Plc.
He is a member of the Governing Council of James Hope University, Lagos.
He is also a member of the UK Royal Economic Society, and a member of the Economics and Statistics Committee of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Senate
Organises and controls teaching, admission and student discipline, and promotes research across the University.
The Senate of James Hope University has the general function to organize and control teaching—as well as the admission and discipline of students—and to promote research. Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the Senate is comprised of all professors as well as all academic leaders of the University, including the Librarian, the deans of faculties, directors of centers and institutes, and heads of departments.
Principal Officers
The senior leadership team headed by the Vice-Chancellor/President, responsible for the University’s welfare and its financial, academic and non-academic affairs.
