Distinguished economist and public policy scholar, Emeritus Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo, FNES, has been confirmed for the sixth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, bringing his wealth of academic, institutional and economic policy experience to a critical conversation.
The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo will be a Distinguished Discussant at the virtual discourse scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm West Africa Time (WAT).
The discourse will examine the theme, “NIGERIA’S WEALTH PARADOX: WHY DOES ABUNDANCE COEXIST WITH POVERTY?”
Professor Ekpo’s participation is particularly significant given his extensive contributions to economic scholarship, public policy and institutional leadership. He is the first Emeritus Professor appointed by the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
AN OUTSTANDING CAREER IN ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Emeritus Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo has built an outstanding career spanning university leadership, economic research, public policy and financial management.
He served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and was also the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom University of Technology. He previously served as Director General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Lagos, from May 2009 to December 2018.
His public service record also includes service as a Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria. He currently chairs the Foundation for Economic Research and Training (FERT), Lagos.
His academic journey reflects exceptional achievement. Following his secondary education at United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos, he received a Federal Government scholarship to study in the United States.
He graduated from Howard University, Washington, in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, graduating cum laude with honours. He subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from the same university.
His outstanding undergraduate performance earned him a place on the Dean’s List throughout his studies and a full scholarship. In 1975, he received the American Economic Association Fellowship as the best honours student, enabling him to undertake further studies at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
He later obtained his MA and PhD degrees in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1980 and 1983 respectively.
His scholarly contributions have appeared in numerous publications, books and academic journals, establishing him as an influential voice in economic development discourse.
ECONOMIC GROWTH IS NOT THE SAME AS DEVELOPMENT
Professor Ekpo’s perspective on Nigeria’s development challenges makes his participation particularly relevant to the sixth edition.
During his valedictory lecture at the University of Uyo in June 2024, titled “NIGERIA: THE ECONOMICS OF POTENTIALS AND THE POTENTIALS IN ECONOMICS,” he challenged the tendency to measure national progress primarily through economic growth figures.
He argued that a country could record high growth rates while a substantial proportion of its population remained unable to access the basic necessities of life.
His central argument was that genuine development must go beyond economic growth to encompass structural transformation, freedom and the reduction of inequality.
This position speaks directly to the central question of the forthcoming ValidViewNetwork discourse: why has Nigeria’s enormous resource endowment not translated into widespread prosperity?
The discussion will examine the country’s management of natural resources, public finance, economic policies, investment climate, industrial capacity and human capital.
It will also consider practical pathways towards economic diversification, productive enterprise, employment generation, poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
ValidViewNetwork reports that Professor Ekpo’s contribution is expected to provide valuable economic and policy perspectives on the structural issues that continue to constrain Nigeria’s development.
A NATIONAL CONVERSATION WITH GLOBAL RELEVANCE
The ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse brings together distinguished academics, policymakers, professionals and development practitioners to examine issues of national and international importance.
The sixth edition will explore the paradox of a resource rich country struggling with widespread poverty and economic hardship.
Nigeria possesses abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land, considerable human capital and entrepreneurial potential. Yet, these advantages have not translated into adequate living standards for millions of citizens.
The discourse will therefore examine whether the challenge lies in the country’s resource endowment or its capacity to manage, transform and distribute national wealth effectively.
The November edition is expected to attract economists, academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and other development stakeholders from Nigeria and the international community.
The event will hold virtually via Zoom and YouTube. On Sunday, November 29, Nigerians everywhere are encouraged to join the conversation, ask questions, share their concerns and invite others to participate using the link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82272813503?pwd=PzcDTGM7Ay4CZV85LW9oU6DrpAxL8k.1
With the participation of the University of Uyo’s first Emeritus Professor, the sixth edition promises an intellectually stimulating examination of Nigeria’s economic realities and development prospects.
For Nigeria, the challenge remains clear: the measure of national wealth must ultimately be found in the prosperity, dignity and quality of life enjoyed by its people.
THE VALIDVIEWNETWORK VISION
The Monthly Global Discourse is an initiative of ValidViewNetwork, founded by Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FHEA, FFAN, an academic, environmental researcher, public affairs analyst, nature conservation advocate and media entrepreneur.
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STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO ATTEND
ValidViewNetwork is calling on Nigerians and stakeholders around the world to participate in the sixth edition.
Participants are also encouraged to invite others.