Introducing Professor Akan Bassey Williams: Ritman University's New Vice Chancellor
Ritman University has announced the appointment of Professor Akan Bassey Williams, a renowned scholar of Chemistry and an established academic leader, as its 2nd substantive Vice Chancellor. Professor Williams brings 23 years of experience in the Nigerian university system and a strong background in academic administration and digital innovation.
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Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, has appointed Professor Akan Bassey Williams, a distinguished scholar of Chemistry and seasoned academic leader, as its 2nd substantive Vice-Chancellor.
An indigene of Itoko in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Professor Williams was born on February 16, 1970, in Calabar, Cross River State. With over 23 years of experience in the Nigerian university system, he brings to Ritman University a proven record of academic excellence, research innovation, and administrative leadership.
Professor Williams holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Calabar (1991), an M.Sc. in Petroleum Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt (2001), and a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from Covenant University (2011). A Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, he is widely recognized for his research on environmental pollutants and the use of bio-resources for environmental remediation.
He began his career at Covenant University in 2004, rising through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2017. Over the years, he has held several key administrative positions, including Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Director of the Central Instrumentation Research Facility (CUCIRF), Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dean of Students, and Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.
Before his appointment at Ritman University, Professor Williams served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and later as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University in 2020.
An accomplished researcher, Professor Williams has authored over 110 scholarly publications in international journals, encyclopedias, and conference proceedings. He has supervised numerous postgraduate dissertations and five doctoral theses. His professional affiliations include Fellowship of the Chemical Society of Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, as well as memberships in the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and the American Chemical Society (USA).
He has also served on National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation teams and as an external examiner and professorial assessor for universities in South Africa, Sierra Leone, and India.
Beyond academia, Professor Williams is a certified professional with more than 20 specialized certifications from platforms including COURSERA, WIPO Academy, and VICBHE. He is also a two-time recipient of the Best Former Vice-Chancellor Award at the VICBHE training series, recognized for his expertise in artificial intelligence in higher education and grant-writing.
A devoted Christian, Professor Williams served as a Deacon (2001–2008) and is currently a Pastor in the Living Faith Church Worldwide. He is married to Deaconess Lifted Williams, and they are blessed with two sons.
Ritman University expressed confidence that Professor Williams’ wealth of experience, academic vision, and commitment to innovation will lead the institution into a new era of growth and global recognition.
