Uwaleke Re-elected CMAN President, Pledges Stronger Academia-Industry Partnership

Nigeria’s renowned Professor of Capital Market, Uche Uwaleke has been re-elected President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN) for a second two-year term, pledging to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, government and regulators to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Uwaleke was returned unopposed during the just-concluded Second Biennial Conference of the association held in Abuja.

He was first elected president of CMAN in June 2024.

The conference also produced a new Executive Council to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years.

They are 1st Vice President: Prof Seth Akutson; 2nd Vice President: Dr Mohammed Hussein; General Secretary/Legal Adviser,
George Ibekwe; Assistant Secretary Financial Secretary Prof Taibat Atoyebi; Financial secretary
Assoc. Prof. Samson Ogege; Treasurer Prof Godwin Oyedokun; and Auditor Prof Maryam Abdu.

Others are Publicity Secretary
Dr Bibiana Okereafor; Research Lead Prof Sani Abdullahi; Zonal Coordinator, South West
Prof Ayo Olowe; Zonal Coordinator, South South
Prof Emeka Okereke; Zonal Coordinator, North East
Prof Mohammed Madawaki;
Zonal Coordinator, South East
Prof Chuke Nwude; Zonal Coordinator, North Central Assoc. Prof Clement Adewole; and
Zonal Coordinator, North West
Prof Shehu Rano.

In his acceptance speech, Uwaleke expressed appreciation to members for renewing their confidence in his leadership, describing the re-election as a call to deepen the association’s contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s financial markets and the broader economy.

He reaffirmed CMAN’s commitment to serving as a bridge between academia and industry, noting that evidence-based research and sound policy recommendations remain essential for sustainable economic development.

“As President of CMAN, I reaffirm our commitment to serving as a trusted bridge between academia, government, regulators and industry. We are ready to provide independent research, policy advice and intellectual support for Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.

According to him, the association will continue to leverage the expertise of its members to support reforms in Nigeria’s capital market while promoting research that addresses emerging challenges in the financial sector.

Uwaleke also congratulated recipients of the association’s Fellowship Awards, describing the honours as recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s financial system.

“I congratulate all our Fellowship Award recipients. Your recognition reflects your contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s financial system, and we look forward to your continued leadership and service to the financial markets community,” he stated.

The professor urged participants at the conference to ensure that discussions and recommendations arising from the event translate into concrete actions capable of strengthening the country’s financial institutions.

He stressed that stronger collaboration between academics and industry practitioners would enhance policy formulation, improve market efficiency and support sustainable economic growth.

“Let this conference be remembered not merely for the awards and papers presented, but for the practical commitments made. If we strengthen the handshake between academia and practice, we will strengthen our financial institutions. And if we strengthen our financial institutions, we will strengthen Nigeria’s economy,” he added.

The biennial conference brought together academics, regulators, policymakers, capital market operators and other stakeholders to deliberate on contemporary issues affecting Nigeria’s financial markets and the economy.

Established as a registered professional body, CMAN was created to advance the frontiers of Nigeria’s financial markets through knowledge sharing, research and policy advocacy.

The association positions itself as Nigeria’s foremost financial sector think tank, bringing together researchers and educators in the money and capital markets from universities, government agencies, regulatory institutions and private sector organisations.

The multidisciplinary body seeks to influence policy through rigorous research while fostering collaboration among scholars and practitioners committed to strengthening Nigeria’s financial markets.

Since becoming fully operational in 2021, CMAN has recorded several milestones, including hosting its maiden biennial conference in 2024, organising webinars and virtual lectures, registering its flagship Capital Market Journal, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and forging partnerships with institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

A major focus of the association is promoting closer collaboration between academia and industry, including creating sabbatical opportunities for academics in corporate organisations and regulatory institutions to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

CMAN’s membership cuts across public and private universities in Nigeria, with strong representation from the University of Lagos, the University of Abuja, the University of Jos, the University of Port Harcourt, the University of Maiduguri, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Kaduna State University, among others.

With Uwaleke’s re-election, stakeholders expect the association to consolidate its advocacy for evidence-based policymaking, deepen engagement with regulators and market operators, and strengthen the role of academic research in shaping the future of Nigeria’s financial markets and the wider economy.