Meet Professor Akan Bassey Williams: The Visionary Scholar Leading Ritman University to New Heights
A seasoned academic, distinguished researcher, and passionate mentor, Professor Akan Bassey Williams stands as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in Environmental Chemistry and university leadership. Now steering Ritman University toward academic excellence, his story is one of dedication, scholarship, and service.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 16, 1970, in Calabar, Cross River State, Professor Williams hails from Itoko, Ibesikpo, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
His educational journey began at Primary School, Fosbery Road, Calabar, before proceeding to Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Ibesikpo, in 1981. He completed his secondary education in 1986, serving as the Senior Prefect, a role that foreshadowed his lifelong leadership path.
Driven by a deep love for science, he earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Calabar in 1991, an M.Sc. in Petroleum Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from Covenant University in 2011.
In his pursuit of continuous learning, Professor Williams completed 21 Coursera certifications, as well as several others from global institutions such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy, the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), and the HAQAA2 MOOC Series on quality assurance in African higher education.
Academic Career and Leadership
Professor Williams began his teaching career at the University of Uyo before joining Covenant University in 2004 as an Assistant Lecturer. His remarkable rise through academia culminated in his appointment as Professor of Chemistry in December 2017, effective January 2018.
With over 23 years in the Nigerian university system, he has distinguished himself as an expert in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. At Covenant University, he held numerous leadership roles, including:
- Director, Central Instrumentation Research Facility (CUCIRF)
- Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies
- Chairman, Committee of Deans
- Acting Vice-Chancellor, later Deputy Vice-Chancellor, before being appointed the sixth Vice-Chancellor in 2020
He also served as Head of Department of Chemistry, Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Director of Academic Planning, and Dean of Students. His reputation for strategic leadership earned him the chairmanship of the Senate Business Committee for three years and participation in over 25 university committees.
Professional Recognition and Research
Professor Williams’ influence extends beyond Nigeria. He has served as an External Examiner and Professorial Assessor for institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, University of Fort Hare (South Africa), University of Sierra Leone, Bharathiar University, and the University of Madras (India).
He is a Fellow of both the Chemical Society of Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and the American Chemical Society (USA).
His groundbreaking research focuses on tracking persistent organic pollutants and using biological materials for environmental cleanup. With over 110 published works in top-tier journals, encyclopedias, and conference proceedings, Professor Williams remains a driving force in scientific innovation.
Awards, Faith, and Service
Beyond academia, Professor Williams is known for his integrity, leadership, and faith. He has received numerous awards, including recognition as Best Former Vice-Chancellor by VICBHE for his excellence in leadership and capacity-building training. The Ibesikpo Union and Clan Council also honoured him with an Award of Leadership Excellence.
He serves on the Board of Trustees of Book Aid for Africa (BAFA) and is deeply rooted in ministry. A Deacon of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (2001–2008) and a Pastor since 2009, he has taught across multiple levels at the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI).
Married to Deaconess Lifted Williams, the couple is blessed with two sons — Divine and Dominion Williams.
Leading Ritman University into a New Era
Now at the helm of Ritman University, Professor Akan Bassey Williams brings a wealth of experience, academic excellence, and faith-driven leadership. His vision for the institution is rooted in innovation, character development, and global competitiveness.
As students, staff, and stakeholders look to the future, one thing is clear: under Professor Williams’ guidance, Ritman University is poised to reach new academic and community milestones.
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