Kenneth Amaeshi becomes first holder of UNILAG’s Samuel Asabia title in business ethics

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has appointed Kenneth Amaeshi as the first chairperson of the Samuel Asabia/First Bank Professorial Chair of Business Ethics.

The “Samuel Asabia/First Bank Professorial Chair of Business Ethics” is an academic position at the University of Lagos.

It is established through an endowment by First Bank in honour of Samuel Asabia, a former MD of the bank, to promote high-level research and learning in business ethics in Nigeria.

The holder of the “Samuel Asabia Professor of Business Ethics” title leads research, teaches, and guides ethical development in the business world.

Amaeshi, a globally recognised scholar in sustainable finance, business ethics, political economy, and socio-economic development, will lead teaching, research, and thought leadership under the endowed chair.

He currently holds the chair in sustainable finance and governance at the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy, and the chair in sustainable business and public policy at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. 

His work spans academia, public policy, and ethical business leadership.

UNILAG, in a statement, said Amaeshi is widely known for his contributions to sustainability and corporate governance in emerging economies, as well as his role in shaping the theory and practice of Africapitalism.

Beyond academic research, Amaeshi has engaged governments, corporations, and institutions across Africa and internationally, offering advisory support on sustainable finance, ethical governance, policy reform, and development initiatives.

The university said his appointment underscores a shared commitment by UNILAG and First Bank to advancing values-driven leadership, ethical scholarship, and institutional integrity.

UNILAG added that Amaeshi’s presence is expected to strengthen research, mentorship, and intellectual leadership in business ethics, while inspiring students and professionals to integrate ethics and social responsibility into decision-making across sectors.