SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity, United Kingdom, has appointed Nigerian academic and education administrator, Dr. Gregory Elayeche Oko, as its Director of Academic Programmes, Africa, in recognition of his contributions to higher education, research, academic leadership and institutional development across the continent.
The appointment, which took effect on July 25, 2026, was approved by the President of the university, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, and conveyed through the institution’s Office of International Relations.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Gregory Oko described the new role as both “a great honour and a call to greater responsibility,” expressing appreciation to the university’s President, Governing Council and Management for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to provide purposeful leadership in expanding the institution’s academic footprint across Africa through strategic partnerships, quality education and research collaboration.
The appointment marks another milestone in Oko’s longstanding relationship with the UK-based institution. He was previously conferred with the title of Honorary Professor in recognition of his contributions to education, leadership and community development before being appointed an Adjunct Professor.
During his tenure as Adjunct Professor, Oko coordinated the university’s pioneering three-month diploma scholarship programme across Africa, helping to expand available scholarship slots from an initial 200 to 676 beneficiaries enrolled in 15 diploma programmes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Announcing the appointment, the university’s President, Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, described Oko as a distinguished scholar and higher education leader whose experience in teaching, research and academic administration would strengthen the institution’s expansion strategy on the continent.
According to Khan, Oko’s appointment reflects the university’s commitment to delivering globally relevant education, promoting innovation, strengthening institutional partnerships and advancing sustainable development through higher education.
In his new role, Oko will provide strategic oversight for the development and expansion of the university’s academic programmes across Africa.
His responsibilities include fostering partnerships with universities, research institutions and professional bodies, facilitating accreditation and quality assurance processes, promoting academic exchange and joint research initiatives, recommending new academic programmes tailored to regional needs, recruiting qualified adjunct faculty and students, and representing the institution at academic and professional engagements.
He will also advise on curriculum development, research, institutional quality assurance and academic policy while facilitating the university’s membership in recognised professional and accreditation organisations and promoting initiatives that support the Sustainable Development Goals.
Oko said he would work closely with the university’s leadership, adjunct faculty and strategic partners to broaden access to quality education, strengthen international collaboration and enhance the institution’s visibility across Africa.
He also commended members of the university’s adjunct faculty for their voluntary commitment to education and capacity building, describing their dedication as a testament to academic excellence and a shared vision of developing human capital across the continent.
