FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has announced Professor Kenneth Amaeshi as the first occupier of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics at the University of Lagos. The announcement was made in a statement released by the bank on Monday, marking an important milestone in the long-standing partnership between FirstBank and one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics is an academic position established at the University of Lagos in 1994 under the FirstBank Education Endowment Programme. The programme was created to support advanced teaching, research, and learning in selected federal universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The chair was instituted in honour of Mr Samuel Asabia, who made history as the first indigenous Managing Director of FirstBank and played a key role in shaping the bank’s growth and values during his tenure.
Through this endowment, FirstBank seeks to promote strong ethical standards, integrity, and responsible leadership within Nigeria’s academic and business communities. The holder of the chair is expected to lead research activities, provide thought leadership, and mentor students and professionals on the challenges and opportunities involved in business ethics. The overall aim is to encourage ethical decision-making and support the development of leaders who can balance profitability with social responsibility.
According to FirstBank, Professor Amaeshi brings a strong academic background, global exposure, and deep experience in ethical leadership to the role. He is widely known for his work on business ethics, corporate governance, sustainable finance, and Africapitalism, a concept that promotes the idea that businesses should serve as drivers of inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity, especially in Africa.
Professor Amaeshi currently holds the Chair in Sustainable Finance and Governance at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. He also serves as the Chair in Sustainable Business and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Over the years, his research and publications have contributed to global discussions on responsible capitalism, the role of institutions in development, and how businesses can operate ethically while creating long-term value for society.
Commenting on the appointment, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank was pleased to welcome Professor Amaeshi as the first occupier of the professorial chair. He noted that the professor’s international experience and commitment to ethical leadership align with FirstBank’s values and long-term vision.
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Kenneth Amaeshi as the first occupant of the Chair of Business Ethics. His global expertise and dedication to ethical leadership align perfectly with FirstBank’s vision of fostering sustainable development and principled business practices,” Alebiosu said. He added that the chair was designed to inspire future leaders to drive socio-economic development through integrity, innovation, and responsible business conduct. According to him, the bank believes that Professor Amaeshi’s work will create lasting impact within the university and beyond.
The University of Lagos also welcomed the appointment, describing it as a reflection of the shared commitment between the institution and FirstBank to promote academic excellence, integrity, and values-based leadership. In a statement issued by the university, UNILAG said Professor Amaeshi’s presence would benefit students, lecturers, researchers, and professionals who engage with the university.
The university stated that his appointment is expected to inspire ethical thinking and responsible leadership, not only in the classroom but also in corporate boardrooms and wider society. UNILAG noted that the collaboration with FirstBank through the Samuel Asabia Chair continues to strengthen its role as a centre for teaching, research, and public service.
FirstBank further explained that the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair of Business Ethics is part of its broader effort to support education and capacity building in Nigeria. The bank said the initiative reflects its belief that strong institutions, sound ethics, and quality education are critical to national development. By investing in academic research and leadership training, FirstBank aims to contribute to the growth of a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable business environment in Nigeria and across Africa.
Over the years, FirstBank has supported several educational initiatives, scholarships, and research programmes as part of its corporate responsibility efforts. The bank said the appointment of Professor Amaeshi reinforces its commitment to promoting ethical standards in finance, governance, and business practices at a time when these values are increasingly important.
With Professor Amaeshi taking up the role, stakeholders expect renewed focus on business ethics research, policy engagement, and mentorship at the University of Lagos. The chair is also expected to serve as a platform for dialogue among academics, regulators, business leaders, and students on how ethics can shape sustainable development in Nigeria’s economy.
