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PROFILE OF PROFESSOR SIR STEVE IBENTA, Ph.D., fcipm, fcimn, fcibn, mcim (uk); Professor of Finance, Banking and Economic Development Studies
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Preamble*
In every generation, certain scholars distinguish themselves not merely by intellectual excellence but by the breadth of their impact on society. Professor Sir Steve Nkem Ibenta belongs to this distinguished class — a visionary scholar, pragmatic reformer, and deeply reflective thinker whose teaching, research, and mentorship have shaped generations of finance and banking scholars in Nigeria and beyond.
He is an intellectual who confronts complex socio-economic challenges with courage and analytical clarity, reflecting his lifelong mission to build institutions and systems that advance sustainable growth. His contributions embody a rare fusion of scholarship, service, and patriotism.
*Background and Academic Formation*
Professor Ibenta was born on 24th November 1952 in Akpu, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, into the family of Ichie Joseph and Madam MaryTheresa Ibenta. He was nurturd at the Teachers' quarters of St. Matthew’s Catholic Mission School, Ugwuntijiege, Akpu, where he started his academic journey and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate with Distinction (1964). He proceeded to St. Peter’s Secondary School, Achina, graduating with Grade One in the West African School Certificate Examination (1971).
He earned a B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1978), followed by a PGD (1982) and MBA (1984) in Finance and Management from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
His exceptional academic performance won him the French Government Scholarship, enabling him to obtain an M.Sc. in Economics and Finance (1986) and a Ph.D. in Finance and Economic Development Studies (1988) from the University of Grenoble, France.
Between 1989 and 1990, he was a Research Fellow at the Institute of Research for Economic Planning and Development (IREP-D), University of Grenoble, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
*Academic and Professional Career*
Professor Ibenta’s patriotic zeal drew him back to Nigeria in 1989. He joined the Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), Enugu, 1990 - 1991. The allure of business attracted his interest in the financial industry, where he served as Investment Executive at First City Finance Company Limited and , General Manager at Valid Investments and Mortgage Company Ltd between 1991 and 1997, before he returned to ASUTEH, now Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to pursue his natural commitment to scholarship and human capital development. His administrative and academic leadership roles in the university include: Head of Department of Banking and Finance; Director of External degrees and International Linkage Programmes; Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences; Associate Dean of College of Postgraduate Studies; Director of University Consultancy Services and Chairman of University Joint Business Ventures.
He spearheaded the linkages between the university, the public sector and the business sector, especially in the banking industry, securing endowments and infrastructural projects such as the Centre for Banking Studies, the Postgraduate School Complex, and the First Bank Professorial Chair in Banking and Finance.
He also attracted doctoral scholarships in France for staff and students under the French Technical and Cultural Cooperation Programme.
*Research, Publications, and Mentorship*
Professor Ibenta’s research productivity and creativity are widely acknowledged. He has published six standard academic textbooks, four monographs, and over 100 journal articles in reputable local and international journals.
He pioneered the Ph.D. programme in Banking and Finance at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and replicated similar programmes in several other Nigerian universities. To date, he has supervised over 60 doctoral dissertations and numerous master’s theses.
He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of African Banking and Finance Review and Journal of Banking and Financial Studies. He also serves on editorial boards of many reputable journals in management, finance, and economics.
*National Service and Community Engagement*
Beyond the academia, Prof. Ibenta has rendered distinguished service to the nation. He served as Senior Special Assistant to the former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, and Economic Adviser to the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife. From 2015 to 2021, he served as the Chairman of theAnambra State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, where his moral integrity and administrative competence set new standards of public service.
He is also actively involved in community and ecclesiastical leadership, having served as President-General of Orumba South Development Union, Secretary-General of Akpu Town Union, Vice-Chairman of his Parish Pastoral Council, and Secretary of the Catholic Social Development Commission of Anambra State. His dedication to faith-based and civic service earned him numerous honours, including recognition as one of the Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century and inclusion in the International “Who’s Who of Professionals” by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England.
In recognition of his immense contributions to education, finance, and community development, he was conferred the traditional title of “Ide-mmuta" by HRM Igwe Linus Ezenwa (Igwe Nkata-ukwu of Umuomaku) in December 2022. On the 29th of October, 2025, a Valedictory Ceremony was organized for him by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he delivered his popular Exaugural lecture titled: "Power of Money, Finance and Banking and Politics of Investment, Wealth Creation and Sustainable Society".
*Current Engagements and Legacy*
Since his retirement from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ibenta has devoted himself to the serve as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Steve Ibenta Group Foundation and African Basi Economy Services, both dedicated to support and nurture the numerous unemployed talented and enterprising graduates and youth through mentorship, entrepreneurial training, seed funding and promotion of sustainable economic opportunities to reduce unemployment and widespread poverty in Nigeria and other African countries.
He also serves as a Consultant to Save the Children’s Education (SCE) Fund International; and Coordinator, International Human Rights Investigative Magazine for Africa, under the International Royal Academy of the United Nations.
He remains an active consultant in finance, management, and economic development. Professor Ibenta is happily married to Engr. Dr. (Lady) Florence Tochukwu Idigo-Ibenta, a Permanent Secretary in the Anambra State Civil Service.
Through his scholarship, leadership, and moral example, Professor Ibenta stands as a symbol of academic excellence, service, and intellectual patriotism — a living testament to the transformative power of knowledge.
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