Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia Appointed Honorary Director at Pebble Hills University

Belmopan, Belize — Distinguished Nigerian academic, entrepreneur, and governance expert, Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, has been appointed as Honorary Director at Pebble Hills University, marking another milestone in his expansive career spanning academia, business, and public service.

The appointment recognizes Asikhia’s extensive contributions to leadership, governance, and interdisciplinary education, as well as his growing influence across global academic and professional communities.

A Multifaceted Leader

Asikhia is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Festrut Group, a diversified conglomerate with operations across real estate, construction, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, transport, security, education, consulting, and humanitarian initiatives. His leadership has positioned the group as a dynamic player in multiple sectors, reflecting a strong commitment to development and innovation.

A native of Uzebba in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Asikhia’s career journey reflects a blend of academic excellence and practical leadership experience.

Strong Academic Foundation

With a robust interdisciplinary background, Asikhia has pursued studies across engineering, sociology, law, health management, and leadership. His academic credentials include:

• Diploma in Engineering
• B.Sc. in Sociology from Ambrose Alli University
• Master of Science in Social Work
• MBA in Human Resource Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
• Master of Laws (LL.M) from Liverpool John Moores University
• PhD in Health Management
• Postdoctoral studies in Psychology at Atlantic International University

He has also completed executive certificate programmes from globally recognized institutions including Yale University and Stanford University School of Medicine, further strengthening his expertise in wellbeing science and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Global Academic and Professional Engagement

Beyond his new role at Pebble Hills University, Asikhia holds several prominent academic and leadership positions. He serves as a Professor of Governance and Leadership at Atlantic International University and is also involved in institutional governance as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Corporate Governance at Citiedge University.

His professional affiliations include membership in the Institute for Social Work and Geriatric Studies Nigeria, fellowship with the National Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, and active participation in the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria.

Career Trajectory and Thought Leadership

Asikhia began his career in education and public service, focusing on knowledge dissemination and institutional development. Over the years, he transitioned into academia, consultancy, and executive leadership, where he has contributed significantly to organizational strategy and governance frameworks.

He is also an accomplished author with several publications across academic journals and platforms such as Academia.edu and Amazon. His notable works include “Nigeria: The Anatomy of Her Existence” and “Mastering the Art of Mental Stability for Business Success,” which explore governance, national development, and the psychological dimensions of business leadership.

A Strategic Appointment

His appointment as Honorary Director at Pebble Hills University is expected to strengthen the institution’s global outlook, particularly in governance, leadership development, and interdisciplinary research.

With a career defined by cross-sector impact and academic depth, Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia continues to position himself as a key figure in shaping conversations around leadership, development, and institutional excellence on the global stage.