Covenant University Appoints Prof. Timothy Ashibel Anake as 6th Substantive Vice-Chancellor

Covenant University, currently ranked by Times Higher Education (THE) as the best university in Nigeria and West Africa, has officially appointed Prof. Timothy Ashibel Anake as its 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor. A renowned Professor of Mathematics and visionary leader, Prof. Anake succeeds the previous administration to steer the institution toward its continued goal of global excellence in research and education.

​Covenant University has reached a significant milestone in its leadership history with the appointment of Prof. Timothy Ashibel Anake as Vice-Chancellor. Hailing from Ketting-Bendi in Cross River State, Prof. Anake’s academic journey is a masterclass in dedication, moving from the University of Uyo to the University of Ibadan, and eventually earning his Ph.D. from Covenant University itself. His appointment comes at a time when the institution holds a prestigious position at the pinnacle of higher education rankings in the West African sub-region.

​With over two decades of experience, Prof. Anake is widely respected for his groundbreaking contributions to applied and pure mathematics. His expertise spans numerical methods, fractional-order differential equations, and ecological restoration. A prolific scholar, he has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals indexed by Scopus and Web of Science. His research, which has garnered over 872 citations with an h-index of 15, addresses critical global challenges, most notably his work on mathematical modeling for green belt development and sustainability.

​Prof. Anake is no stranger to the administrative engine of Covenant University, having left a transformative legacy across multiple leadership roles. Between 2022 and 2024, he served as the Dean of the College of Science and Technology, where he spearheaded the college’s inaugural international conference. His prior roles as the Director of the Academic Planning Unit (2019–2022) and Dean of Student Affairs (2017–2018) were instrumental in aligning the university’s programs with global benchmarks and fostering a thriving student environment.

​His standing in the global scientific community was highlighted in 2015 when he was nominated for the 3rd Heidelberg Laureate Forum, an elite event connecting top mathematicians with Nobel and Fields Medalists. Beyond his personal accolades, Prof. Anake is a dedicated mentor who has supervised numerous Ph.D. and Master’s candidates, ensuring a pipeline of future scientists for the continent. He remains an active member of the Nigerian Mathematical Society (NMS) and the Edinburgh Mathematical Society (EMS).

​In addition to his academic prowess, Prof. Anake is a pioneer in technology-driven education, championing the use of MATLAB, LaTeX, and Moodle to modernize teaching and research. Outside of academia, he is a devout Christian and a pastor at Faith Tabernacle, Living Faith Church Worldwide. He is happily married to Dr. Winifred Uduak Anake, and the couple is blessed with a set of fraternal twins.

​As the 6th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Ashibel Anake’s leadership is expected to further solidify Covenant University's reputation for innovation, transformational leadership, and academic rigor on the world stage.