We heartily congratulate Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe on his conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) which was conferred on him by the Chancellor, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idris (CFR), the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, following the approval of Senate, during the 6th and 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

The Management of Federal University Lokoja under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi especially thank you for your unwavering support and contribution to the growth and development of FUL. She expressed her appreciation for your patriotism to the nation and selfless services to humanity through the various offices you have held. No doubt, Nigeria's Agricultural Industry is witnessing your positive impact.

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe is a distinguished Nigerian of multiple layers: a bureaucrat, a renowned accountant, and a resourceful public servant. A successful man by all measurements, Dr. Umakhihe’s rise to the pinnacle of his career in the Nigerian highly competitive public service, which is the largest in Africa, is an affirmation of the fact that one does not need to toe the way of the crowd to achieve one’s God-given dream. Through dint of hard work, tenacity of purpose, commitment to duty, and consistency of focus, Dr. Umakhihe rose from the lower echelon of his career to its apex in about three decades.

All of these have helped to shape his career pathway, consequently giving him the strategic finesse with which he plies his craft as a professional. The uncommon results of his over 34 years of experience as a versatile Treasury Officer characterized by arduous and challenging tasks and responsibilities have remained a reference point to upcoming professionals in his field. 

As a result of Dr. Umakhihe’s penchant for excellence, hard work, and professionalism, he was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary on 1st December, 2018 by the former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari. Since his appointment as Permanent Secretary, Dr. Umakhihe has served in that capacity in several federal ministries, which include: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning; Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing. Presently, he is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where he is utilizing his role as the Chief Administrator to positively impact Nigeria’s Agriculture Industry.

Dr. Umakhihe’s penchant for community and social services has earned him many awards from several professional and Non-governmental Organisations. This accomplished Professional is a well-known “global” African who has traversed several countries and cities across the globe. 

Congratulations! See more pictures here