Prof. Godwin Adie Akeke’s life and career represent a remarkable journey of perseverance, continuous learning, professional growth and service to humanity. An accomplished civil and structural engineer, university professor, seasoned public administrator and committed Christian, he has built a career spanning engineering practice, academic research, infrastructure development and public service.
His professional journey, shaped by the values of faith, discipline, integrity and hard work, demonstrates how education, practical experience and a commitment to service can combine to produce a lasting contribution to society.
From his early upbringing in Ohong, Obudu, to his emergence as a Professor of Civil Engineering and Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, Prof. Akeke’s story is one of determination, intellectual advancement and dedication to institutional and community development.
Prof. Godwin Adie Akeke was born into the family of Rev. Joseph Ashishie and Mrs. Regina Ungbeb Akeke of Ohong, Obudu, Cross River State. He is the second child of the family.
His parents were devoted ministers of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, and their home provided an environment shaped by Christian faith, discipline, service, hard work and concern for humanity.
These formative experiences played an important role in shaping his personal values and approach to leadership. The principles instilled in him from childhood have remained evident throughout his professional and public life, particularly in his commitment to integrity, excellence, education and community development.
His background laid the foundation for a career in which technical expertise, intellectual development and service to society have remained closely connected.
Prof. Akeke’s educational journey reflects a sustained pursuit of knowledge and professional advancement.
Because of his father’s missionary and pastoral ministry, he attended several primary schools before completing his primary education at Primary School, Kutiang, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.
He proceeded to Comprehensive Secondary School, Ipong, Obudu, where he completed his secondary education.
With a growing interest in engineering, he gained admission to The Polytechnic, Calabar, to study Civil Engineering. He subsequently obtained his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1999.
Following his National Youth Service Corps programme in Kaduna State, he continued his academic development at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering in 2004 and a Master of Technology degree in Civil Engineering in 2010.
He later obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, in 2016.
In 2017, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in Structural Engineering. His doctoral achievement further strengthened his academic and professional foundation.
His pursuit of multidisciplinary knowledge also led him to obtain a Master of Science degree in Geotechnical Engineering from Bircham International University, Spain, in 2021. In 2019, he earned a Master Class Certificate in E-Learning and Digital Marketing from the London Graduate School.
In recognition of his professional and leadership accomplishments, he was also awarded a Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa, specialising in Project Management, by Commonwealth University, London.
This extensive educational background reflects his belief in continuous learning and the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical professional experience.
Prof. Akeke’s engineering career has evolved through technical practice, consultancy, teaching, research, construction supervision and infrastructure management.
His early professional experience included work with Status Associates Consultants on the Ihiala–Orlu–Nkwere–Umuduru Federal Highway project, where he served as Principal Resident Engineer. This role exposed him to highway construction, quality control, engineering supervision and the practical demands of infrastructure delivery.
During his National Youth Service Corps programme in Igabi, Kaduna State, between 1999 and 2000, he gained further experience in engineering design, preparation of bills of quantities and supervision of construction works, including culverts and dam-site projects.
His academic performance and growing technical competence subsequently opened the door to engineering education, when he was engaged as an instructor in the Department of Civil Engineering at his alma mater.
Over the years, his professional experience has extended across civil and structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, highway development, construction management, engineering design, procurement, contract administration and project supervision.
He has also worked with engineering firms, including Status Associates, Struct Designs and Inditek Partners, contributing to the design and supervision of state, federal and World Bank-supported projects within and outside Cross River State.
These experiences have enabled him to develop a practical understanding of infrastructure development, from the initial stages of technical design and procurement to construction monitoring, quality assurance and project completion.
Beyond engineering practice, Prof. Akeke has established a substantial record in teaching, research, academic supervision and university administration.
Between 2001 and 2002, he served as a Higher Instructor at The Polytechnic, Calabar, where he taught National Diploma students courses such as Strength of Materials, Soil Mechanics, Civil Engineering Quantities and Civil Engineering Drawing. He also served as Secretary of the Departmental Board.
In 2002, he joined Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, as a Technologist. He subsequently rose through the ranks of Technologist II, Technologist I and Senior Technologist.
During this period, he participated in structural design and supervision through the university’s consultancy team, contributing to engineering studios, workshops and other infrastructure-related activities. He also supported practical training and taught courses in materials testing, geotechnical laboratory practice, surveying, quantities and civil engineering drawing.
His transition into the academic teaching cadre marked another important stage in his career. Between 2011 and 2018, he progressed through the lecturer ranks to become a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering. He also served as Head of the Department of Wood Products Engineering and participated in the university’s infrastructure development activities.
His responsibilities included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising research, participating in university committees and contributing to academic and administrative decision-making.
His service as a member of the University Senate and Management further demonstrated his involvement in institutional governance and development.
From 2018, he served as a Visiting Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Cross River, Calabar. In 2023, he became a Visiting Associate Professor at Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.
Following academic assessment, he was appointed Professor of Civil Engineering by Gregory University in 2024. He has subsequently served as a Visiting Professor of Civil Engineering at Gregory University and the University of Cross River.
His academic responsibilities have covered Structural Engineering, Geotechnics and Geomechanics, Construction and Materials, and Highway and Transportation Engineering.
Through teaching, postgraduate supervision, research and academic administration, Prof. Akeke has contributed to the training of engineering students and the development of professional knowledge.
His research record includes more than 50 academic journal publications and over 20 technical papers, particularly in geotechnical engineering, geomechanics and related disciplines. His work has also attracted more than 500 citations, reflecting its reach within academic and professional research.
Prof. Akeke’s experience in public administration has been closely linked to his professional background in engineering.
Between 2011 and 2013, he served as Technical Assistant to the Commissioner for Works in the Cross River State Ministry of Works, Calabar.
In that capacity, he provided technical advice on civil engineering projects and participated in the ministry’s Project Management Office, which was responsible for monitoring project implementation and assessing contractors’ compliance with approved specifications and timelines.
He also participated in procurement activities, including tender opening and bid analysis, served on the Ministry of Works Management Board and supported the Director of Civil Engineering on technical and departmental matters.
In 2013, he transferred to the mainstream civil service and was appointed Deputy Director of Civil Engineering in the Ministry of Works. He subsequently rose to the position of Director of Civil Works and Head of the Civil Engineering Department.
As Director, he was involved in the planning, design, implementation and supervision of public infrastructure projects. His responsibilities covered roads, bridges, drainage systems, feasibility studies, technical documentation, engineering designs, quality control and contract compliance.
He also coordinated the review of engineering drawings, specifications and price intelligence, while promoting adherence to relevant engineering codes, environmental requirements and professional standards.
As head of the department, he managed professional personnel and coordinated engineering activities with other technical units, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture and planning.
His years in the Ministry of Works provided an opportunity to apply his technical expertise to government infrastructure programmes while gaining experience in public-sector coordination, project management and institutional administration.
In 2021, Prof. Akeke was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, marking a significant progression in his public service career.
He has served across the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Aviation, and the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.
As Permanent Secretary, he occupies a senior administrative position, providing leadership, coordinating departmental activities and supporting the implementation of government policies and programmes.
His responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day administration of his assigned ministries, providing professional and administrative guidance, coordinating directorates and agencies, and preparing briefs, reports and policy documents to support government decision-making.
His engineering background is particularly relevant to the infrastructure-related portfolios in which he has served. It provides a technical foundation for assessing project proposals, reviewing implementation processes and coordinating the translation of policy objectives into practical programmes.
He also supervises approved projects and contracts, with responsibilities relating to standards, timelines, budgets and compliance with established procedures.
In his capacity as Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Administrator of his assigned ministries, he provides leadership in administrative coordination, financial accountability and the management of public resources.
He also serves as Chairman of the Local Due Process and Price Intelligence Unit, with responsibilities involving procurement procedures, tender opening, bid analysis and value-for-money considerations.
His progression from engineering practice to senior civil service administration illustrates the application of specialised professional knowledge to broader public-sector responsibilities.
Prof. Akeke’s professional standing is reflected in his membership and fellowships in several engineering organisations.
His professional affiliations include:
* Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), 2009.
* Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), 2017.
* Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE), 2017.
* Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (MASCE), 2018.
* Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (FNIHE), 2023.
* Member, International Federation for Peace Council.
* Ambassador for Peace, Nigeria.
These affiliations reflect his engagement with the engineering profession, continuing professional development and wider efforts to promote peace and professional responsibility.
His academic and professional interests span structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, construction materials, highway and transportation engineering, infrastructure development, project management, engineering design and supervision.
Through these areas of specialisation, he has remained engaged with technical questions concerning the design, construction, performance and sustainability of infrastructure.
Prof. Akeke’s professional development has also been enriched by participation in conferences, workshops, technical visits and other engagements within Nigeria and internationally.
His international exposure has taken him to countries and cities across Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. He has also undertaken a pilgrimage to Jerusalem on three occasions.
These experiences have provided opportunities for professional interaction, knowledge exchange and exposure to engineering practices and institutional approaches in different parts of the world.
His international engagements complement his academic and practical experience, broadening his exposure to developments in engineering, infrastructure management and professional practice.
While Prof. Akeke’s career spans engineering, academia and government administration, Christian service remains an important part of his life.
A member and Deacon of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, he has served as a deacon for more than a decade. He currently serves as President of the Men’s Ministries in the Calabar South District and is involved in the church’s wider leadership structures, including service on the Youth Board.
He also holds the title of Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, a recognition associated with his service within the church.
His involvement in Christian ministry reflects the values of discipline, responsibility, compassion and service that have informed his professional and public life.
Beyond church leadership, Prof. Akeke has maintained a commitment to community development, particularly in his hometown of Ohong, Obudu.
He has organised Gospel crusades and outreach programmes through which he shares his Christian faith and distributes support items to community members, including women, widows and children.
These activities reflect his interest in addressing community needs beyond his formal professional responsibilities and demonstrate his belief that leadership should be accompanied by practical service to people.
His involvement in peace-related activities, including his recognition as an Ambassador for Peace in Nigeria and membership of the International Federation for Peace Council, further underscores his engagement with peacebuilding and community relations.
Prof. Godwin Adie Akeke is married to Pastor Dr. Mercy Nkiruka G. Akeke, a scholar, university academic and accomplished entrepreneur. Their marriage is blessed with children.
His family remains an important part of his life, providing a foundation alongside his commitments to faith, scholarship, professional development and public service.
Together, their professional and religious engagements reflect a shared involvement in education, enterprise and Christian service.
At the centre of Prof. Akeke’s career is a commitment to continuous learning, professional responsibility and the practical application of knowledge to societal development.
His journey from the classroom to engineering consultancy, from university administration to the civil service, and from technical project supervision to senior government administration illustrates the value of combining specialised expertise with institutional experience.
For him, engineering extends beyond the design and construction of physical structures. It also involves improving living conditions, supporting economic activity, strengthening public institutions and contributing to sustainable development.
His professional experience has brought him into contact with the different stages of infrastructure delivery, while his academic career has allowed him to contribute to research, teaching and the development of future professionals.
Similarly, his years in public administration have placed him within the structures responsible for translating government priorities into policies, programmes and projects.
His community and church engagements add another dimension to this record, demonstrating an interest in service that extends beyond formal employment and professional recognition.
The story of Prof. Godwin Adie Akeke is a story of professional evolution, academic achievement and sustained service.
From his upbringing in Ohong, Obudu, to his attainment of a professorship in Civil Engineering and appointment as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, his journey has been shaped by education, practical experience, faith and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
His contributions to engineering practice, university education, infrastructure development and public administration form the principal pillars of his career. His professional affiliations, research publications, Christian leadership and community outreach further illustrate the breadth of his engagements.
As he continues to combine technical knowledge with administrative responsibility, Prof. Akeke’s career offers an account of how professional expertise, continuous learning and a service-oriented outlook can intersect in the pursuit of institutional progress and community development.
His life and career stand as a testament to the enduring value of knowledge, discipline, faith and service to humanity.
