Dr. EBERE UNEZE @ 50: The Inspiring Journey Of A Distinguished Academic, Accomplished Economist & Boardroom Guru

Meet Dr. Ebere Uneze, a visionary leader and polymath who embodies the perfect blend of intellectual curiosity and professional excellence.

With a relentless passion for knowledge and a distinguished career spanning academia, banking, and public service, Dr. Uneze has established himself as a towering figure in the world of economics and governance. From the hallowed halls of Imo State University to the prestigious corridors of Yale, Columbia, and Oxford, Dr. Uneze’s academic and professional journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence. In this article, we delve into the inspiring story of a true intellectual giant, exploring his remarkable achievements, and uncovering the secrets behind his success.

Imo State, Nigeria, is renowned for its excellence in education, consistently producing top performers in JAMB, NECO, WAEC, and well-groomed professionals who excel globally. One such exemplary individual is Dr. Eberechukwu Fortunate Uneze from Amakohia Ubi, Owerri West LGA, Imo State. He embodies the ideal professional, with a multifaceted expertise in Applied Economics, Public Economics, Economic Management, Macroeconomics, Development Economics & Finance, Impact Investing, Asset Management, Policy Analysis, Strategy, and Corporate Governance.

Dr. Uneze’s academic journey began at Imo State University, Owerri, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Economic Management and Policy at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to executive education programs worldwide, including
– Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business, United States – The Leadership Accelerator
– Yale University, School of Management 2024 Global Executive Leadership Program, United States.
– Columbia Business School, United States -Corporate Governance Program: Developing Exceptional Board Leaders.
– University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management – Executive Leadership Program, Canada.
– Oxford University, Saïd Business School, United Kingdom – Impact Investing Programme.
– London School of Economics, United Kingdom – Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing.
– MIT, Sloan School of Management, United States – Leading Strategic Change.
– International Institute for Management Development, IMD, Switzerland – High Performance Boards.
– Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, United States – The Effective Use of Power
– Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business, United States – Leadership and Strategic Impact
– London School of Economics, United Kingdom – Achieving Leadership Excellence
– University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, United States – The Positive Leader: Deep Change and Organisational Transformation
– Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, United States – The Leader Within
– INSEAD, France – Advanced Asset Management
– Columbia Business School, United States – The Emerging Leader
– University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, United States – High-Potential Leaders: Accelerating Your Impact
– University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, United States – Essentials of Effective Management
– London Business School, United Kingdom – Strategic Investment Management
– Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, United States – Leading Successful Social Programs: Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness
– Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy, United States – Budgeting and Financial Management in the Public Sector
– University of Bologna, Centre for International Development, Italy – Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of Complex Development Programmes
– Laval University, Quebec, Canada – PEP-Laval Graduate School: Development Economics Development Policy Modelling, and Poverty Measurement and Alleviation.

Dr. Uneze’s impressive work experience spans the private and public sectors, NGOs, and consultancy services. He started as a Banking Trainee/Executive Assistant at United Bank for Africa Plc and later became a Banking Officer at African Express Bank. He then served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK, and later held various roles, including:

– Director of Research at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Abuja
– Lead Person for the Public Expenditure Management Project, Abuja
– Executive Director & Head of Public Financial Management and Governance Program at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Abuja
– Senior Lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
– Board Member, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)
– Non-Executive Director & Board Member, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)

In addition to his full-time employment, Dr. Uneze has provided consultancy services to numerous organizations in Nigeria and abroad, including:

– Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and DFID
– Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Performance
– Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nigeria
– National Universities Commission, Nigeria
– Nigerian Economic Summit Group

He has also received professional training from institutions such as:

– Lagos Business School
– Institute of Directors (IOD), London, UK
– International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), Manila, Philippines
– The Evaluators’ Institute, George Washington University, United States
– Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), Accra, Ghana

As an accomplished academic, Dr. Uneze has published over 19 articles, 2 book chapters, and 18 technical reports and projects. He has attended approximately 50 conferences worldwide and is a member of several prestigious institutes and organizations, including:

– Institute of Directors, Nigeria
– Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria
– Australian Institute of Company Directors
– Canadian Economics Association
– American Economic Association
– International Association for Research in Income and Wealth
– Poverty Reduction, Equity and Growth Network

In conclusion, Dr. Ebere Uneze’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. His unwavering dedication to knowledge, leadership, and service has left an indelible mark on the world of economics, governance, and academia. As a true icon of excellence, Dr. Uneze’s legacy continues to empower and motivate others to strive for greatness. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and passion, reminding us that with determination and heart, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

He is happily married with children.

Ik Ogbonna is a Journalist and PR Practitioner based in Owerri