Shippers’ Council CEO clinches PhD, reinforces vision for knowledge-based leadership in maritime sector

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in International Criminal Cooperation from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

This milestone no doubt underscores his commitment to promoting knowledge-based leadership and strengthening institutional capacity within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The prestigious academic honour was conferred during the institution’s 8th combined convocation ceremony, an event that also marked its 25th anniversary and attracted distinguished personalities from across Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Paius Akutah

For Dr. Akutah, the moment represented the culmination of a rigorous academic journey that began seven years ago. Although he successfully completed all requirements for the degree in 2024, he noted that the formal conferment at the convocation ceremony was a significant milestone worth the wait.

Reflecting on his motivation, the maritime administrator explained that his pursuit of a doctorate was driven by a deep passion for teaching and knowledge sharing. As a scholar of International Criminal Law, he revealed that he has trained legal practitioners—including lawyers, prosecutors, and judges—across multiple jurisdictions.

According to him, attaining a PhD is a natural progression in a lifelong journey dedicated to intellectual growth and impact. He stressed that education remains an indispensable tool for personal and professional development, particularly for individuals aspiring to leadership.

Dr. Akutah underscored the importance of continuous learning, noting that education should not end at any stage of life. He maintained that preparing for the future requires constant self-improvement and intellectual refinement, especially for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

His latest academic achievement, therefore, goes beyond personal accomplishment. It sends a strong message to public office holders, professionals, and the younger generation on the value of lifelong learning and self-development.

As he combines scholarly excellence with administrative leadership, Dr. Akutah’s example reinforces the idea that effective leadership is best driven by knowledge, discipline, and a commitment to continuous growth.