Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor Sunday Okpanachi is a distinguished academic administrator and seasoned public servant who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at Salem University, having been appointed to this position in May 2023. He also serves as the Director of Academic Planning at the institution.

Academic Background and Qualifications

Born on July 3, 1952, in Inye, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Prof. Okpanachi’s educational journey began at Qua Iboe Mission Primary School, Inye (1958-1964), followed by Government Secondary School, Dekina (1965-1969).

His higher education credentials include:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in French – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1977)
• Graduate Certificate in Education – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1977)
• Master of Arts (Maîtrise ès lettres) in Literature of French Expression – Université de Bordeaux 3, Talence, France (1980)
• Doctorate (Doctorat de troisième cycle) in French Caribbean Literature – Université de Bordeaux 3, Talence, France (1984)

Academic Career

Prof. Okpanachi’s academic career began in 1978 as a lecturer in French language and literature at the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo/Makurdi, where he served until 1987. During this period, he benefited from study leaves to pursue his advanced degrees in France, rising to the position of Chief Lecturer before transitioning to federal service.

He joined Salem University as Senior Lecturer in 2011, marking his return to academia after a distinguished career in public service.

Federal Public Service Career

In 1987, Prof. Okpanachi transferred his services to the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), a Federal Government parastatal, where he served for over two decades until his retirement on December 31, 2009. As one of the Directors at NDE, he played crucial roles in designing and implementing employment creation programmes and projects.

International Representation and Diplomacy

Prof. Okpanachi distinguished himself as Nigeria’s representative at numerous international forums, particularly:

• International Labour Conferences in Geneva – Member of Nigerian delegations to the 82nd (1995), 83rd (1996), 84th (1997), 85th (1998), and 2008 conferences
• International Labour Organisation Governing Body meetings – Participated in the 267th (1996), 268th (1997), 270th (1997), and 271st (1998) meetings in Geneva
• Committee Service – Served on committees covering Application of Labour Standards, Employment Generation, Multilateral Enterprises, and Social Dimensions

Other Notable Positions and Service

Throughout his career, Prof. Okpanachi has held several important positions:

• Benue State Monitoring Officer – Federal Government Political Bureau (1986)
• Board Member – Trade Bank Plc (1993-2000)
• Committee Member – Federal Government Committee on Restructuring of Poverty Alleviation Programmes/Agencies (2000-2001)
• Planning Committee Member – Annual Igala Education Summit (2004-2007)

Publications and Scholarship

As a creative writer and poet, Prof. Okpanachi has made significant contributions to literature and scholarship:

• Author of numerous books in both English and French
• Published scholarly articles in national and international journals in both languages
• Specialist in French Caribbean Literature

Personal Life

Prof. Okpanachi was married to the late Mary Okpanachi, and they were blessed with children and grandchildren, reflecting his commitment to family alongside his professional achievements.

Prof. Sunday Okpanachi exemplifies the ideal of a scholar-administrator whose diverse experience in academia, public service, and international diplomacy uniquely positions him to contribute meaningfully to university administration and Nigeria’s educational development.