Students of the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, reached an important professional milestone on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, as they were formally inducted into the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Nigeria’s foremost professional body for economists. The ceremony brought together students, faculty members, university leadership and representatives of the Society in a celebration of scholarship, professional identity and service.
Undergraduate students were admitted as Associate Members of the Nigerian Economic Society (AMNES), while postgraduate students were inducted as Full Members (FMNES). This marked a significant transition from classroom learning to active participation in a professional community committed to advancing economic thought, policy engagement and national development.
Ogun State NES Officials with Newly Inducted AMNES
The ceremony opened with the rendition of the Nigerian National, NES and Covenant University Anthems. The event was further distinguished by the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof Timothy A. Anake, who was also inducted as a Full Member (FMNES) of the Society. The induction was conducted by Prof Comfort Amire, Chairperson of the Nigerian Economic Society, Ogun State Chapter, who represented the NES President, Baba Yusuf Musa, Director-General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).
Prof Timothy A. Anake (Covenant University VC) with Prof Comfort Amire (NES Ogun State Chairperson)
Covenant University VC being Decorated during the Induction
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Society for the honour and congratulated the newly inducted members. He reminded the students that professional membership should be understood not merely as recognition, but as a call to higher responsibility. According to him, the inductees now carry the responsibility of representing both Covenant University and the NES with integrity, excellence and professionalism. Prof Anake also reflected on the close relationship between Mathematics and Economics, noting that both disciplines are grounded in analytical reasoning, derivation and problem-solving. His comments underscored the growing relevance of interdisciplinary learning in addressing today’s complex development challenges.
The event was attended by several members of the NES within Ogun State. Some of them include Professor Oluwatoyin Matthew, Immediate Past Head of the Department of Economics and Development Studies; Dr Ebenezer Bowale, current Head of Department; and Dr Oluwasogo Adediran, Secretary of the NES Ogun State Chapter, Dr Kehinde Oyeneye of Crawford University and Dr Ajibola Akinyemi of Bells University of Technology. Others include: Prof Oluwafemi Enilolobo from Bells University of Technology who delivered the Keynote Speech titled ‘Beyond the Graphs: Navigating the Messy Reality of Economic Policy in a Digital Age’. The keynote offered valuable guidance to the inductees as the speaker encouraged the students to remain curious, adaptable and open to continuous learning beyond the classroom. In a competitive and rapidly changing global environment, students were advised to complement their degrees with practical skills, professional certifications, digital competence and effective communication abilities.
Ogun State NES Officials with Newly Inducted FMNES
It is also worthy of note is the role of Prof Evans Osabuohien, Professor of Economics at Covenant University and Founding Chair of DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), a member of the Governing Council of NES, where he has served as an Associate Editor since 2023. Professor Osabuohien has also represented the NES President at similar induction ceremonies in other universities, notably Bells University of Technology, Ota and Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos. His continued engagement with the Society reflects a strong commitment to professional mentorship, institutional development and the advancement of economics education in Nigeria.
Prof Evans Osabuohien with Covenant University VC and NES Ogun Officials
Delivering the President’s address, Professor Comfort Amire encouraged the inductees to uphold the values that define the economics profession. She emphasised integrity, accountability, excellence and service as essential qualities for economists who seek to contribute meaningfully to society. She noted that the true value of membership lies not only in the certificate received, but in the quality of impact members make through their knowledge, conduct and professional engagement.
Cross-Section of the Newly Inducted AMNES
She further challenged the students to become solution-oriented economists capable of applying economic knowledge to issues such as unemployment, poverty, fiscal and monetary challenges, and sustainable development. Her message reflected the increasing demand for economists who are not only technically sound, but also ethical, innovative and practical in their approach to development.
The climax of the ceremony was the formal swearing-in of the students. Standing together, the inductees took the oath of membership and pledged their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Nigerian Economic Society. Certificates were thereafter presented amid applause from colleagues, lecturers and representatives of the Society, followed by group photographs and moments of celebration. Beyond the certificates, decorations and photographs, the ceremony carried a deeper message. It affirmed the crucial role of economists in shaping evidence-based decisions at a time when countries are confronted with economic uncertainty, climate concerns, technological disruptions and the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable growth.
For the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, the induction was another demonstration of its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped not only for employment, but also for leadership, service and development impact. It also aligns with the broader vision of nurturing globally competitive scholars and professionals who can contribute to society through knowledge, character and purposeful engagement.
The induction of these students into the Nigerian Economic Society is therefore not simply the closing of one academic phase. It is the beginning of a wider journey of professional responsibility, lifelong learning and contribution to national and African development.
