The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has appointed Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim as the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN).
The appointment was announced on Monday, 26th January, 2026 during the 2026 Retreat of the Commission. His appointment follows the completion of the tenure of Professor Tunde Babawale, whom Professor Ibrahim succeeds.
Professor Ibrahim is a renowned scholar and administrator with extensive experience in governance, international relations, and development studies. He is currently the Director of the International Centre at the University of Abuja and has previously served as Head of the Department of Political Science and Director of the Centre for Legislative Studies.
His scholarship aligns closely with ACAN’s mandate. He is the originator of the “post-colonial internalism” theory, which underscores corruption as a central obstacle to Africa’s development.
The University Don’s research output includes influential works on leadership, governance, and corruption in Nigeria, alongside over a dozen academic books and more than 100 journal articles.
Professor Ibrahim has received international recognition through fellowships from institutions such as the Social Science Research Council and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He has also participated in major global policy forums, including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), bringing a strong comparative and international perspective to his work.
The ICPC expressed confidence that his appointment will strengthen ACAN’s research capacity, training programmes, and international partnerships, further enhancing its role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) is ICPC’s specialised research and training institution, responsible for capacity building, applied research, integrity studies, and professional education aimed at supporting national and international anti-corruption efforts.
