Alexander Ikechukwu Ikeme, is a professor of Food Science and technology and the Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Development Research. He obtained his PhD degree from Purdue University in the United States of America in 1981, an M.Sc. degree from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Arkansas U.S.A in 1979 and a B.Sc. degree from University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1976. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma and M.Sc. degree in Psychology and Certificates in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Studies. His areas of specialization include quality evaluation, processing and preservation of meat, fish, poultry and egg, strategic thinking and strategic planning/entrepreneurship education. Prof. Ikeme is a research of repute who has published over 40 articles in international and local journals. He is the Author of Meat Science and Technology A comprehensive Approach (1991). This masterpiece remains the only one of its kind in West Africa.

Prof. Ikeme was Head of Department of Food Science and Technology from 2002-2004. He was the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 2004-2006. As Dean, he assembled the team and supervised the team that developed the first Strategic Plan of Excellence for the Faculty and set the Faculty of Agriculture on its recovery path. His commitment to duty and achievements as the Dean earned him the nick-name the Action Dean and the People’s Dean”. Prof. Ikeme was a member of University of Nigeria Governing Council (2005-2007). He is a life Patron of Nigeria Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS-NATIONAL) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

He has received numerous awards and grants. He is a member of numerous professional bodies which includes; Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Phi tau sigma, the Honour Society for Food Science and the National Association of Entrepreneurship Educators of Nigeria of which he was a founding vice president. Prof. Ikeme is a team player, a courageous man, a go-getter, a leader and a hard worker. His commitment to duty is exceptional and phenomenal.

His achievements in one and half years as the Director of CEDR and his numerous achievements as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and Council member attest to this. He is a trustworthy person. He has never failed to render the account of his stewardship at the end of each of his service periods to the University. He has never been found wanting. Professor Ikeme is most at home with students and they have found in him a teacher, a coach, mentor and role model.

Prof. Alexander Ikechukwu Ikeme is a committed Christian. He is a knight of St. Mulumba and has received the award of Ide St. Peters Chaplaincy UNN” as an acknowledgement of his support to the Chaplaincy. He is happily married to Nneka Gloria Ikeme (nee Okonkwo-Abutu) and they are blessed with children.