August 2023: Prof Victor Mbarika – African Male Researcher of the Month

August 2023: Prof Victor Mbarika – African Male Researcher of the Month

Professor Victor Mbarika, a distinguished scholar and visionary, holds the esteemed position of Founder and President on the Board of Trustees at The Information and Communication Technology University (ICT University). He also holds the Stallings Distinguished International Scholar title and serves as a Full Professor at East Carolina University (ECU) within the renowned University of North Carolina System, located in Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Biography

Professor Mbarika’s contributions span academia, innovation, and philanthropy. As the Founder and President of the Board of Trustees at The ICT University, he has established a global impact with multiple campuses in developing nations. Under his leadership, the ICT University earned accolades as the Best University in Cameroon and the Best University in Central Africa for its pioneering utilization of ICTs in higher education. A committed philanthropist, Professor Mbarika has actively supported diverse ICT projects and scholarships across the world. He’s also the visionary behind the International Center for Information Technology and Development. Professor Mbarika has lent his expertise as a Visiting Professor to several prestigious institutions globally, currently holding the positions of Visiting Leo Endowed Professor and Visiting Legacy Endowed Chair at Legacy University. His multifaceted background includes being an esteemed ICT consultant.

Professor Mbarika’s educational journey encompasses a BSc in Management Information Systems from the U.S. International University, an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from Auburn University, all attained within an impressive five-year period.

Awards and Contributions

Acknowledged with three Lifetime Achievement Awards in higher education, Professor Mbarika’s scholarly impact is profound. His prolific publication record boasts over 250 academic works, spanning books, peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Regularly invited as a Keynote Speaker at international conferences, he’s lauded for his research centered on technology transfer in resource-challenged environments. Recognized as a trailblazer in academic research on ICT implementation in Africa, he’s acclaimed for providing a robust theoretical framework to comprehend ICTs in less developed nations.

His scholarly achievements grace distinguished publications, including esteemed “Basket of Top Eight” Information Systems journals such as the Journal of the Association for Information Systems, European Journal of Information Systems, IS Journal, and Journal of Information Technology. Additionally, his insights are featured in esteemed journals like IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, IEEE Spectrum, and Communications of the ACM. His research has reached global media platforms like Reuters, The Associated Press, and BBC.

Professor Mbarika’s mentorship has cultivated over 25 PhD graduates who have ascended to positions of University Presidents, Deans, Full Professors, Department Chairs, and influential government figures. His dynamic leadership has attracted substantial grants from notable entities like the National Science Foundation, NASA, KPMG, Microsoft, and the African Development Bank.

Recognition and Distinctions

Professor Mbarika’s impact extends beyond academia. He was hailed as Cameroon’s Hero by The Voice Newspaper during the transformative five-year period of 2016-2021. The Guardian Post newspaper acknowledged him as one of the select “Cameroonians that moved mountains in 2021.” INSPIRE Magazine listed him among the top 10 personalities in the diaspora shaping Cameroon and recognized him among the top 100 overall influencers.

His association with the prestigious U.S. State Department Fulbright grant, granted five times, underscores his dedication to mentoring scholars from developing nations. As the Founding Editor-in-Chief of The African Journal of Information Systems and a senior board member for several journals, Professor Mbarika continues to shape the academic landscape. He’s a distinguished Lifetime Member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and an active member of numerous academic associations, including the Association of Information Systems.

With over 30 academic excellence awards to his name, Professor Mbarika has graced the covers of various newspapers and magazines, showcasing his groundbreaking research and influential consulting endeavors. His legacy is one of transformation, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of knowledge and technology.