Education is a key driver of societal advancement, and transforming its landscape requires visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity.
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has embraced this challenge by appointing Professor Kamil Omoteso as its new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Education.
With a distinguished career in academic leadership and a proven track record of fostering inclusive excellence, Professor Omoteso’s appointment marks a new phase in ARU’s mission to shape the future of education in the United Kingdom.
Professor Omoteso’s path to this pivotal role has been defined by his passion for innovation and inclusivity. Prior to joining ARU, he served as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law, and Social Sciences at the University of Derby.
During his six-year tenure, he revolutionized the institution’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), achieving significant milestones that improved the experiences of both students and staff.
Under his leadership, Derby University earned recognition for its commitment to inclusivity, with notable improvements in EDI metrics. His approach is straightforward yet impactful—creating environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered to thrive.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with ARU’s ethos. The university is already known for its dedication to transforming lives through education, particularly by widening participation for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Building on this foundation, Professor Omoteso aims to strengthen ARU’s position as a leader in inclusive, transformative education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.
What makes Professor Omoteso particularly well-suited for this role is his unique blend of academic expertise and professional experience.
With a background in Accounting and Governance, he has made significant contributions to the global academic community through impactful research, mentorship, and thought leadership. His career began at Lagos State University in Nigeria, where he combined teaching with six years of professional experience in accounting and auditing in both the public and private sectors.
This practical foundation has deeply informed his academic work, ensuring that it remains grounded in real-world application.
His career in the UK has been equally influential. At Coventry University, he served as Head of the School of Economics, Finance, and Accounting, implementing strategic initiatives that drove institutional growth and enhanced the university’s reputation.
At De Montfort University, he excelled as Principal Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Programmes in Accounting, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate complex global challenges.
Professor Omoteso’s leadership has also extended to the national level, serving on the Council of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, where he played a key role in shaping policies that influence UK business education.
Professor Omoteso’s dedication to educational transformation is further reflected in his commitment to continuous professional development.
By completing leadership programmes at prestigious institutions like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he has broadened his understanding of global education trends and innovative strategies. This global perspective will be invaluable as he works to position ARU at the forefront of higher education in the UK.
“I am excited to join Anglia Ruskin University,” Professor Omoteso shared. “ARU is renowned across the sector for its commitment to inclusion, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success. I am thrilled to be part of a team dedicated to a set of core values that resonate with my own personal beliefs. This role is a unique privilege, and I’m eager to collaborate with colleagues across the university to achieve excellence for our students and the wider community.”
As ARU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Education, Professor Omoteso is committed to transforming education in the UK. His focus on inclusivity, excellence, and innovation promises to unlock new opportunities for a diverse range of students, while enhancing ARU’s reputation as a hub of academic and social impact.
In an era of technological advances, societal shifts, and global uncertainties, Professor Omoteso’s leadership offers a hopeful vision for the future of education.
Under his guidance, ARU is poised to redefine what education in the UK can be. By fostering a culture of belonging, driving academic innovation, and aligning education with the needs of a dynamic world, Professor Omoteso is helping to build a brighter future—one where education transforms not just individual lives but entire communities.
The UK higher education sector stands to benefit greatly from his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to lasting change.
