Board of Directors/Governing Council
Dr Verlumun Celestine Gever: Chairman, Board of Directors/Governing Council
Dr Verlumun Celestine Gever provides the strategic vision, academic rigour, and global authority that drive Verlumun and Penda Publishers. As a highly distinguished Communication scholar and a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr Gever is uniquely positioned at the intersection of top-tier research and scholarly publishing.
Global Impact and Editorial Leadership
Dr Gever's profile is one of exceptional research influence. His standing among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for 2024, as recognised by the authoritative Stanford University/Elsevier analysis, validates his status as a global leader in his field. This is further affirmed by his consistent ranking as the number one communication scholar in Nigeria since 2019, according to the Scopus SciVal Author Rankings. His commitment to scholarly excellence is evident in his extensive publication record: over 90 articles in Scopus (H-index of 16) and 80 articles in Web of Science (H-index of 15). These works appear in premier academic journals published by industry giants, including Elsevier, SAGE, Springer Nature, Taylor and Francis, Oxford University Press, Emerald, and Wiley Online. He actively safeguards academic integrity, having completed 137 verified peer reviews in Web of Science.
Strategic Vision and Academic Entrepreneurship
Demonstrating a profound understanding of the publishing ecosystem, Dr. Gever is a committed academic entrepreneur and the Editor-in-Chief of the Mdooter Journal of Communication and Digital Technologies. Furthermore, he founded the Scopus-indexed journal, the Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. This experience ensures that the firm’s strategy remains aligned with the needs and standards of the global academic community.
His strategic outlook is broadened by international experience, notably as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), Germany, where he won a grant for a special issue on the impact of digital media on research. He also holds the designation of Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. Academically, Dr. Gever holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a first degree from Kogi State University, where he was the Best Graduating Student. He is a certified member of the International Strategic Management Institute (ISMI). Dr Gever operates by a clear philosophy—"do what you say and also say what you can do"—bringing methodical action and consistency to the leadership of Verlumun and Penda Publishers.
Dr Innocent I. Olijo: Governing Council Member
Dr Innocent I. Olijo is an accomplished executive, strategic communication expert, and scholar whose profile uniquely bridges the worlds of corporate governance, financial strategy, and high-integrity academic publishing. His appointment brings a vital perspective on operational excellence and brand management to the Governing Council of Verlumun and Penda Publishers.
Corporate Leadership and Strategic Oversight
Dr Olijo spent over 18 years in the highly competitive Nigerian financial services industry, holding key leadership roles at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) from 2000 to 2018. This extensive corporate background equips the Council with a crucial understanding of prudent financial management, operational structure, and successful corporate execution. His key achievements included:
Providing strategic leadership across multiple major bank branches.
Directing large teams to execute high-stakes customer service and business growth strategies.
Contributing significantly to bank-wide operational reforms and branch network expansion efforts.
He is also a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), reinforcing his expertise in financial governance.
Academic Influence and Publishing Integrity
Dr Olijo is a highly credentialed scholar whose research profile demonstrates his active engagement with global academic standards:
Academic Timeline: He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1996), followed by a Master's (MA., 2015) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Relations (2021) from the same institution.
Verified Academic Impact: His Scopus profile, the authoritative global research database, lists 3 publications with 29 citations (h-index of 2). This demonstrates that his work is quickly and broadly recognised by other researchers, a strong indicator of its scholarly relevance.
Strategic Value: This firsthand, metrics-driven publishing experience is essential for guiding the firm's submission, peer-review, and international-indexing strategies.
He maintains active membership in prestigious professional associations, including the International Crisis Management Association (ICMA) and the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE).
Dr John Oluwaseyi Jemisenia: Governing Council Secretary
Dr John Oluwaseyi Jemisenia is a consultant medical sociologist, public health researcher, and a specialist in implementing complex, structured research protocols. As the Secretary of the Governing Council for Verlumun and Penda Publishers, Dr Jemisenia will ensure the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of the Council’s governance processes and record-keeping.
Expertise in Structured and High-Compliance Environments
Dr Jemisenia brings more than a decade of experience in research and health systems consultation—areas known for requiring meticulous documentation and strict compliance with ethical and funding guidelines. He has collaborated on major health systems research projects with prestigious international organisations, including:
Global Foundations and Initiatives: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, John Snow Inc., The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Banyan Global.
Health Systems Consultation: Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL) and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
His current engagement with the Centre for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR), the coordinating hub for the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA), further highlights his ability to apply methodical, qualitative insights to real-world challenges—a skill vital for translating strategic discussions into clear, actionable governance records.
Academic Foundation for Publishing Integrity
Academically, Dr Jemisenia holds a PhD in Medical Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was recognised as the best graduating student in Sociology from Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) in 2012.
His extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, covering topics such as health promotion and gender and health disparities, ensures he understands the rigorous peer-review and ethical standards that Verlumun and Penda are committed to upholding.
Professor Barr. Peter Nwabuisi Nwokolo: Governing Council Member
Professor Barr. Peter Nwabuisi Nwokolo joins the Governing Council with a distinguished background spanning academia, law, and public sector administration. His multi-disciplinary expertise is essential for guiding Verlumun and Penda Publishers on matters of policy formulation, ethical compliance, and legal frameworks vital to international publishing.
Strategic and Legal Expertise
Professor Nwokolo brings a unique dual qualification that will serve the Board in complex decision-making:
Academic Authority: He is a Full Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, achieving this rank in 2025 after completing his PhD in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, in 2016. This provides the Council with deep insight into scholarly trends, communication strategies, and academic standards.
Legal Compliance: As a qualified Barrister-at-Law, having been called to the Bar in 2007, Professor Nwokolo offers invaluable counsel on legal issues, including intellectual property, copyright, and publishing contracts—critical areas for an international academic press.
Diverse Administrative and Policy Experience
Professor Nwokolo's career journey provides a comprehensive view of public and administrative protocols:
He previously served in various capacities within the public sector, including as an auxiliary teacher, a recruiter for the Anambra State Government, and later as a Supervisor of Secondary Schools for the Enugu State Education Commission.
He also held a role as an Information Officer in the Ministry of Information and Culture, demonstrating practical experience in public communications and administration.
His diverse career, spanning education, information, and law, ensures the Council receives well-rounded input on policy implementation and on navigating regulatory environments. Professor Nwokolo holds a B.Sc. in Political Science (1983), a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and an M.A. in Mass Communication, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Professor Victoria Anum: Governing Council Member
Professor Victoria Anum is a highly accomplished academic, a Professor in Mass Communication, and a specialist in media management and development communication. Her profile brings a critical perspective to the Governing Council, rooted in extensive experience across journalism, public service, academic administration, and editorial leadership.
Editorial and Publishing Authority
Professor Anum provides the Board with direct, practical expertise in managing scholarly publications:
Senior Editorial Roles: She holds significant editorial positions, including Editor of the PAAU Journal of Mass Communication, Editor of the Book of Reading for the Department of Mass Communication, and Associate Editor of the KSU Journal of Mass Communication.
Active Research: Her recent publications focus on crucial contemporary topics for the firm, such as the Adoption and Use of Meta AI tools for learning, digital marketing as a solution to unemployment, and the impact of digital media on research. She also co-authored a book on Environmental Communication and Sustainability in Nigeria.
Academic Leadership: She currently serves as the Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication and the Chairperson of the Appointment and Promotion Committee at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Industry and Public Service Experience
Professor Anum offers a rare blend of media and governmental experience crucial for steering a public-facing publishing house:
Journalism Background: She served as a Reporter for NTA Ilorin and a Senior Reporter for the Benue Printing & Publishing Corporation (Publisher of The Voice Newspaper).
Public Information: She held a key role as Press Secretary to the First Lady of Benue State and Chairperson of the Better Life Programme, and later as a Principal Information Officer with the Ministry of Information, Makurdi.
This diverse background ensures the Council benefits from her insight into media relations, public perception, and the operational management of information bodies.
Professor Anum holds a PhD in Mass Communication (2018), an M.A. in Mass Communication (2002), and a B.A. (Hons) in Mass Communication (1984).
Dr Ngozi Bibian Okeibunor: Governing Council Member
Dr Ngozi Bibian Okeibunor is a seasoned academic and communication strategist whose expertise in Public Relations, Advertising, and Project Management will be invaluable to the Governing Council of Verlumun and Penda Publishers. Currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Benson Idahosa University, Dr Okeibunor brings a critical blend of corporate insight and academic rigour.
Professional and Strategic Qualifications
Dr Okeibunor is uniquely qualified to guide the firm’s operational and professional development:
Certified Project Manager: She holds a Professional Certificate in Project Management from CUPE Limited (Project People Limited) UK, a crucial skill for overseeing the firm’s strategic projects and system implementations (like OJS upgrades or new indexing initiatives).
PR and Media Expertise: She is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and has direct experience as a Newspaper Columnist for the Sunday Observer and as an Associate Writer/Editor for church and fellowship publications.
Research Focus: Her international and national publications frequently address organisational image, corporate sponsorship, health communication, and the impact of digital media on society and marital dynamics.
Academic and Administrative Contributions
Dr Okeibunor's academic roles ensure the Board benefits from current pedagogical and research standards:
She holds a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2021), as well as a B.Sc. and an M.A. in Mass Communication.
She currently serves as the Postgraduate Studies Department Coordinator and was the Departmental Examination Officer for 7 years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to administrative quality control.
She maintains active membership in the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Dr Okeibunor’s specialised knowledge will be vital for developing effective marketing strategies, maintaining a strong corporate image, and overseeing operational efficiency at the publishing firm.
Dr Alice Jonah: Governing Council Member
Dr Alice Jonah is a highly respected academic leader, a Chief Lecturer with Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria (the equivalent of a professor in a University). Her background provides the Governing Council with crucial expertise in institutional administration, academic quality assurance, and media content strategy.
Leadership and Administrative Excellence
Dr Jonah brings a wealth of hands-on management experience, having recently served as the Immediate Past Head of the Department of Mass Communication at The Federal Polytechnic, Bida (2022–2025). Her administrative acumen is further evidenced by her past roles as:
Secretary to the Heads of Departments’ Forum (2022–2025).
Chairman of the Curriculum Development Committee.
A long-serving Member of the Research and Publications Committee.
This background ensures the Council benefits from her ability to translate high-level policy into functional institutional frameworks.
Scholarly and Content Expertise
Dr Jonah is a prolific scholar, holding a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2021), and an M.Sc. from Benue State University, Makurdi. Her research covers vital contemporary issues, including media framing, health communication (e.g., COVID-19 and IDPs), media credibility, and the influence of social media on traditional media. She is a widely published author of eight literary books and novels. This unique experience provides the Board with a deep understanding of the publishing process from the perspective of a creative author, manuscript development, and content commercialisation.
She is a professional member of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE).
