By Editorial Staff 
James Hope University (JHU) has appointed five international academics as Visiting Scholars in a new programme designed to strengthen the university’s global reach and deepen its teaching, research, and community service.
The scholars, Prof. Shobana Nelasco from India, Prof. Obert Sifile from Zimbabwe, Prof. Gerhard Berchtold from Austria, Prof. Ibhagbisoya Anthony Uwaya from the United States, and Prof. Thierry Edmond from France, will serve from November 2025 to October 2027.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Austin Nosike, said the initiative reflects JHU’s commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration. The visiting scholars will deliver lectures, hold seminars and workshops, participate in research, and take part in community outreach.
Prof. Shobana is a leading economist with three decades of teaching and research experience with 12 books and more than 100 papers in her name. She is a recipient of multiple national awards in India. Her scholarly works cover economic policy, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and universal basic income advocacy.
Sifile is a Professor of Accounting and Finance at Chinhoyi University of Technology and former university finance director with more two decades of administrative experience. He has supervised hundreds of postgraduate students and has two registered patents, with some of his works published on ResearchGate, Google Scholar and other online journals.
Prof. Berchtold is Dean and Vice-Rector for International Strategic Development at Universidad Azteca, in Mexico, with expertise in environmental policy, waste management, international education, and public administration. He has served in the Austrian and European parliaments and received the Oekomanager 2000 award.
Uwayaon the hand is a Professor of Management at Clark Atlanta University and former senior administrator at universities in Chile, the UK, Rwanda, and Uganda while Edmond, a lawyer, is a Professor of Law and Business at the University of Strasbourg with expertise in intellectual property, comparative law, and legal training.
JHU VC, Nosike, said “This appointment enriches our academic community and fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas.”
Anthony Amenaghawon