Raphael Afonja
Summary
Dynamic executive with over 15 years of expertise in higher education leadership, financial management, and operational efficiency. Proven track record in managing multi-million-dollar budgets and leading diverse teams to achieve strategic goals while fostering collaboration and innovation. Experience includes designing and launching large-scale online and hybrid programs that engage over 2,000 students annually, enhancing institutional performance through effective resource alignment. Committed to driving institutional effectiveness and student success, equipped to tackle complex challenges in executive roles within the university setting. Strong skills in leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement position for visionary leadership aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Professor, Physical Sciences Department
City University of New York (CUNY)
01.2008 - 01.2022
- Dynamic executive with over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, focusing on financial management, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.
- Designed and launched large-scale online and hybrid programs, engaging over 2,000 students annually and significantly increasing enrollment rates.
- Oversaw accreditation and compliance processes, effectively aligning financial resources to enhance operational performance and support institutional objectives.
- Mentored faculty in fostering inclusive leadership and improving governance practices across the university.
- Secured substantial grants and external funding, enhancing program offerings and advancing workforce development initiatives.
Dean & Associate Professor
SOWELA Community College
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Dynamic executive with extensive experience in leading financial and operational initiatives in higher education, dedicated to improving institutional effectiveness.
- Managed a $3M budget and led a team of over 15 to improve academic and technical program offerings.
- Boosted enrollment by 40% and enhanced student retention by 15% through targeted support and data-driven strategies.
- Established strategic partnerships with 12 significant employers to create workforce pipelines and expand opportunities.
Commissioner
Oyo State Government, Ministry of Works & Transport
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Cabinet-level executive with expertise in financial and operational transformations in the state.
- Managed a $260M budget and directed a team of over 1,000 in Nigeria's fifth largest state.
- Spearheaded financial transformations for infrastructure projects, resulting in a 35% boost in delivery efficiency and a cost savings of $15M.
- Enhanced digital processes and established performance metrics through collaboration with C-level executives, unions, and contractors.
- Developed high-performing teams with a focus on succession planning and conflict resolution.
Lead Engineering Consultant
Glexttone Nigeria Limited
01.2013 - 01.2025
- Dynamic executive with over 15 years of expertise in leading transformative initiatives in higher education, financial management, and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw $20M in international infrastructure projects, ensuring effective coordination among diverse teams to meet project objectives.
- Created reporting and data visualization tools that enhanced executive decision-making and strategic planning.
Managing Director
Gamut Security & Escort Services
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Dynamic executive with over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, financial management, and operational efficiency, particularly at City University of New York.
- Led a diverse team of over 500 across three countries, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Spearheaded digital and financial transformation initiatives, enhancing risk management and operational efficiency.
- Forged strategic partnerships that expanded market presence and contributed to significant growth.
- Oversaw P&L for multi-million-dollar budgets, implementing cloud-based systems for improved reporting and streamlined operations.
- Supported leadership teams through organizational changes to meet evolving market and regulatory demands.
Education
Ph.D. - Civil Engineering
University of North Dakota
M.Sc. - Environmental Science
City University of New York
New York, New YorkMBA - Finance
Eastern New Mexico University
B.Sc. - Physics
City University of New York
New York, New YorkB.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering
City University of New York
New York, New YorkA.Sc. - Computer Science
City University of New York
New York, New YorkA.Sc. - Engineering Science
City University of New York
New York, New YorkPh.D. Studies - Information Studies
Long Island University
Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement - Expert
- Accreditation Process - Expert
- Project Management - Expert
- Grant Writing - Expert
- Leadership - Expert
- Budget Management - Expert
- Community Engagement - Expert
- Collective Bargaining - Expert
- Digital Transformation - Expert
- Curriculum Development - Expert
- Security - Expert
- Student Success - Expert
Accomplishments
Secured over $1M additional funding for program expansion.
Drove 40% enrollment growth using analytics and continuous student engagement.
Achieved 20% increase in client base over two years.
Led $20M budget with 35% project delivery improvement.
Affiliations
Council for Advancement and Support of EducationAssociations of Deans and Directors
American Council on Education
American Association of Colleges and Universities
American Association of Community Colleges
Certification
Project Management Professional
Leading Teams: Developing as a Leader
Board and Service
Institution Effectiveness Committee
Education and Workforce Committee
Quality Enhancement Plan Executive Committee
Chancellor's Salary Task Force
Accreditation Support Committee
Timeline
Managing Director
Gamut Security & Escort Services
01.2021 - 01.2025
Commissioner
Oyo State Government, Ministry of Works & Transport
01.2019 - 01.2021
Dean & Associate Professor
SOWELA Community College
01.2016 - 01.2017
Lead Engineering Consultant
Glexttone Nigeria Limited
01.2013 - 01.2025
Assistant Professor, Physical Sciences Department
City University of New York (CUNY)
01.2008 - 01.2022
M.Sc. - Environmental Science
City University of New York
MBA - Finance
Eastern New Mexico University
B.Sc. - Physics
City University of New York
B.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering
City University of New York
A.Sc. - Computer Science
City University of New York
A.Sc. - Engineering Science
City University of New York
Ph.D. Studies - Information Studies
Long Island University
Ph.D. - Civil Engineering
University of North Dakota
Similar Profiles
Stephanie Store PhD, FNP, CHC, CLC, ACUEStephanie Store PhD, FNP, CHC, CLC, ACUE
Assistant Professor of Nursing at York College, City University of New York (CUNY)Assistant Professor of Nursing at York College, City University of New York (CUNY)
Lisa MaycockLisa Maycock
Disability Services Specialist at York College, City University of New York (CUNY)Disability Services Specialist at York College, City University of New York (CUNY)
Shanjida IslamShanjida Islam
Adjunct College Laboratory Technician. at City University Of New York, CUNYAdjunct College Laboratory Technician. at City University Of New York, CUNY
ANKITA TIWARIANKITA TIWARI
Assistant Professor at Department of Life Sciences at Jaipur National UniversityAssistant Professor at Department of Life Sciences at Jaipur National University
Mashael Ghazi AlsobhiMashael Ghazi Alsobhi
Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Department at King Abdulaziz UniversityAssistant Professor, Physical Therapy Department at King Abdulaziz University