Meet Igho Ekiugbo, Lecturer in Supply Chains and Project Management here at Salford Business School. Igho’s passion for academia started after his undergraduate degree, where he discovered a passion for supply chains and how we can meet sustainability goals.
His passion for business has given him multiple opportunities, from developing sustainability practices in Nigerian oil and gas firms to networking with like-minded business professionals at events. As a Salford alumnus, he’s passionate about creating a collaborative and innovative environment through his teaching that can inspire the next generation of business students.
In this blog, Igho reflects on his career journey, key milestones, and how he became the academic he is today.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
My career path into academia was driven by my interest and passion for education and knowledge acquisition.
My first degree in business management and business information systems exposed me to the dynamic nature of the business ecosystem and triggered my love for supply chains and supply chain systems. This passion pushed me to join the University of Salford to study a master’s in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and later completed my PhD on the sustainability of procurement functions and supply chains.
During my PhD journey, I was given the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and undertake collaborative research, and since then, I have loved researching and teaching, which has now become my passion over anything else.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
The University of Salford is like home for me. My academic career started right here and as an alumnus, I felt giving back to the University’s community, especially the students and local businesses, was a must. Also, choosing to work here was inspired by the support I received throughout my academic journey as an international student. This is because the teaching team was so brilliant and friendly that I wanted to be part of it and inspire students that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
There is nothing more rewarding and satisfying than being able to make meaningful contributions to the lives of individuals, in this case, our diverse students’ community and supporting local businesses to overcome their challenges and thrive.
In addition to my teaching and research responsibilities as an academic, I attend and contribute to industry-wide stakeholders’ events, such as the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, creating awareness and educating businesses about the changing ecosystems, including trends, opportunities, and challenges.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
One of my major career highlights is the reception, adoption and implementation of a conceptual framework I developed for embedding sustainability practices within the procurement functions of oil and gas firms in Nigeria. It was remarkable to see my research output having an impact on local businesses.
In 2024, I also received an award for Highly Commended Personal Tutor of the Year for providing exceptional student support.
Additionally, I presented recent research, co-authored with Dr Cecilia Diaz, at the International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research Association (IPSERA) 2025 Conference, which was a wonderful opportunity and highlight in my career considering the diverse and broad audience. This also afforded me the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, some of whom I am already collaborating with in other projects.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research focuses on the sustainability of supply chains, more specifically, the role of social enterprises in promoting ethical and sustainable practices within global value chains, sustainable and circular economy practices of the fashion industry and modern slavery challenges in supply chains.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I have a paper on the role of procurement function in realising sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper explores the crucial role of procurement function in promoting implementing and achieving sustainability goals across the value chains of the oil and gas industry.
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
Though I love coffee, I rarely go out for one. My colleagues and I have a coffee maker and just tend to make one ourselves. However, on rare occasions, I do visit the Old Fire Station café for a freshly made coffee.