Meet Our 2019 Honorees: Oscar N. Onyema

Oscar N. Onyema, OON

NHEF Leadership in Business Award

Oscar has been CEO and member of the National Council of The Nigerian Stock Exchange since April 2011. In this role, he is responsible for superintending the general working of The Exchange. He is Chairman of Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), the clearing, settlement and depository for the Nigerian capital market; and Chairman of NG Clearing, which is in the process of developing a CCP.

He is a member of several advisory boards including London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Africa Advisory Group (LAAG) and Thomson Reuters Africa Advisory Network.

Prior to relocating to Nigeria, Mr. Onyema served as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at American Stock Exchange (Amex). He also ran the NYSE Amex equity business after the merger of NYSE Euronext and Amex in 2008.

Oscar completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program (AMP) in 2015. He got his MBA from Baruch College, New York in 1998; and BSc degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1991.

August 14, 2023

Register Now – 2023 NHEF Higher Education Forum in New York

The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) is uniting thought leaders from diverse fields across the United States of America and Vice Chancellors of NHEF-affiliated universities for a comprehensive dialogue on the pivotal role of Education in propelling Economic Development.

August 18, 2023

2023 NHEF Fundraiser & Awards Gala

Join us at the 2023 NHEF Fundraiser & Awards Gala on September 22nd at The Pierre Hotel in New York. Celebrate exceptional contributions to Nigeria's higher education and economic development. The NHEF Fundraiser & Awards Gala commemorates the efforts of trailblazing Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, who have contributed to the country’s prosperity both at home and abroad.

August 17, 2025

Register Now – 2025 NHEF Higher Education Forum, New York

The 2025 NHEF Higher Education Forum will spotlight the untapped potential of alumni as powerful allies in building stronger, more resilient universities. Themed Driving Sustainable Growth: Strengthening Alumni & Advancement Infrastructure in Nigerian Universities, the event will highlight how universities can transition from one-off fundraising to strategic alumni engagement and advancement structures that foster innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.