A Nigerian scholar and Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Olalekan Asikhia, has proposed a new evidence-based framework for navigating and unlocking economic potential amid deepening global uncertainty.
Mr Asikhia, a professor, presented the model while delivering a keynote address titled “Navigating and Unlocking the Economic Potential in an Unstable Economy: A Framework for Survival, Sustainability, and Scrutiny” at Crawford University, Ogun State.
He described the current global environment as a “new abnormal”, marked by overlapping geopolitical, financial, technological and climate-related shocks.
“These forces must be scientifically understood rather than intuitively managed,” he said.
Rethinking organisational strategy
Addressing academics, policymakers and industry leaders, Mr Asikhia challenged conventional managerial thinking. He argued that organisational success or failure in turbulent economies is not accidental but the result of deliberate, measurable and context-sensitive strategies.
The Caleb University Vice Chancellor introduced an integrated analytical model which frames economic instability not as a single, monolithic occurrence, but as a moderating force whose type and intensity determine the effectiveness of corporate strategies.
According to him, decisions relating to pricing, innovation, supply chains and risk management must be aligned with the specific nature of the disruption confronting organisations.
Operational resilience at the core
At the heart of the framework is operational resilience, which Mr Asikhia identified as the foundation for organisational survival.
He emphasised financial anti-fragility, strategic liquidity and supply chain diversification as critical safeguards for maintaining continuity during crises.
Beyond survival, the framework highlights adaptive innovation, organisational agility and stakeholder-centred sustainability as key drivers of growth and long-term competitiveness.
From research to real-world impact
The presentation also outlined a rigorous research agenda, proposing clearly defined hypotheses to examine how resilience and growth strategies directly, indirectly and conditionally influence outcomes such as profitability, market expansion and long-term viability.
The model integrates resilience and growth within a single explanatory structure, underscoring the need for evidence-driven decision-making in both boardrooms and public policy circles.
Participants described the address as a rare convergence of theory and practice, noting that it offers a practical roadmap for leaders while meeting high standards of academic scrutiny.
