Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti’s journey to the presidency of Central State University has been as diverse and enriching as the Institution he now leads. From his early days growing up in Nigeria to becoming an esteemed alum of Central State in 1985, Kuti’s path has uniquely prepared him for the role of the University’s 10th president.

Born out of a profound understanding of the transformative power of education, Kuti’s journey began when he left home at age 10 to attend boarding school in Nigeria. This experience shaped his life, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the educational environment and its impact on students.

Throughout his career, Kuti’s commitment to education and leadership in higher education never wavered. Pursuing a Ph.D. in nonprofit management in 2017 reinforced his dedication to educational leadership, informed by theories of social equity — how to treat people equitably in society — and policy feedback — how to implement public policy to improve society.