APAC PROFILE

APAC member Nester Komolafe.

Nester Komolafe Works to Shape Policies via APAC

By Susan S. Stevens

NESTER KOMOLAFE joined UIC in 2008 as a Contracts Coordinator in the Purchasing Division, UIC Office of Business and Financial Services. He has also worked in the UIC Office of Business Development Services.

HIS KEY responsibilities are drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex University contracts in accordance with State of Illinois statutes, and University policy and requirements.

IN 2011, Komolafe received the UIC WOW Award in recognition of his outstanding service which reflects UIC’s core values. He served as an executive member of UIC Senate Committee on Academic Services during the 2013-2014 academic year. The panel reviewed policies regarding, and the performance of, units which provide support for UIC academic programs.

HE JOINED APAC in 2013. “APAC has done many great things for UIC Academic Professionals,” he said. “I was motivated to join APAC in 2013 in order to apply systemic thinking and pragmatic solutions to shape policies that deliver positive impacts.”

“I AM looking forward to making my contributions to APAC to be an affirmation that dynamism and good leadership can give muscular expression to Academic Professionals’ legitimate yearnings and aspirations for good governance and accountability.” Komolafe is a member of APAC’s Subcommittee on Bylaws.

AN EXPERT in contracting, procurement, and supply chain management, he has more than 20 years of professional experience in both private and public sectors. He has worked for private corporations in the fields of publishing, garments, transport, real estate management, building construction, manufacturing, cable telecommunication, and satellite and broadband telecommunications.

“I AM distinctively privileged to have worked and obtained academic degrees and professional qualifications in contracting, procurement and supply chain management on three continents – each in Africa, Europe, and North America,” Komolafe said.

KOMOLAFE has several academic degrees and professional qualifications: a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, a Master’s degree in Procurement and Acquisitions Management from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. and a second Master’s degree in Law and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Springfield, IL.

HE OBTAINED a Certificate of Completion in Sustainable Global Supply Chain Management from the University of San Diego, CA. He also has a Royal Charter Certification in Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) from studies in the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Stamford, England. Some certifications obtained in the United States include Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

“I AM a research-minded person, driven by very passionate quest at finding solutions to complex problems,” Komolafe said.

KOMOLAFE’S PHILOSOPHY is simple, he said. “One thing I have learned is that I have not learned anything -- the pursuit of knowledge is endless; the more I know, the more there is to know.”

HE IS a family man who has clear faith in Jesus Christ. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Dr. Lois Komolafe, a pharmacist, and three cheerful children; Virtuous, Valor, and Victorious.

HIS ONLY hobby is photography. “I am a photo-happy guy!” he said.