Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Mustafa | Global Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Hasan Mustafa is an accomplished economist and academic with extensive experience in teaching, research, and industry engagement. He earned his Doctorate in Economics from the Georg-August-University in Goettingen, Germany, where his doctoral thesis focused on the controlling of direct banks using the Balanced Scorecard. He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the same institution. His research centers on bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice, with a particular focus on long-term oil demand and supply, the impact of alternative energy on global energy markets, and the economic implications of health issues such as diabetes on national economies. Dr. Mustafa has an impressive record of publications in reputed international journals, contributing to areas such as global innovation and uncertainty dynamics, investor sentiment, geopolitical risk, economic diversification, and macroeconomic determinants of oil prices. His works have been cited 64 times across 60 documents, with an h-index of 4, reflecting his growing influence in economic and energy-related research. Some of his notable publications include studies on the economic costs of diabetes in the United Arab Emirates, the role of investor sentiment in MENA bank stock returns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and scenario analyses for the establishment of an electric vehicle industry and future oil demand trajectories. In his academic career, Dr. Mustafa has served as an Assistant Professor at several higher education institutions, where he has taught a wide range of economics and business-related courses including macroeconomics, microeconomics, cost-benefit analysis, financial management, money and banking, and business statistics.

Featured Publications :

Albaity, M., Mallek, R. S., Ur-Rehman, I., & Mustafa, H. (2025). Global innovation and uncertainty dynamics: Implications for bank performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(6), 100800.

Mustafa, H., Al Shawwa, H., & Kļaviņš, K. (2005). China’s new dynamic cooperation paradigm with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Mustafa, H., Theuma, A., & Al Shawwa, H. (2025). Knowledge-driven economic diversification: Scenario analysis for future trajectories in the UAE.

Mustafa, H., & Al Shawwa, H. (2023). Direct costs of diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates in 2018. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 43(1), 1–6.

Mustafa, H., Albaity, M., & Mallek, R. S. (2023). Heterogeneity of investor sentiment, geopolitical risk, and economic policy uncertainty: Do Islamic banks differ during the COVID-19 pandemic? International Journal of Emerging Markets, 2023(1), 1–22.

Dr. Adeola Adejayan | Financial Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adeola Adejayan, EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY, Nigeria

Dr. Adejayan Adeola Oluwakemi is a distinguished Lecturer I in the Department of Finance at Ekiti State University, Nigeria, with over a decade of academic prowess. She earned her Ph.D. in Finance, complemented by First‑Class honours in Banking and Finance. A proud member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Oluwakemi excels in teaching corporate finance, financial markets, and risk management. Currently, she is enriching her expertise as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, where her focus lies in green finance and sustainable financial practices. Her dedication to academia is reflected in her supervision of numerous undergraduate projects and consistent publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.

Profile 👩‍🏫

Googlescholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Oluwakemi holds a Ph.D. in Finance with insightful research in corporate and sustainable finance. She graduated with First‑Class honours in her undergraduate and postgraduate Banking and Finance degrees. Her commitment to continuous learning is demonstrated through advanced coursework and professional certifications, especially as part of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Furthering her scholarly journey, she is currently pursuing postdoctoral work at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal in South Africa. There, she deepens her knowledge in green financial systems and sustainability, reflecting a lifelong pursuit of academic excellence and a strong foundation in both theory and application.

Experience 💼

With over ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Oluwakemi has held the position of Lecturer I at Ekiti State University, Nigeria. She has delivered courses in corporate finance, financial markets, and risk management, mentoring a substantial number of undergraduate students. Additionally, she serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, where she engages in research on green finance and sustainable financial practices. Beyond academia, she has collaborated on consultancy and industry-focused projects, leveraging her expertise in banking, finance, and policy impact. Her academic and professional journey shines through in transparent supervision, impactful mentorship, and meaningful cross-border collaborations.

Research Interest 🔍

Dr. Oluwakemi focuses her research on international finance, financial sector development, and sustainability finance. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, she investigates green finance, environmental accounting, and sustainable financial systems. Her collaborations span Nigeria and South Africa, exploring areas like financial inclusion, macroeconomic stability, and capital market development. She integrates empirical research with interdisciplinary approaches to tackle pressing challenges in emerging economies. Her recent work includes examining exchange rate dynamics, corporate capital structure, and risk management, always with a focus on actionable insights for policy, sustainability, and institutional development.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Oluwakemi’s scholarly work has earned recognition through multiple research grants and academic accolades. With over 58 citations, an h‑index of 3, and an i10‑index of 3, she has established a notable academic footprint. Her award preferences include the ‘Best Researcher Award’, reflecting her dedication to producing novel and impactful research. She has been acknowledged for contributions in green finance and sustainable investment practices, demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research. Her professional memberships, such as with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, further attest to her commitment to quality and professional integrity in the field of finance.