Tinubu appoints Dr Chioma Awuzie as Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

The appointment, which is for a term of five years, takes immediate effect.

Chijioke Ibeziako, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, in a statement made available to the media, said the Governing Council of the polytechnic, led by Senator Barnabas Gemade, had recommended three candidates to the president after a competitive selection process, with Dr Awuzie emerging as the leading candidate.

“She rose through the ranks to become a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry option) at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and holds a doctorate degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry.

“She has served the polytechnic in different administrative positions, including Head, Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development; Director, International Higher Education Academic Organisations; Co-ordinator, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Director, Petroleum, Coal and Renewable Energy Research Unit; as well as Director/Desk Officer in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects,” the statement read.

According to the spokesman of the polytechnic, Awuzie assisted in the establishment of numerous infrastructural projects across the three campuses of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, thereby ensuring a robust and quality academic environment.

She was among the group of experts appointed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) that drafted the National and Higher National Diploma curricula for Renewable Energy Technology, currently in use in Nigerian polytechnics.

Her career is marked by her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and advocacy for professional advancement.

Dr Awuzie is an internationally recognised scholar who has consistently demonstrated her expertise through numerous scholarly publications and research presentations that showcase her practical knowledge.

She is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and the Institute of Corporate Administration.

A great humanitarian, Dr Awuzie, through her foundation—the Dr Chioma Awuzie Foundation—has provided scholarships to many indigent students to support their education.

She has also empowered numerous youths, women, and communities through various schemes and initiatives.

“Expectations are high that she will bring her vast experience to bear in repositioning Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as a distinct citadel of learning that will compete not only nationally but also globally,” the statement added.