By Uzo Ugwunze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko.
According to a press release made available to newsmen by the Polytechnic Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, the appointment which is for a term of five years takes effect immediately.
It will be recalled that the Governing Council of the polytechnic led by Senator Dr. Barnabas Gemade OFR, after a transparent and competitive selection process recommended three names to the President with Dr. Awuzie as the frontline candidate.
She rose through the ranks to become a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry option) Federal Polytechnic OKo and holds a doctorate degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry.
She has served the Polytechnic in different administrative positions which include: Head, department of Renewable Energy Research and Development. Director, International Higher Education Academic Organizations. Co-ordinator, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Director, Petroleum, Coal and Renewable Energy Research Unit. Director/Desk officer in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects.
Dr. Awuzie assisted in the establishment of many infrastructural projects across the three campuses of Federal Polytechnic Oko thereby ensuring a robust and quality academic exercise.
Dr.Awuzie was among the group of experts appointed by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) which drafted the National and Higher National diploma Curricular 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 recognized scholar who has consistently proven her expertise through numerous scholarly publications and research presentations that illustrate her practical knowledge.
She is a fellow of the following professional bodies : Chemical Society of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria and Institute of Corporate Administration.
Dr. Chioma Awuzie is a great humanitarian who through her foundation, Dr. Chioma Awuzie Foundation has given scholarship to many indigent students to facilitate their education. She has also empowered many youths, women and communities through different 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.