President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the new Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State. Her appointment, which takes effect immediately, will last for a five-year term.
A statement released by Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed that Awuzie was chosen after a rigorous selection process conducted by the institution’s Governing Council. The council, led by Senator Dr. Barnabas Gemade, assessed multiple candidates before selecting Awuzie as the top choice.
Before this appointment, Dr. Awuzie was a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) at the polytechnic. She also served as the Director overseeing Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects in the institution.
The statement read, “Dr Awuzie is a globally recognised scholar with an extensive portfolio of research and publications. Her Fellowships with the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and the Institute of Corporate Administration underline her expertise in science and sustainability.
“As part of an expert team organised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), she notably played a pivotal role in drafting the Renewable Energy Technology curriculum for Nigerian Polytechnics, currently in use.
“Dr. Awuzie has held several leadership positions, including Head, Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development, Director of Petroleum, Coal, and Renewable Energy Research Unit and Director, International Higher Education Academic Organisations. She also previously served as Coordinator, Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET).”
Another statement from her office read, “Her training on Management of Higher Education Institute in Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) Israel has also positioned her well for the onerous task ahead.”
