President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, confirmed that Awuzie’s appointment takes effect immediately for a five-year term.
The statement noted that her selection followed a competitive process conducted by the institution’s Governing Council, chaired by Senator Dr Barnabas Gemade, where she emerged as the top candidate.
Before her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also the Director in Charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund Projects at the Polytechnic.
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.
