WE at SummitNews Online Newspaper, are without doubt, fascinated by people of courage, especially women.
Indeed, we are enthralled by stories of women who by dint of hard work, determination, perseverance, climb to positions in the society erroneously thought to be exclusively preserved for men.
Today, as the academic community, men and women of goodwill, friends and well wishers, including the media, gather at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, to celebrate Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, the institution’s Rector, it is significant to point out that in life, gender does not really matter, rather what matters most is the application of considerable talent to belong to the revered club of great achievers.
That’s exactly what this trailblazer of our generation, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, did to climb to the pinnacle of her career, and subsequent elevation to the revered position of substantive Rector of one of the foremost polytechnics in the country.
We celebrate her today not only because of her scholarly attainments, but principally because she demonstrated courage and resourcefulness in the face of stiff opposition by mischief makers to her meritorious appointment as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Indeed, we celebrate Dr. Mrs. Chioma Irene Awuzie, because she has amply demonstrated that “where there is a will, there is a way.”
Despite the paucity of funds occasioned by the downturn in the country’s economy, she has within her first 100 days in office, shown remarkable zeal in improving the infrastructural landscape of Federal Polytechnic Oko.
It is interesting to note that some of the laudable projects she embarked upon within this short-space-of-time, will be commissioned in the course of the celebration of her first 100 days in office.
They include but not limited to a modern medical centre to serve the health needs of the polytechnic community, and skills acquisition centre.
As a well-known philanthropist, Dr. Awuzie has factored in a medical outreach for the host community as part of activities marking her appointment as a substantive Rector, and first 100 days in office.
At this juncture, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for discovering this legendary scholar and researcher, as well as approving her appointment as a substantive Rector.
Before her appointment Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, FCSN, FICCON, FCAI, JP, was Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Born on July 20, 1973, in Enugu, she hails from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State.
A specialist in Physical and Materials Chemistry, Dr. Awuzie holds a PhD from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, along with an M.Tech in Production Technology and a B.Sc in Science Technology (Chemistry/Biochemistry) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
She is a Fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), and the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI). Her contributions to scientific research span over 28 journal articles, 34 conference papers, and 11 authored books in chemistry and related fields.
Dr. Awuzie has been recognized globally for her academic excellence, including the Best Paper Presenter Award at the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Management (Oxford, UK, 2015). She is also a recipient of multiple awards for her philanthropic and She has played key roles in academic leadership, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary research in chemistry, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Her research contributions include presentations at international conferences across Nigeria, the UK, USA, India, Canada, Thailand, and Cameroon, covering areas like cement production, water sustainability, and cooperative instructional strategies in chemistry education. She has also conducted comparative evaluations of metal contents in edible oils, enhancing food safety awareness.
She has attended and presented at over 35 international and national conferences, seminars, and workshops, including the 46th Annual International Conference of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the TETFUND Research for Impact Workshop, and the International Conference on Renewable Energy in Canada.
Before her appointment as Rector, she had demonstrated exceptional leadership in academia, serving in various capacities at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, including:
– Desk Officer, TETFUND (2018–2025) – responsible for liaising with TETFUND, securing research funding, and managing institutional projects.
Others are Coordinator, Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (2014–2018) – overseeing skills development initiatives – Head, Department of Renewable Energy (2014-2018)– Director, Petroleum, Coal & Renewable Energy Unit (2011-2015) – Director, International Higher Education Academic Organizations (2015-2019)– Chairman, TETFUND ICT Board (2019–2025).
– Managing Editor, Federal Polytechnic Oko International Journal of Science and Engineering (2015–2025)
– Chairman Stalled/Ongoing Projects Committee (2020 -2022)
– Member Affiliation Committee, Federal Polytechnic Oko (2019-2025)– Secretary Federal Polytechnic Oko Research Committee (2019-2025)
– Secretary TETFUND Library Development Committee, Fed Poly Oko (2018-Date)
– Chairman Transition Committee 2018 – Member Committee on Continuous Assessment (2014 – 2019)– Member Committee on Oko Centre for Research and Development Studies (2013-2019)
– Member Committee on Strategic Action Plan for the Institution (2013 – 2019)– Member/Alternate Secretary Constitution of Tenders’ Board Committee (2022-2025)
– Secretary Committee on a Case of Forged Doctorate Degree (2020)– Member Committee on Failed/Ongoing Projects (2021-2025)– Secretary Research Grant Committee (2012 -2019)
She has played a pivotal role in securing research grants, infrastructure development, and policy formulation within the institution.
Beyond academics, she is a devoted family woman, a mentor to young scientists, and a passionate advocate for sustainable development.
Dr. Awuzie’s influence in science education and research continues to inspire the next generation of chemists and innovators in Nigeria and beyond.
It’s our wish and prayer, that the students, staff, management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and by extension the host community, and our entire country men and women, will support this elegant women divinely imbued with brain and brawn in her determination to expand the frontiers of technology and science education, not only in Oko Poly, but also across the length and breadth of the country.
Congratulations Madam Projects.
