From Ijeoma John, Nnewi
Dr. Awuzie Chioma Irene, PhD, FCSN, FICCON, FCAI, JP, is a renowned scholar, researcher, and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria. 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 academic contributions.
With over 22 years of teaching experience, Dr. Awuzie, prior to her appointment as rector, was a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at Federal Polytechnic, Oko. 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 by President Bola Tinubu, she has 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.
– 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.