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| Nnenna Oti |
Nnenna Nnannaya Oti has made history by becoming the first female substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Nigeria. Oti defeated Ikechukwu Dozie on 13 April 2021 and assumed office as the 8th Vice Chancellor of the institution on 19 June 2021.
Early Life and Education
Oti was born in Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, on November 15, 1958. She obtained her first degree in soil science from the University of Nigeria, graduating with first-class honors. She also earned a master's degree in social science with a focus on soil biology and biochemistry from the same institution. Oti proceeded to Catholic University, Leuven, where she received a postgraduate diploma in irrigation engineering, earning a distinction. She later obtained a doctorate degree in soil and environmental conservation from the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Career
Oti is a three-time head of the Department of Soil Science and Technology in the School of Agricultural and Agriculture Technology at FUTO. She is also a past chairman of the Gender Policy Unit and the immediate past dean of the Postgraduate School in her second tenure. Oti is a professor of soil science and environmental conservation. She has served as a consultant to various government agencies, including TETFund and Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority.
Vice Chancellor of FUTO
Oti made history on April 13, 2021, when she was elected as the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, replacing Francis Chukwuemeka Eze when his tenure expired on June 19, 2021. Oti emerged victorious after defeating six other candidates and scoring 75.5 percent to beat her closest rival, Ikechukwu Dozie, who scored 69.7 percent. She is now the first female Vice Chancellor of the institution and an immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic.
Challenges as Vice Chancellor
Oti's administration faced criticism in 2021 for appointing the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, a Professor without following due process. The Alumni Association of FUTO called the award a deception and called on the University management to reconsider the appointment. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also described the promotion of Ali Isa Pantami to a professor as "illegal" and promised to sanction Oti.
Personal Life
Oti is married to Nnannaya Oti, and they have three children.
Conclusion
Nnenna Nnannaya Oti has made history by becoming the first female Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri. With her rich educational background and experience, Oti is poised to transform FUTO into a world-class institution. Despite the challenges facing her administration, Oti remains focused on promoting academic excellence, research innovation, and community development.