As the female Vice Chancellor in a popular university, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti broke barriers and shattered stereotypes.
This is not just about achieving a milestone. It is also about paving the way for future generations of women to dream bigger and achieve more.
She succeeds the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Professor Francis Eze.
Apart from this feat, she has singled herself out as a patriotic Nigerian when some other professors employed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made people wonder their role in the irregularities in the general elections.
A Retuning Officer Of Class
Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti was the Returning Office of INEC in Abia State. In fact she declared the result of the governorship election.
The wait ended on Wednesday in Abia State after she declared the Labour Party candidate winner of the governorship election.
Her role in the process, crested her name in the mind of many Nigerians, with an indelible gold ink.
The People’s Votes And Mandate Shall Stand
While delivering her duty, she emphasised her position, as a God-fearing mother who wants the good of the state.
She had made a patriotic statement that left everyone in the hall calm and attentive.
You see, the issues around the results in the state, required the wisdom of Solomon to handle.
But the Professor, who many now say could do well as the Chairperson of INEC, delivered the will of the people.
She had promised the voters in the state that she would do the right thing to protect the will of the people and Nigeria’s democratic values.
“I shall stand squarely and unapologetically on these principles. The people’s votes and mandate shall stand.
“The pastor and the mother in me will not permit me to do anything that will adversely affect the future of our children,” she told the residents at the collation centre in Abia State.
That promise resulted in a shift of power from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Labour Party.
Really, we know you need to know this amazing woman better. As a result, we have put together for you five amazing facts about Professor Nnenna.
We like to call her ‘daughter of the Soil‘ and you will find out why soon.
1. Academic Achievement
She earned a Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric) in Soil Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN (with First Class Honors).
A Masters in Soil Science (Soil Biology and Biochemistry Option) from UNN
A Postgraduate Diploma in Irrigation Engineering (with Distinction) from Catholic University Leuven, Belgium
Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Conservation from FUTO.
2. Teaching Experience
Professor Nnenna has over 34 years of academic, teaching, research, and administration experience in the Nigerian university system, as well as international exposure.
She is a Professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation.
She is a three-time Head of the Department of Soil Science and Technology in the School of Agricultural and Agriculture Technology (SAAT) and the immediate past chairman of the Gender Policy Unit.
3. Place Of Birth
Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti was born on November 15, 1958, in Afikpo-North, Ebonyi State.
4. Honours/Awards
- 2004–2006: Post-Doctoral Fellowship Award, Ebonyi State Government of Nigeria
- 1978–1982: Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award
- 1982: Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Agriculture, UNN
- 1982: U.A.C. of Nigeria Prize for Best Student in Agriculture
You should also read: 5 Amazing Things You Don’t Know About Pastor Adeboye
These are a few of Professor Oti’s awards.
5. Vice Chancellor
Professor Oti is the 8th substantive vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Before her appointment, she was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Now, you know more about the woman that Abia State residents now hold in high esteem.
