President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Chioma Awuzie as the substantive rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

Chijioke Ibezimako, the polytechnic’s spokesman, confirmed the appointment in Awka on Thursday.

Ms Awuzie is a globally recognised scholar with a rich portfolio of research and publications.

Mr Ibezimako said the appointment of Ms Awuzie as the rector took effect from February 5 for a five-year term.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Awuzie as the polytechnic rector. This follows the recommendation of the institution’s governing council under the chairmanship of Sen. Dr Barnabas Gemade,” he said.

Ms Awuzie holds a doctorate in physical and materials chemistry and is a chief lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology.

Until her appointment, Ms Awuzie was the director in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund projects in the Polytechnic.

She has held several leadership positions in the institution, including head of the Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development, director of the Petroleum, Coal, and Renewable Energy Research Unit, and director of the International Higher Education Academic Organisation.

Ms Awuzie served as coordinator of technical and vocational education and training.

She is a fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and the Institute of Corporate Administration.

She was part of the National Board for Technical Education, which drafted the Renewable Energy Technology curriculum for Nigerian Polytechnics, currently in use.

Ms Awuzie is a philanthropist and has empowered youths, women, and underserved communities through education, skills training, and economic empowerment through her foundation, the Dr. Chioma Awuzie Foundation.

(NAN)