FUTA Appoints New Provost and Deputy Provost for College of Health Sciences

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced the appointment of Professor Olusegun Ojo as Provost and Professor Victor Ukwenya as Deputy Provost of its College of Health Sciences. This leadership transition takes effect from August 1, 2024, for a period of two years.

Professor Olusegun Ojo, a distinguished Professor of Pathology at Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences in Ile Ife, brings a wealth of experience as a Consultant Pathologist to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1983 and completed his postgraduate training in Pathology, attaining the Fellowship of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College in 1989. Ojo further enhanced his qualifications by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2021.

Since 1990, Professor Ojo has focused his research and clinical efforts on Gastroenterology, particularly the diseases of the liver and digestive tract. He has played a crucial role in fostering a network of researchers in this specialty across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, he has held leadership positions as President of the Society for the Gastroenterology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) and the Africa Middle East Association of Gastroenterology (AMAGE), which is affiliated with the World Gastroenterology Organisation.

A prolific author, Professor Ojo has published extensively in international journals on Gastroenterology. He also served as the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Tropical Pathology, the premier Journal of Pathology in Africa, and authored the textbook “Essential Pathology for Clinical Students in the Tropics.”

On the other hand, Professor Victor Ukwenya holds multiple degrees in Anatomy—a BSc, MSc, and PhD from the University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, and the University of Ilorin, respectively. He began his academic career as a Teaching Assistant in 2007 at the University of Lagos and progressed through various teaching and leadership roles across multiple institutions, including Bowen University and Ekiti State University, before joining FUTA in 2016. Professor Ukwenya rose to the rank of Reader in 2019 and became a full professor in 2022.

As the pioneer Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS) at FUTA, Ukwenya has demonstrated significant leadership through various roles, including acting Head of the Department of Human Anatomy and Chair of both the Committee of Heads of Departments and the School Academic Board.

With over 70 research publications in reputable journals, Professor Ukwenya is an active member of professional bodies in his field. He has been awarded numerous research grants and fellowships, contributing significantly to the academic growth of FUTA. His extensive experience includes serving as an external examiner for numerous universities in Nigeria and South Africa, where he has played a pivotal role in mentoring students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.