Meet Professor John Aroye Okhuoya, Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University

Professor John Aroye Okhuoya, a renowned Professor of Mycology and Mushroom Science, serves as the Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, bringing a distinguished record of academic leadership, innovative administration, and dedicated mentorship that has inspired students and faculty across Nigeria and Africa.

Professor Okhuoya's foundational involvement with the institution began when the late founder, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, appointed him to chair the planning and implementation committee for the establishment of Christian Faith University, now known as Benson Idahosa University. Following its successful launch, he served as the University's Vice President before being appointed as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Senate in October 2024.

As Vice Chancellor, Professor Okhuoya has been instrumental in building a vibrant academic community founded on excellence, innovation, Christian faith, and discipline, steering the university toward a period of significant growth and development.

His leadership extends beyond academia into significant ecclesiastical and organizational spheres. A member of the Church of God Mission International (CGMi) since the early 1970s, he has chaired numerous boards within the church and served for 30 years with Word of Faith. His deep commitment is further demonstrated by his 16-year tenure as Resident Pastor of the Faith Arena, serving under both the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa and the current Archbishop. He also provides strategic guidance as a consultant to various ministries and an adviser to several private universities and colleges of education.

His extensive administrative expertise within academia is evidenced by his prior service in key leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Benin, Member of the University of Benin's Governing Council, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) at the same institution. A founding alumnus of the University of Benin, his career is a testament to the impact of selfless service, hard work, commitment, and intellectual rigour.

Professor Okhuoya is a Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM) and a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (FNIST). He also holds membership in numerous national and international academic professional societies across the Americas, United Kingdom, and Asia.

A prolific author, he has contributed to both academic discourse and Christian literature through a body of published works. Taken together, his achievements in the academy and the church have established him as a highly respected member of the clergy, widely admired for his principled and humble leadership."