Meet Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti – The Academic Icon and Guardian of Electoral Integrity

Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti was born on 15 November 1958 in Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. She hails from an Igbo family and her upbringing and Christian faith have been noted as foundational influences on her character and principles. 

Her academic journey reflects exceptional achievement:

B.Sc (First Class Honours) in Soil Science – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

M.Sc in Soil Science (specializing in Soil Biology and Biochemistry) – UNN. 

Postgraduate Diploma in Irrigation Engineering (Distinction) – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. 

Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Conservation – Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), earning the National Universities Commission (NUC) Best Ph.D. Thesis Award in 2002.

Throughout her studies, she received several scholarships and honours, including Federal Government Merit Awards, best student prizes, and external research grants.

Professor Oti has spent over three decades in academia, particularly at Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), where she built a notable academic and administrative career.

Beyond academia, Professor Oti has been acknowledged for her strong ethical stance.

Notably, she served as the Returning Officer for the 2023 Abia State Governorship Election, where she was widely praised for resisting pressure to compromise the electoral process and upheld the integrity of the results.

Academic Roles and Leadership:

Professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation. 

Head of Department, Soil Science and Technology (served three times).

Dean, Postgraduate School (two terms). 

Chairman, Gender Policy Unit. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) – FUTO. 

Member and Chair of various University Senate and Council committees.

In April 2021, Professor Oti emerged as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) after a competitive selection process where she scored the highest among seven finalists. She officially assumed office on 19 June 2021. This appointment made her the first female substantive Vice-Chancellor in the history of FUTO.

Professor Oti is married to Dr. Nnannaya Oti, and they have three children. She balances her professional commitments with family life and community responsibilities.