Professor Chinwuba Arum Retires from FUTA After 25 Years of Distinguished Service, Takes Up New Role in Namibia

After over two decades of exemplary service, Professor Chinwuba Arum, a leading scholar in Structural Engineering and former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has voluntarily retired to take up a new academic appointment in Namibia.

Professor Arum joined FUTA on September 20, 2000, as a Lecturer II, advancing steadily through the academic ranks: Lecturer I in 2003, Senior Lecturer in 2005, Reader in 2011, and Professor of Structural Engineering in 2014. He concluded his 25-year, four-month, and eleven-day tenure on January 31, 2026, reflecting on FUTA as “the landscape upon which my academic calling matured,” highlighting a journey intertwined with research, administrative leadership, and mentorship.

During his tenure, Professor Arum held several pivotal positions that shaped FUTA’s academic landscape. He served as Acting Head of the Department of Civil Engineering (2009–2011), Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2016–2018), and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies for two consecutive terms (2018–2022). He also acted as Chairman of the University’s Committee of Deans in 2022. Beyond FUTA, he contributed to the development of other institutions, serving as Pioneer Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Elizade University (2013–2014) and at Covenant University, Otta.

Internationally, Professor Arum held visiting and sabbatical appointments at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, under Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps Programme (2006–2008), the Pan African University Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya, and the University of Namibia.

Professor Arum’s research in sustainable construction and structural performance has earned global recognition. He has focused on locally available and low-carbon materials—including lateritic soils, industrial by-products, recycled aggregates, plant-based wastes, PET fibres, and geopolymer binders—to improve the strength and durability of concrete and masonry systems. His work also addresses traditional engineering challenges such as shear resistance, corrosion in reinforced structures, and development of alternative materials like engineered timber. He has contributed significantly to knowledge dissemination through editorial leadership in scholarly collections and conference proceedings centered on sustainable infrastructure and engineering innovation.

A strong advocate for postgraduate education and mentorship, Professor Arum strengthened training systems while nurturing a new generation of engineers and researchers across Africa. His 125th Inaugural Lecture at FUTA stands as a highlight of his reflective and impactful career.

He now assumes the role of Professor in the Department of Civil and Mining Engineering at the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Campus, University of Namibia, where he is expected to continue driving research, postgraduate education, and innovation in engineering.

Looking ahead, Professor Arum encouraged FUTA’s management to continue investing in infrastructure, research facilities, staff welfare, and international collaborations to maintain the university’s position as a leading technological institution. His career exemplifies a rare blend of scholarship, leadership, and service, leaving a legacy that will continue to influence engineering education across the continent.