Prof Nnenna Oti, the first female FUTO VC who conquered odds to declare Alex Otti as governor-elect

Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya-Oti has received praises from Nigerians after declaring Labour Party governorship candidate, Alex Otti as the winner of the 2023 Abia election.

Before announcing the winner of the poll, she expressed confidence that democracy remains the right way of government and the will of the people shall stand.

She mentioned that nothing would convince her do anything that will affect the future of the children as she promised to do right by God and man.

"The rule of law, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness etc. I shall stand squarely, unapologetically on this principles. Therefore, the people's voice and mandate shall stand. The pastor in me, and the mother in me also will not permit me to do anything that will affect the future of our children. I shall do right by God and by man," she said.

The professor also stated that she had received a call from the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu on the proper way to proceed, adding that she will abide by all INEC guidelines.

The Abia state election results was declared on Wednesday, March 22 after days of collation. This brought about massive jubilation on the streets of Abia state.

Reacting to the declaration, many took to social media to applaud her for her confidence and truthfulness and ensuring that the peoples mandate was reclaimed.

Below are some things to know about Professor Nnenna Oti as published by Infoguideafrica.com.

1. Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Prof Nnenna Oti is the first female VC of the institution that has existed for more than 40 years.

2. Prof. (Mrs) Nnenna Nnannaya Oti was born on the 15th of November, 1958 in Afikpo North Ebonyi State.

3. She holds a Bachelor of Agriculture degree (B.Agric) in Soil Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN; (First Class Honours), Masters in Soil Science (Soil Biology and Biochemistry Option), UNN; a Postgraduate Diploma in Irrigation Engineering (Distinction) from Catholic University Leuven, Belgium and capped her academic laurels with a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Conservation from FUTO.

4. Prof. Oti has over 34yrs in academics, teaching research and administration in the Nigerian university system with international exposure.

5. She is a Professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation. She is a three-time Head of the Department of Soil Science and Technology in the School of Agricultural and Agriculture Technology (SAAT) and the immediate past chairman, Gender Policy Unit.

6. Prof Nnenna Oti is married to Dr Nnannaya Oti and blessed with 3 children.

Prof Nnenna Oti Honours/Awards
1. 2014: Delegate, 2014 National Conference representing Ebonyi/South East

2. 2003: Best PhD Thesis in Nigeria (2002) Award – National Universities Commission, NUC, Nigeria Doctoral Thesis Award Scheme (NUDTAS).

3. 2004: Certificate OF Merit, Federal University of Technology, Owerri for producing the best PhD Dissertation in Soil Science in Nigeria (2002) by the National Universities Commission’s rating.

4. 2004 – 2006: Post Doctoral Fellowship Award, Ebonyi State Government of Nigeria.

5. 1978 – 1982: Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award

6. 1982: Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Agriculture, UNN

7. 1977: Imo State Government Student Scholarship Award

8. 1982: U.A.C. of Nigeria Prize for Best Student in Agriculture

9. 1982: Best Graduating Student, Department of Soil Science

10. 1986 – 1987: European Economic Community Scholarship (EEC) for Developing Countries in Katholic University, Leuven, Belgium

11. 1996 – 1997: World Bank Grant for Overseas Development for Academic Staff in Nigeria Scholarship Scheme for PhD Universities. Lome III Project.

12. 1997 – 2002: Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria Staff Scholarship for PhD Studies.

Watch her declare the Abia state results.