A new chapter has opened at Federal University of Technology Owerri following the formal assumption of office by Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie as the institution’s 9th substantive Vice Chancellor.
The official handover ceremony, held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the University Council Chambers, marked the end of the five-year administration of Prof. Nnenna N. Otti and the beginning of a new leadership era under Professor Dozie.
The event attracted members of the university community and stakeholders who welcomed the incoming Vice Chancellor with enthusiasm and high expectations for the institution’s future.
Shortly after signing in and formally taking over office, Professor Dozie reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the university’s development agenda.
Speaking during a media interaction, he expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hope Uzodimma, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the university’s 13th Governing Council led by Jack Tilley-Gyado for the confidence reposed in him.
He also thanked members of the FUTO community and supporters of the institution, while calling for collective commitment towards strengthening the university and delivering sustainable progress.
Professor Dozie comes into the role with extensive experience in university administration. Until his appointment, he served as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, where his leadership was widely associated with institutional growth and efforts to raise the university’s academic profile and visibility.
His tenure at KOMU concluded on May 18, 2026.
A Professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology as well as a Public Health specialist, Professor Dozie is regarded by many in the tertiary education sector as bringing significant administrative experience to the role, with expectations that his leadership will further position FUTO for growth and academic advancement.
