By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
In a demonstration of institutional stability, transparency and commitment to academic excellence, the 9th substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, has discharged one of the core statutory responsibilities of her office by selecting qualified Chief Lecturers for screening and nomination as Deputy Rector (Academic), subject to ratification by the Governing Council.
In line with the powers vested in her office by extant regulations, the Rector selected two accomplished Chief Lecturers for the human resource process leading to the appointment of Deputy Rector (Academic). The nominees were Dr. Iwueke Obinna Chukwuma and Dr. Juliana Njoku, the current Director of the Evening Programme Directorate.
In a show of maturity, collegiality and respect for academic seniority, Dr. Juliana Njoku voluntarily stepped down from the process, acknowledging Dr. Iwueke’s longer standing in the academic cadre and his extensive experience. This rare display of professionalism further highlighted the spirit of unity, mutual respect and shared institutional interest that the Rector’s administration continues to promote.
Following this development, the Academic Board of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, at its meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, subjected the nomination to critical appraisal. After exhaustive deliberations, the Board unanimously nominated Dr. Iwueke Obinna Chukwuma as Deputy Rector (Academic), pending ratification by the 15th Governing Council of the institution.
Dr. Iwueke hails from Umunkwo Obazu Mbieri in Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State. He completed his primary education and attended the renowned Government Secondary School, Owerri. His academic journey spans decades of dedicated scholarship and includes an HND in Business Administration and Management from Federal Polytechnic Nekede (1996); a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar (2006); an MBA and MSc in Management from Imo State University (2014); a PhD in Management from Abia State University (2011); and a BSc in Business Administration from Enugu State University (2022). He was also conferred with the title of Professor of Business Administration and Management by World Innovators University, India, in 2023.
Dr. Iwueke joined the service of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in April 2008 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Business Administration and Management. His career progression reflects consistency, merit and dedication, rising through the ranks to Lecturer I in 2011, Senior Lecturer in 2015, Principal Lecturer in 2018, and Chief Lecturer in 2021.
An accomplished scholar, he is actively engaged in personal and institution-based research. He has mentored and supervised students at various academic levels, published 42 scholarly journal articles, participated in 48 local and international conferences, attended numerous academic workshops, and co-authored 20 textbooks.
His administrative and leadership contributions to the Polytechnic are extensive. He has served as Deputy Director, Centre for Gender Studies (2013–2014); Head of Department, Business Administration and Management (2014–2017); Chairman, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee (2016–2019); Director, Office of Polytechnic Development (2019–2024); and Chairman, Curriculum Development Committee (2022–2024). He currently serves as Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence and is a member of the Governing Council, representing the Congregation.
Beyond the campus, Dr. Iwueke is a registered member and fellow of 13 professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), The Academy of Management Nigeria (TAMN), and the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management (IBAKM). He is also actively involved in community development initiatives. A man of faith and service, he is a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) of the Anglican Communion, Owerri Diocese, and a Justice of the Peace (JP). He is happily married, and the marriage is blessed with two children.
The entire nomination process underscores the Rector’s unwavering commitment to due process, meritocracy and institutional harmony. By faithfully discharging her statutory responsibilities, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe has once again reinforced confidence in her leadership and the governance framework of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede.
The Polytechnic community now awaits the ratification of the nomination by the 15th Governing Council, marking another significant milestone in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence and administrative continuity.
