By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
Emotions, tributes, and standing ovations filled the air as the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) community, distinguished alumni, academics, government officials, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the remarkable tenure of Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, whose leadership has become a symbol of excellence, courage, transparency, and transformational service.
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), on Saturday, June 13, 2026, witnessed an outpouring of love, gratitude, and admiration as the institution organized a valedictory thanksgiving service and reception in honour of its 8th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, whose tenure has been widely celebrated as one of the most impactful in the history of the university.
The thanksgiving service, held at the All Saints Chapel, FUTO, attracted an impressive gathering of university administrators, traditional rulers, clergy, academics, alumni, political leaders, captains of industry, students, and friends who came to celebrate a woman fondly known as “Ezi Aha Ka Ego” and “Odiukonamba”, titles that reflect the respect and affection she commands across communities.
Many attendees agreed that they came not merely to honour a departing Vice-Chancellor but to celebrate a rare leader whose unwavering commitment to integrity, scholarship, and service has inspired countless individuals and institutions.
UNAA Owerri Branch Makes a Strong Statement of Solidarity
The University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Owerri Branch, was prominently represented at the event under the leadership of its President, L. M. Alozie, SAN.
Before the rendition of the Alumni Anthem, the Branch Contact and Mobilization Officer, Mazi Okey Njoku, who coordinated the preliminary proceedings, paid special recognition to one of Nigeria’s most revered scholars, Prof. M. O. E. Iwuala, whom he described as a distinguished teacher and mentor whose academic influence spans generations.
In a moment that drew admiration from attendees, Prof. Iwuala was recognized as a teacher who nurtured several university leaders, including former Vice-Chancellors late Prof. C. O. E. Onwuliri, Prof. Jude Njoku, Prof. F. C. Eze, outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nnenna Oti, and the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie.
They were subsequently invited to join members of the alumni association in rendering the Alumni Anthem, symbolizing continuity, mentorship, and academic excellence across generations.
Address by UNAA Owerri Branch President
Speaking during the event, the President of UNAA Owerri Branch, *L. M. Alozie, SAN* , described Prof. Oti as an exceptional leader whose tenure has strengthened public confidence in university administration and ethical leadership.
“Today, we celebrate not only a distinguished Vice-Chancellor but a woman whose life and career embody the finest ideals of the University of Nigeria and the Nigerian university system. Prof. Nnenna Oti has shown that excellence is sustainable when it is anchored on integrity, discipline, transparency, and vision.”
He further noted: “Her leadership has brought honour not only to FUTO but to the entire academic community. Through her courage, especially in moments that tested her convictions, she demonstrated that truth and justice remain the strongest foundations of leadership. Future generations of university administrators will continue to learn from her example.”
An Emotional Response from the Celebrant
Visibly moved by the overwhelming turnout and goodwill messages, Prof. Oti expressed profound gratitude to God, the university community, her family, colleagues, and all those who supported her administration.
Addressing the congregation and guests, she reflected on her years of service with humility and appreciation.
“I return all glory to Almighty God whose grace sustained me throughout this journey. Leadership is never a one-person enterprise. Whatever successes we recorded were possible because of the collective commitment of staff, students, alumni, governing council members, and stakeholders who believed in the vision of a greater FUTO.”
She continued: “I leave office with gratitude and fulfillment, knowing that the institution is stronger today than it was yesterday. My greatest satisfaction is not in the projects completed or awards received, but in the lives touched, opportunities created, and values upheld. I encourage the incoming administration to continue building on the culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and service.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Integrity and Courage
Throughout her tenure, Prof. Oti championed institutional reforms, infrastructural development, research advancement, academic excellence, staff welfare, and global visibility for FUTO.
However, beyond the university environment, she gained national recognition for her unwavering commitment to transparency and due process during the 2023 Abia State Governorship Election, where she served as Returning Officer.
Despite intense pressure and public scrutiny, she remained steadfast in ensuring that the electoral process reflected the will of the people, earning widespread commendation across Nigeria and beyond.
Her principled conduct during the exercise strengthened public confidence in democratic institutions and contributed significantly to the credibility of the process that ultimately produced His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Governor of Abia State.
Observers at the event repeatedly referenced this defining moment as evidence of her courage, patriotism, and commitment to ethical leadership.
Voices of Admiration from Distinguished Attendees
Prof. M. O. E. Iwuala, a veteran scholar praised Prof. Oti’s accomplishments and dedication to scholarship, stating:Â “Every teacher hopes to see his students excel and contribute meaningfully to society. Prof. Oti has exceeded expectations. She has distinguished herself in character, scholarship, leadership, and public service. She remains one of the shining examples of what university education should produce.”
Mr. Ugochukwu Onye, the UNAA Owerri Branch Transport Officer, having travelled from Obowo described the occasion as historic.
According to him, i”This celebration was worth every kilometre travelled. Prof. Oti’s leadership style has inspired confidence in many people. She represents hard work, honesty, and service to humanity. We came to honour excellence, andr excellence is exactly what she represents.”
Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, an Alumna and Rector, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, stated, “What I admire most about Prof. Oti is her humility. Despite her accomplishments and national recognition, she remained approachable and focused on service. She has shown young women and future leaders that integrity remains a valuable asset.
Barr. Amadi, a close family confessed that, “The transformation witnessed in FUTO during her administration is visible for everyone to see. From infrastructure to academic standards and institutional reputation, her tenure has left enduring footprints that future administrations can build upon.”
A Celebration Filled with Joy and Appreciation
The reception that followed at the Prof. C. O. E. Onwuliri Conference Centre was marked by cultural displays, goodwill messages, music, entertainment, and moments of reflection.
Guests were lavishly entertained while tributes continued to pour in from every corner of the university community.
Observers noted that Prof. Oti could hardly conceal her joy and appreciation as she interacted warmly with guests and supporters who had gathered to celebrate her accomplishments.
Particular commendation was extended to members of the UNAA Owerri Branch and other alumni who travelled from different locations to honour one of their own.
The End of a Tenure, The Beginning of a Legacy
As the curtains gradually fall on her tenure as Vice-Chancellor, many believe that Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti’s contributions will continue to resonate far beyond the boundaries of FUTO. Her story remains a compelling testament to what is possible when leadership is guided by integrity, competence, courage, and faith.
For the thousands who gathered to celebrate her on this memorable day, one message stood out clearly: while offices may change hands, legacies endure.
And as the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie who also is a lion takes mantle of leadership as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of FUTO, the UNAA Family wishes him best of tenure while looking forward for more enterprising milestones.
In the annals of FUTO’s history, the name Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti will remain etched as a transformational leader whose service elevated an institution, inspired a nation, and strengthened public trust in leadership.
