FUTO Governing Council Ratifies Appointment of Three Deputy Vice-Chancellors

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has ratified the appointment of three new Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) for the University.

Council ratified the appointments at its 201st meeting held on Friday, 23rd October, 2026. The ratification follows the earlier approval of the appointments by the University Senate at its 528th meeting held on Thursday, 30th July, 2026 in line with the University’s procedures.

The DVCs are Engr. Prof. Remy Uche as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof. Chika Crescence Ogueke as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); and Prof. Edeheudim B. Etuk as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation).

The three appointments bring together a wealth of academic, professional, and administrative experience across engineering, food science and animal science, respectively, as the University continues to strengthen its leadership and pursue its strategic objectives.

Meet Engr. Prof. Remy Uche – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Engr. Prof. Uche is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering with nearly three decades of experience in teaching, research, engineering practice, and university administration. He holds a B.Eng. in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, an M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (Industrial and Production) and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering.

A Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FNIMechE) and Nigerian Institution of Industrial Engineers (FNIIndE), he has held several leadership positions at FUTO.

His previous appointments include Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology; Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Director, Public Procurement Research Centre; Acting Director, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office; and Acting Dean, Student Affairs. He also served on the University's 10th Governing Council and Senate.

Beyond FUTO, Prof. Uche has served on the Governing Board of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), led a Presidential Visitation Panel and served on the Technical Board of the Prototype Engineering Development Institute, Ilesha.

He was also a member of the team that secured US$11 million in World Bank funding for the establishment of FUTO's Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards.

Prof. Chika Crescence Ogueke – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)

Prof. Ogueke is a Professor of Food Microbiology, with specialisation in food fermentation, food safety, and related areas of food science. He holds a B.Sc. degree from the University of Benin and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from FUTO. He attained the rank of Professor in 2017.

A Registered Food Scientist, he has built an academic career spanning teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision, alongside significant administrative responsibilities within the University.

His previous leadership positions include Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, and Director of Research, FUTO. These roles have afforded him experience in research management, entrepreneurship development and institutional administration.

His appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) brings this blend of academic and administrative experience to the University's management structure.

Prof. Edeheudim B. Etuk – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation)

Prof. Etuk is a Professor of Animal Science, specialising in Animal Nutrition, alternative feed resources, and sustainable livestock production. A First-Class graduate of FUTO, he holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Nutrition, and attained the rank of Professor in 2016. He was also recognised as an Outstanding Alumnus of the Australian Awards–Africa Fellowship in 2014.

A Registered Animal Scientist, his research interests span animal nutrition, poultry production, innovative feeding systems, and food security.

He has served FUTO in several academic and administrative capacities, including Head, Department of Animal Science and Technology; Director, Quality Assurance; Deputy Director, Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension; Associate Dean, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology; University Alumni Officer; and Associate Dean, Student Affairs.

His experience in research, quality assurance, student development and university administration provides a strong foundation for his new responsibility in advancing the University's research, development, and innovation agenda.

The ratification of the three appointments formalises their emergence as members of the University's senior management team, with responsibilities covering the core areas of academic administration, institutional administration, and research, development and innovation.