Born in a Christian family of late Igboejesi Owuama and Mrs Mabel Owuama in Umuobom Umunkwo Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo Sate. Did his primary education at Salvation Army school Aba and secondary education at St Augustine’s Grammar School Nkwerre. Attended University of Ibadan for the Bachelor degree, Imperial College for the Master degree while the Doctorate degree was obtained from the University of Benin.
As an academic staff of Federal University of Technology Owerri, he became a Professor in 2016 and had served as Acting Head of Department of Environmental Technology, Dean of School of Environmental Sciences and Director of Institute of Erosion Studies. Had served at various capacities in Committees and Panels set up by either the School Board or Senate of the University. Delivered the 17th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled ‘Foundation Engineering in a Difficult Environment.
Outside the academic arena, he is the serving President of Umunkwo Clan Council of Chiefs and a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Academic Qualification
BSc (Geology), MSc (Geotechnical Engineering), DIC (Mineral Resources Engineering), PhD (Civil Engineering), MNSE, MNGS, AAAS, NYAS, FCA, FIA.
Honours/Awards
: Highest ranked paper, 6th congress, IAEG Amsterdam Holland, 1990; Elected, Active Member, New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) New York, 1996; Elected, International professional member, American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), New York, 1996; Listed, 16/17th Edition, Marquis Who’s Who in the World, NJ, USA, 1999; Listed, 5th Edition, Marquis Who’s Who in Science & Engineering, NJ, USA, 2000; Listed, 2nd Edition outstanding people of the 20th Century”, IBC, Cambridge, England, 2000; Listed, 1st edition, “2000 Outstanding intellectual of the 20th century”. IBC, Cambridge England, 2000; Listed, 28th edition, “Dictionary of International Biography:, IBC, Cambridge England, 2000; Selected, “500 outstanding scholar and experts”, pioneers to the 21st century, IBC Cambridge England, 2000; Selected, 1000 world leaders of influence, ABI, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, 2000; Nominated, Universal award of accomplishment, American Biographical Institute, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, 2000; Conferred, Honorary Chieftaincy Title, DuruOnyirigbo II of Umunkwo by HRH, Eze D. O. IZIM, Oparankwo II of Umunkwo Autonomous Community, 2011; Statesman Community Award. Government of Imo State, Nigeria, 2011.
Affiliations
Courses Assigned to Teach
Started his teaching career at River State University in 1985, after industrial experiences with Shawmont Consulting Engineers and Samek Construction company at various times. Joined the academic staff of the Department of Civil Engineering FUTO in 1992 and then Department of Environmental Technology in 2000. Has been a Consultant, for over 35 years, to Multinational Companies, UNDP, World Bank, Government Parastatals, Federal/State Ministries and Oil Services Companies in the areas of Geotechnical Engineering, as well as Flood and Erosion control.
Research Interest
Geotechnical investigations, Foundation Engineering, Flood routing, Erosion control, Drainage systems.
Publications
Published over 60 articles in learned journals and refereed international conference proceedings including chapters in professional books. The publications are mainly in the fields of Geotechnical investigation, Foundation Engineering, Flood routing, Erosion Control and Drainage systems.