Prof. (Mrs.) Helen Ogechi Obikaonu is a native of Umunumo in Ehime- Mbano Local Government Area in the South Eastern Imo State of Nigeria. She was born on March 13th, 1969.
She attended Isiore Primary School, Umuezeala Owerre, Ehime-Mbano (1976-81), Girls High School, Ehime-Mbano (1981-1987); the Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State (1990 -1996; 1999 – 2002; 2003- 2009). She obtained her Bachelor of Agric. Technology (B.Agric. Tech) in Animal Production Technology in 1996, Master of Science degree (MSc.) in Animal Management in 2002 and the PhD degree in 2010, all from the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
She joined the services of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, as Research Assistant in 1999 in the Institute of Erosion Studies of the University. In 2001, she was transferred to the Department of Animal Science and Technology of the University as Graduate Assistant. She got promoted to the rank of assistant lecturer in 2003, lecturer II in 2006, lecturer I in 2009, Senior Lecturer in 2012, Reader in 2015 and promoted to the Prestigious Rank of a full Professor in 2020.
Prof. (Mrs.) Obikaonu has been deeply involved in the University academic and administrative work. She has been a very strong member of the School Board of Studies, member of the Curriculum Development for Establishment and take-off of Department of Forestry and Wildlife of the University, an academic adviser to 500 level undergraduates of the Department, member of school farm advisory committee, financial secretary.
Alumni Association 2004-2007, Member of the Welfare committee of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri branch chapter, Member local organizing committee for the 5th International conference on Organic Agriculture from 15th-19th November 2009, Chairman Department of Animal Science welfare committee 2014 to date, Member Seminar/Workshop/Training 2014/2015, Member farm steering committee 2014/2015, Member SAAT Committee on Sanitation/Clean Environment from 2017 to date, Member L.O.C 43rd Annual Conference of Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) held at Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, from 18-22nd March, 2018, Dean SAAT Representative to School of Basic Studies Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Members L.O.C. 2019 Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World Conference (South Eastern Nigeria), Member Electoral Committee for 2019 Deanship Election for School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Member Departmental Curriculum Committee from 2017 to date, Member Academic Staff Union of Universities (FUTO Chapter) Committee on Gender and Civil Society 2019 to date and appointed a Deputy Director Linkages and Advancement Federal University of Technology Owerri (2011-2013) and Ag Head, Department of Animal Science and Technology (2019-2022). She is also an active member of relevant professional bodies. She is a Member of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production(NSAP) 2000 to date, Member Agricultural Society of Nigeria(ASN) 2002 to date, Member world Poultry Science Association(WAPSA) 2005 to date, Member of the African Women Leaders in Agriculture and Environment(AWLAE) 2006 to date, Member Animal Science Association of Nigeria(ASAN) 2000 to date, Member Gender and Diversity 2008 to date, Registered Member, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science and Registered Member, Organization of Woman in Science for the Developing World, 2013 to date.
As a vibrant and dynamic academic, Prof. (Mrs.) Obikaonu has supervised over 54 undergraduate projects, 4 postgraduate theses, has over 35 publications to her name, attended 32 Professional workshops/conferences both local and international and belongs to 8 learned societies.
At the community level, Prof. (Mrs.) Obikaonu has demonstrated that higher academic qualification should not be for the University environment alone. She has been very active in various groups and organizations. She is the SecretaryGeneral of Umunumo Development Union Home and Abroad (Women Wing), Secretary, Christian Women Organization of Holy Trinity Parish World bank Housing Estate New Owerri. She is a lady of the Knight of St. John International (LAUX).
She is married to Chief Sir Clement C. Obikaonu, Rtd Director of Schools Imo State Education Management board and the marriage is blessed with 8 lovely children.