Prof. Helen Ogechi Obikaonu


Prof. Helen Ogechi Obikaonu

Professor

B. Agric. Tech., MSc., PhD
Email: helen.obikaonu@futo.edu.ng

Biography

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.

Academic Qualification

  • PhD (Animal Management), – 2010
  • MSc. (Animal Management), – 2002
  • Agric.Tech (Animal Production) (Second Class Honours Lower Division) – 1996
  • West African School Certificate, – 1987
  • First School Leaving Certificate, – 1981

Honours/Awards

Honors

  • Young Star Award by the Catholic women Organization St. Charles Catholic Parish Umunumo Ehime Mbano 2006.
  • Star Mother Award by the Catholic Women Organization Holy Trinity Catholic Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2012.
  • Ezinwanyi Di uko Award by the Catholic Men Organization Holy Trinity Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2016
  • Lolo omemma of Umunumo ancient kingdom 2021 by Eze Udo II of Umunumo ancient kingdom.
  • Ugosimba by the Catholic women Organization St. Charles Catholic Parish Umunumo Ehime Mbano 2022.
  • Ezinne Merit Award by the Holy Trinity Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2021.
  • Award of Excellence by Block Rosary the Holy Trinity Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2022.
  • Special Parent by CYON Holy Trinity Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2016.
  • Special Friend of Mary by the Mary League Girls Holy Trinity Parish World Bank Housing Estate New Owerri 2017.

 

Awards

  • Awardee of the African Women Leaders in Agriculture and Environment Scholarship through the Ford foundation amount: $4000
  • 1st Awardee for the best Ph. D research proposal by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) in 2006, amount receved: 1500,000.0
  • Received a research grant from the University senate to carry out a research project on the study of integrated poultry /pig farming as an intensive management strategy for poultry and pig production in Nigeria.2002-2003, Amount received: N400,000.00
  • Received a Research grant from the University senate to carry out a research project on The study of Deep Litter managed broiler starter fed Neem leaf meal.2005-2006, Amount: 100,000.00

 

Affiliations

  • Member, Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP)
  • Member, Agriculture Society of Nigeria (ASN)
  • Member, World Poultry Science Association (WAPSA)
  • Member, Packard Initiative Networking Group-Southeast Nigeria (PING-SEN)
  • Member, African Women Leaders in Agriculture and Environment
  • Registered Animal Scientist (RAS)
  • Registered Member, Nigerian Institute of Animal  Science
  • Registered Member, Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World, 2013 to date.

Courses Assigned to Teach

Undergraduate (Bsc.)

  • Introduction to Agriculture    –   (AGR203)
  • Principles of Animal Production   –    (AST201)       
  • Principles of Animal Production 11    –    (AST 202)
  • Elements of Crop and Animal Production    –     (AGR 307)
  • Elements of Animal Production    –    (AST304)
  • Poultry Production and Hatchery Technology    –   (AST 505)
  • Sheep and Goat Production    –    (AST 507)
  • Farm Practice vi   –    (AGR 501)
  • Rabbit and Mini livestock Production    –    (AST 512)

Postgraduate Courses (Msc., And Phd)

  • Livestock Production Systems     –     (AST835)
  • Livestock Housing and Environmental Management      –     (AST836)
  • Development in Livestock Housing and Environmental   –    (AST 914)
  • Vitamins, Minerals and additives    –    (APR 609)
  • Poultry and Rabbit Production    –    (AST 610)

Experience

Twenty years Teaching and Professional experience.

Research Interest

Alternative feed resources

Publications

  1. Udedibie, A.B.I., O.O. Emenalom and O. Obikaonu. 2001. Comparative evaluation of Nigerian and Brazilian Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) Seeds as feed ingredients in broiler diets. Intl. J. Agric. Rural Devt., 2:9 –13
  2. Udedibie, A.B.I., K.C. Okorie AND O. Obikaonu. 2001. Effects of partial replacement of concentrate feed with Centrosema pubescens and Tridax procumbens leaf meals on performance of weaner rabbit. Intl. J. Agric. Rural Devt., 2:72 – 77
  3. O. Obikaonu, I. C. Okoli, M. N. Opara and A. B. I. Udedibie (2004). Observation on the patho-physiological responses of pigs raised under integrated Broiler/pig production system. Intl. Bull. Amin. Hlth. Prod. Afr. (52) 111 – 118.
  4. O. Obikaonu and A. B. I. Udedibie (2004). Performance of growing pigs and finisherbroilers housed together. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 31 (1), 40 – 44.
  5. B.I Udedibie, C. A. Essien and H. O. Obikaonu (2005). Comparative performance of young growing rabbits fed diets containing cracked and cooked Jackbean and Jackbean soaked in water prior to cooking. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 32 (2): 261 – 267.
  6. Esonu,B.O, Opara, M.N, Okoli, I.C, Obikaonu, H.O, Udedibie, C. Iheshiulor O O M (2006). Physiological Response of Laying Birds to Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal-Based Diets: Body Weight Orga Characteristics and Haemotology. Online Journal of Health and Allied Science.(5) : 1-7, http://cogprint.ecs.soton.ac.uk/view/sublects/OJHAS.html.
  7. O. Obikaonu and A.B. I Udedibie (2006). Comparative Evaluation of Sundried cassava peel meal and ensiled cassava peel meal as substitute for maize in broiler starter diets Int.J. of Agriculture and rural development Vol.7.No2. pg 52-58
  8. S. Durunna, A. I. Osegbue, A.B.I. Udedibie and H.O. Obikaonu (2006). Evaluation of production parameters and nutrient utilization of Hens fed Rations containing Anthonata macrophyla seed meal J. of. Animal production Research Advances (APRA)
  9. Ezeokeke, C. T., Obikaonu, H. O., Eluma H.O. and Ogbogu P. A. (2009). Performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed containing graded levels of palm oil supplemented with vitamin E. Nig. Agric. J. 40(1): 206-213.
  10. Ezeokeke, C. T., Durunna C.S., Uchegbu M.C., Obikaonu H.O. and Okoro. V.M. (2009). Local fowl and their egg quality in six Local Government Areas in Imo State. Nig. Poult. Sci.J., 6:57-64.
  11. Uchegbu, M. C., Ibekwe, A. O., Ogbewu I. P., Obikaonu, H. O., Nwaodu C. H., and Okoli, I.C. (2009). Feed intake and growth rate by finisher broiler fed diets containing raw and cooked Napolenona imperialis seed meal. Revista cientifica UDO Agricola, 9(2): 1-4.
  12. Obikaonu, H.O., Okereke C.A., Ezeokeke C.T. and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2010). Nutritional evaluations and the effect of ensiled and sundried cassava peel meals on the performance of finisher broilers. Anim. Production Research Advances, 6(4): 291-295.
  13. T Ezeokeke, C,S Durunna, M.C Uchegbu, H.O Obikaonu and I.C Okoli (2010). Farmers Profile, Local Fowl and their Egg Quality in Imo State, Nigeria. Would rural organization 2(2):43-47.
  14. Ogbuewu, I.P., Odoemenam, V.U., Obikaonu, H.O., Opara, M.N., Emenalom, O.O., Uchegbu, M.C., Okoli, I. C., Esonu, B.O. and Iloeje, M.U. (2011). The growing Importance of neem (Azadirachta indica. A. Juss) in Agriculture, Industry, Medicine and Environment: A Review.
  15. Okoro, V.M.O., Ogundu, U. E., Ogbuewu, I. P., Obikaonu, H. O. and Emenyonu, C. (2011). Effect of sex and systems of production on the haematological and serum biochemical characters of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris pallas) in south eastern Nigeria. Int’l. J. Biosciences (IJB), 1(3): 51-56.
  16. Obikaonu, H, O., Uchegbu, M. C., Durunna, C. S. and Udedibie, A. B. I. (2011). Performance and economics of production of deep litter managed starter broilers fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal. Int’l. J. Agric. and Rur. Devt., 14 (1): 483-489.
  17. Obikaonu, H.O., Okoli, I.C., Opara, M.N., Okoro, V.M.O., Ogbuewu, I.P., Etuk, E.B., and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2011). Haematological and serum biochemical indices of starter broilers fed Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal. Online J. Anim. and Feed Res.,1(4):150-154.
  18. Udedibie, A. B. I., Chukwurah, O. J., Enyenihi, G. E., Obikaonu, H. O. and Okoli, I. C. (2012). The use of sun-dried cassava tuber meal, brewers’ dried grains and palm oil simulate maize in the diet of laying hens. Int’l. J. Agric. Tech. (IJAT),8 (4): 1269-1276.
  19. Obikaonu, H. O. (2012). Evaluation of the nutritional value of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on the performance of finisher broilers. Int’l. J. Agric. Rur. Devt. 15(3) :1235-1239.
  20. Obikaonu, H. O., Okeudo, N. J., Okoli, I. C. and Udedibie, A. B. I. (2013). Carcass and internal organ characteristics of finisher broilers fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves meal. Int’l. J. of Agricultural Technology, 3(7):1759-1767.
  21. Anyaegbu, B.C., Esonu, B.O., Okoli, I.C., Obikaonu, H.O. and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2013). Use of fermented cassava tuber meal palm kernel cake and brewers’ dried grains to produce maize free low- cost diets for broilers. Into’ l J.Agric. Rur.Devt.,16 (2):1565-1571.
  22. Obikaonu, H.O., Mmeremikwu, V.M., Odoemena, V.U., Etuk, I.F., Okoli, I.C and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2013). Haematological and serum biochemical indices of finisher broilers fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal. Int’l. J. Agric. Rur. Devt., 17(1):1641-1647.
  23. Okere, P. C., Etuk, E. B., Obikaonu, H.O., Okoro, V.M.O. and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2013). Evaluation of sundried cassava fufu and as a source of dietary energy for finisher broilers. Int’l. J. Agric. & Rur. Dev., 17(1):1635-1640.
  24. Etuk, I. F., Ogbuenu, I. P. Okoli I. C Etuk, E. B., Iwuji., T. C., Obikaonu, H. O., Opara, M.N., and Odoemelam, V. O (2014). Quality of different water sources used in poultry and piggery farms in south eastern Nigeria. Int’l. J. Agric. & Rur. Dev., 17(2) 1847-1852.
  25. Asiegwu, A.C., Enyenihi, G.E., Obikaonu, H.O., Emenalom, O.O., Okoli, I.C., Okoro, V.M.O. and Udedibie, A.B.I. (2013). Effect of dietary intake of Garcinia kola seed meal (GKSM) on internal organs of Juvenile rabbits. Int.’l J. Agric. and Biosciences, 2(5):302-305.
  26. Uchegbu M. C., Onwuka K. C., Okoli I. C., Obikaonu H. O., Ahiwe E. U. (2015). Performance of starter broilers fed raw and cooked napoleona imperialis seed diets. Int’l J.Agric.& Rur. Dev.
  27. Odoemelam, V. U., Ahiwe, E. U., Ekwe, C. C., Obikaonu, H.O. and Obi, J. I. (2015). Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of west African dwarf (wad) bucks fed panicum maximum supplemented concentrate containing Bambara nut vigna subterranean meal. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
  28. Obikaonu H.O., and Udedibie A.B.I., (2015)., Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachtaindica) leaf meal in diets of black leghorn laying hens for protein sustainability and national development. Int’l J. of Agricultural Technology. (IJAT). VOL. II (5): 1089-1095.
  29. Udedibie, A.B.I., Peter-Nwachukwu, F.I. and Obikaonu, H.O. (2015). Use of Qualitative Feed Restriction as a Management Strategy for Finishing Broilers. Nig. J. Anim. Prod., Vol. 42: (2) 151-157.
  30. Ahiwe, E.U., Okere, P.C., Egenuka, F.C., Obikaonu H.O.; Kadurumba O.E; Ekeledo, P.O.; Okehie, U.N. 2015. Involvement of Women in Poultry Production: A veritable way for Poverty Reduction in Nigeria. Int’l J. Agric. And Rur. Development.
  31. K. Chukwukaelo, N.O. Aladi, N.J. Okeudo, H.O. Obikaonu, I.P. Ogbuewu & amp; I.C. Okoli (2017); Performance and Meat Quality Characteristics of Broilers Fed Fermented Mixture of Grated Cassava Roots and Palm Kernel Cake as Replacement for Maize. Tropical Anim. Health and Production.
  32. Obikaonu, H. O., Obiora, S. N. and Obiagwu, P. (2020); Evaluation of Different Litter Materials on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Intensively Managed Finisher Broiler Chickens. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 47(3):59-66.
  33. Amaefule, R. A., Etuk, I. F, Iwuji, T. C., Ogbuewu, I. P., Obikaonu, O. H. and Amaefula, K.U. (2020); Haematological Indices of Grower Pigs Fed Low Protein and Low Energy Diets Supplemented with Multi-Enzyme. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 47(1): 167-173.
  34. Iwuji, T. C., Herbert, U., Oguike, M. A. and Obikaonu, H. O. (2020); Reproductive Characteristics of Rabbit Bucks Administered Panax ginseng extracts. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 47(3): 50-58.
  35. Meremikwu, V. N. and Obikaonu, H. O. (2020); Effect of Phase Feeding on Performance and Economy of Production of Heavy Broiler Chickens. Nigerian J. Anim. Sci. 22(1):186=193.
  36. Ahiwe, E.U., H.O. Kadurumba, O.E., Iwuji, T.C Emenalom, O.O and Etik, E.B. (2021). Climate change and youth unemployment challenges in Nigeria: The poultry production option. Nig. J. Anim. Prod. 2021,48(4):107-120.
  37. P Ukwu, I.C.Okoli, H.O. Obikaonu and M.C Uchegbu. (2021); Socio-Cultural Characteristics and Feed Additive Usage Habits of Poultry Farmers in Southern Nigeria. Int’l. J. Agric. Rul. Devt., 24(1): 56712-5678.
  38. P Ukwu, I.C.Okoli, H.O. Obikaonu and M.C Uchegbu. (2021); Socio-Cultural, Business Structure and Additive Prescription Characteristics of Agro Service Providers in Southern Nigeria. Int’t. J. Agric. And Rur. Devt., 24(1): 5651-5658.

 

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