The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced the appointment of eminent scholars to pivotal roles within its College of Health Sciences.
Effective from August 1, 2024, Professor Olusegun Ojo, a renowned authority in pathology, will assume the position of Provost, while Professor Victor Ukwenya will serve as Deputy Provost. Both appointments are set for a tenure of two years.
Professor Olusegun Ojo, a distinguished Professor of Pathology from the Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences, Ile Ife, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a solid foundation in medicine, having earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1983, he further honed his expertise by achieving the Fellowship of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College in 1989.
His academic journey culminated in earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2021.
Professor Ojo’s career has been characterized by a deep commitment to the study of gastroenterology, focusing on liver and digestive tract diseases. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing a robust network of researchers across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
He has held prestigious positions such as President of the Society for the Gastroenterology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) and the Africa Middle East Association of Gastroenterology (AMAGE), affiliated with the World Gastroenterology Organisation. Professor Ojo’s extensive publication record in international gastroenterology journals and his role as founding Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Tropical Pathology underscore his contributions to the field. He is also the author of the influential textbook “Essential Pathology for Clinical Students in the Tropics.”
Standing alongside Professor Ojo in leadership is Professor Victor Ukwenya, whose academic prowess and dedication have been pivotal in shaping the field of anatomy. Professor Ukwenya’s impressive academic credentials include a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Anatomy from the University of Ilorin and University of Lagos. His teaching career began in 2007 at the University of Lagos, eventually leading him to the Department of Human Anatomy at FUTA, where he ascended from Senior Lecturer to Professor by 2022 through remarkable dedication and skill.
Professor Ukwenya’s leadership roles at FUTA have been numerous, including serving as the pioneer Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences and acting Head of the Department of Human Anatomy since 2016. His academic contributions are further highlighted by over 70 research publications and numerous research grants and fellowships.
As a member of the Senate and an external examiner to universities in Nigeria and South Africa, Professor Ukwenya has had a profound impact on both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
These appointments underscore FUTA’s commitment to advancing its College of Health Sciences under the stewardship of two highly respected scholars, poised to drive innovation and excellence in health sciences education and research.