Mbaise celebrates as Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie takes over as Vice Chancellor at FUTO

Post views: 23

Imo State, 22 June 2026: In a significant event for the Mbaise community, Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, Chairman of the Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), attended the inaugural Thanksgiving mass officiated by His Excellency Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, for Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). The celebration took place at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy in FUTO, founded by another illustrious son of Mbaise, former Vice Chancellor, Prof. COE Onwuliri, and his wife, Her Excellency Prof. Viola Onwuliri. This occasion marked a key transition as Prof. Dozie officially succeeded Prof. Nnenna Oti on 18 June.

Prof. Oparaoji extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Dozie, expressing deep appreciation for his appointment and pledging to work closely together to uplift the communities of Mbaise and Imo states. He described Prof. Dozie as an esteemed member of the MPR and an illustrious son of Mbaise, underscoring the anticipation surrounding his leadership, which is expected to usher in an era of innovation and development at FUTO.

As a recognized scholar and strategist, Prof. Dozie is well positioned to enhance FUTO’s reputation as a top-tier institution, drawing on his extensive experience in academia and administration. His vision aligns perfectly with MPR’s mission to foster development through strategic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of aligning education policies with community needs.

The MPR, a major advisory council to Mbaise based in both New York and Imo State, is eager to collaborate with Prof. Dozie. Members are confident that his mandate will lead to significant advances in research, community engagement and local development initiatives. This partnership aims to harness the collective potential of Mbaise, positioning the region at the forefront of educational and technological advancement.

Other key MPR members present included Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Barr Dr Maxwell Opara, High Chief Emeka Dozie, Hon. Uche Agomuo, Mr Moses Nwagwu and Mr Ikechukwu Anyanwu.

As Prof. Dozie embarks on this pivotal journey, MPR stands ready to support his efforts, inviting all stakeholders to join this collaborative effort for community empowerment and a shared vision for success. The future of FUTO and the Mbaise community shines under his leadership.