Our Vice-Chancellor
PROFESSOR CELESTINE ONYEMOBI ELIHE ONWULIRI KSJ, JP
B.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria), C. Biol., M.l. Biol. (London), FBSN, FNSP, FCIDA, ALOHA
B.Sc., Ph.D. (Nigeria), C. Biol., M.l. Biol. (London), FBSN, FNSP, FCIDA, ALOHA
Professor Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri is a distinguished Professor of Zoology (with specialization in Parasitology). He graduated with a B.Sc. degree (Second Class Honours, Upper Division) (1975) and a PhD (1980) both from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His academic brilliance earned him the University of Nigeria Foundation AID Scholarship (1972-1975) and the Vice-Chancellor's prize as the Best Overall Graduating Postgraduate Student (1980).
Professor Onwuliri has over 28 years of teaching, research and administrative experience in six Universities. He was twice Head, Department of Zoology, thrice Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice-Chancellor, all at the University of Jos, Director, Academic Planning, Imo State University Owerri and currently Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri since June 2006.
Professor Onwuliri is very active in experimental parasitology, physiology and biochemistry of parasites, environmental parasitology, ecology and epidemiology of parasitic helminths with emphasis on communicable diseases such as Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), Onchocerciasis (River blindness disease), Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminthosis.
One of Professor Onwuliri's landmark achievements in science is the description of a dichotomous pathway of energy metabolism in the infective stages of parasitic nematodes which helped lay to rest the controversy over the presence of functional Krebs cycle enzymes in nematodes.
Similarly, Professor Onwuliri was the first scientist to call attention to endemic dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) in the then Plateau State and neighboring States of Bauchi and Benue in the early 1980s. Furthermore, his work on onchocerciasis supported by outstanding scientific publications led to the formation of the River Blindness Foundation (RBF), now the Carter Centre/Global 2000 with headquarters in Jos, Nigeria. This remarkable achievement has provided much-needed impetus for the effort to eradicate river blindness in Nigeria.
Professor Onwuliri is a committed apostle of the development of the human capital. He has supervised twenty one (21) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates for the advancement of Science and Technology Education in Nigeria and overseas. This is no mean achievement and possibly an unsurpassed feat by any professor in the basic sciences in Nigeria.
Professor Onwuliri has served the larger society in various capacities such as National President, Nigerian Society for Parasitology (now Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria) (1993-1997), Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youths and Sports, Imo State (1997 -May 1998 and Oct. 1998 - May 1999); Honourable Commissioner, Agriculture and Natural Resources (May 1998 - October 1998), First Vice President, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, Knights of Saint John International (2003-date), Member, Committee of Assessors, Nigeria National Merit Award (2002-date); Member Federal Government Official Delegation for the 2005 Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo), Member, Presidential Technical Committee on Consolidation of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (2006-2007), Member, Ministerial Committee on the Harmonization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (2006-2007), Member, British Council Prime Minister's Initiative Strategic Dialogue (2008).
Professor Onwuliri has received several honours and awards including Fellowship of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration etc. He is also a proud recipient of the Master Diploma in Science of the World Academy of Letters (Honoris causa). He has also served as Consultant to several national and international agencies including the World Health Organization, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Cater Center/Global 2000 etc.
Professor Onwuliri as Vice-Chancellor has continued to promote Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovations for sustainable national development. As Chief Advancement Officer of the University, he has traveled widely for articulation of several linkages with institutions in UK, America, China, Canada, Germany, Jordan, South Africa etc. He has also attended many leadership programmes for Vice-Chancellors in the UK, America, Australia etc.
Professor Onwuliri is married to Professor Mrs. Viola Adaku Onwuliri, a distinguished professor of Biochemistry and their marriage is blessed with children. He enjoys reading, writing, analytical discussions, table tennis, soccer and boxing.
Professor Onwuliri has over 28 years of teaching, research and administrative experience in six Universities. He was twice Head, Department of Zoology, thrice Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice-Chancellor, all at the University of Jos, Director, Academic Planning, Imo State University Owerri and currently Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri since June 2006.
Professor Onwuliri is very active in experimental parasitology, physiology and biochemistry of parasites, environmental parasitology, ecology and epidemiology of parasitic helminths with emphasis on communicable diseases such as Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), Onchocerciasis (River blindness disease), Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminthosis.
One of Professor Onwuliri's landmark achievements in science is the description of a dichotomous pathway of energy metabolism in the infective stages of parasitic nematodes which helped lay to rest the controversy over the presence of functional Krebs cycle enzymes in nematodes.
Similarly, Professor Onwuliri was the first scientist to call attention to endemic dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) in the then Plateau State and neighboring States of Bauchi and Benue in the early 1980s. Furthermore, his work on onchocerciasis supported by outstanding scientific publications led to the formation of the River Blindness Foundation (RBF), now the Carter Centre/Global 2000 with headquarters in Jos, Nigeria. This remarkable achievement has provided much-needed impetus for the effort to eradicate river blindness in Nigeria.
Professor Onwuliri is a committed apostle of the development of the human capital. He has supervised twenty one (21) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates for the advancement of Science and Technology Education in Nigeria and overseas. This is no mean achievement and possibly an unsurpassed feat by any professor in the basic sciences in Nigeria.
Professor Onwuliri has served the larger society in various capacities such as National President, Nigerian Society for Parasitology (now Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria) (1993-1997), Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youths and Sports, Imo State (1997 -May 1998 and Oct. 1998 - May 1999); Honourable Commissioner, Agriculture and Natural Resources (May 1998 - October 1998), First Vice President, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, Knights of Saint John International (2003-date), Member, Committee of Assessors, Nigeria National Merit Award (2002-date); Member Federal Government Official Delegation for the 2005 Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo), Member, Presidential Technical Committee on Consolidation of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (2006-2007), Member, Ministerial Committee on the Harmonization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria (2006-2007), Member, British Council Prime Minister's Initiative Strategic Dialogue (2008).
Professor Onwuliri has received several honours and awards including Fellowship of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration etc. He is also a proud recipient of the Master Diploma in Science of the World Academy of Letters (Honoris causa). He has also served as Consultant to several national and international agencies including the World Health Organization, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Cater Center/Global 2000 etc.
Professor Onwuliri as Vice-Chancellor has continued to promote Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovations for sustainable national development. As Chief Advancement Officer of the University, he has traveled widely for articulation of several linkages with institutions in UK, America, China, Canada, Germany, Jordan, South Africa etc. He has also attended many leadership programmes for Vice-Chancellors in the UK, America, Australia etc.
Professor Onwuliri is married to Professor Mrs. Viola Adaku Onwuliri, a distinguished professor of Biochemistry and their marriage is blessed with children. He enjoys reading, writing, analytical discussions, table tennis, soccer and boxing.
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