PROF. NNEOMA ELECHI OBASI

Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Biography

PROFILE OF PROFESSOR NNEOMA ELECHI OBASI (NEE ONYELUCHEYA)

Professor of Food Science and Technology
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi (nee Onyelucheya) is a Professor of Food Science and Technology at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. She is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, an associate member of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, a member of the Institute of Food Technology in Chicago, and a member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).

Prof. Obasi obtained her first degree from the Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, in 1997. She holds a Master’s Degree in Food Science and Technology (2003) from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, and a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology (2010) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

She started her academic career as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Food Science and Technology at MOUAU and rose through the ranks to become a Professor. Prof. Obasi has taught numerous courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has supervised over 80 undergraduate and 30 postgraduate students.

Certifications

Prof. Obasi has earned certifications in various fields, including but not limited to:

  • Lead Auditor ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System (2020)

  • ISO/IEC 17025: Laboratory Management Systems Lead Auditors Certification (2021)

  • Training-the-Trainers Certificate on Research Project Management and writing skills from the Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies (CEET), Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio (2021)

  • Instrumental Analysis Training at a workshop organized by CERCORD, in conjunction with the Department of Food Science and Technology, MOUAU (2023)

  • Executive Master Class for Branding, Packaging, and Labelling by PROPAK Ghana in collaboration with the Africa Trade Academy, Ghana (2024)

Professional Contributions

Prof. Obasi has actively contributed to academia and community development through various engagements:

  • External Examiner to multiple Nigerian universities, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Federal University of Technology Owerri, and Abia State University Uturu.

  • External Assessor for professorial promotions at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Rivers State University, and University of Benin.

  • She has presented research at numerous local and international conferences and has served as a resource person for multiple training sessions on value addition to local foods.

  • She has trained rural communities, particularly women and girls in Abia State, Nigeria, on proper nutrition for healthy living and raising awareness about hidden hunger and its mitigation strategies.

Prof. Obasi has also contributed to research in collaboration with other scientists, securing grants from several funding bodies.

Membership and Leadership Roles

Prof. Obasi is an active member of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), where she has served in various leadership roles, including:

  • Member, Science and Technical Committee (STC)

  • Session Chairperson for technical sessions at NIFST conferences

  • Member, Fundraising Sub-Committee for the 2015 NIFST National Conference

  • Financial Secretary, South-East Chapter of NIFST

  • Chairman, South-East Chapter of NIFST

  • Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 47th Annual Conference of NIFST

  • Current NIFST Council Member and National Treasurer

Leadership and Administrative Roles at MOUAU

At Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Obasi has held various leadership roles and chaired several committees, including:

  • Course Adviser

  • Departmental Examination Officer

  • Student-Staff Adviser

  • Seminar Coordinator

  • College Representative to the College of Natural Sciences

  • Departmental SIWES Coordinator

  • Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator

  • College Representative to Senate

  • Head, Department of Food Science and Technology

  • Investment Officer, ASUU-MOUAU

  • Treasurer, ASUU-MOUAU Cooperative

  • Dean, College of Applied Food Sciences and Tourism (CAFST)

Under her leadership as Dean, CAFST, the College achieved significant milestones.

Presently, Prof. Obasi serves as:

  • Chairman of the Cooperative arm of ASUU-MOUAU

  • Chairman of the University Ceremonials Committee

  • Chairman of the Senate Results Consideration Committee

  • Chairman of the Committee on the Review of Students’ Information Handbook

  • Chairman of the Committee on Management of University ICT

  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Through these roles, Prof. Obasi has contributed immensely to academic administration, student mentorship, and the institutional development of the university.