PROF. URSULA NGOZI AKANWA

Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa

Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development)

Biography Profile of Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa

B.Sc. (Hons), PGDE, M.Ed., PGD, M.Sc., Ph.D., MASSEREN, MNAE, FSTAN, FCPA

Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development)
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa is a distinguished Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). Prof. Akanwa is a seasoned administrator and scholar with over 20 years of teaching, research, and leadership experience in higher education. She is a Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and a member of several professional bodies, including:

  • Member, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Board.
  • Member, International Network of Teacher Education Institutions (INTEI).
  • Member, Nigerian Academy of Education.
  • Member, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
  • Member, Association for Educational Assessment in Africa.
  • Member, International Association of Educational Assessment (IAEA).
  • Member, Curriculum Organization of Nigeria (CON).
  • Member, Association of Educational Researchers and Evaluators of Nigeria (ASSEREN).
  • Member, American Psychological Association (APA).

Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Abia State University, Uturu (2008)
  • M.Sc. in Financial Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (2005)
  • PGD in Financial Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (2004)
  • M.Ed. in Measurement and Evaluation, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1991)
  • PGD in Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1987)
  • B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1984)
  • WASSCE, Our Lady of Mount Carmel College (formerly Girls’ Secondary School), Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State (1979)
  • FSLC, Community Primary School, Agbala, Owerri (1974)

Professional Certifications:

  • Certificate in Office Management Technology, Enlightengrace Computers, Umuahia, Abia (2025).
  • Certificate in Management of Agricultural Commodity Value Chain for Agribusiness, Agricultural & Rural Management Training Institute, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria (2016).
  • Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagry (2016).

Academic Career:

Prof. Akanwa started her university academic career journey as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2014. She has also:

  • Taught numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
  • Supervised over 60 undergraduates and 50 postgraduate students.
  • Served as an external examiner at different universities such as University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), etc.
  • Served as an external assessor for professorial and reader promotions at different universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), University of Calabar (UNICAL), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), etc.

Administrative Career:

Prof. Akanwa has a distinguished record of leadership and administrative acumen, serving in various leadership positions and administrative capacities. Her administrative appointments include the following:

  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State (October 2025 – Date).
  • Chairman, MOUAU Demonstration Secondary School Board (2025 – Date).
  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State (November 2024 – October 2025).
  • Chairman, Committee of Deans in Nigerian Universities (CODENU) (2024 – Date).
  • Research Programme Leader, Education Sustainable and Human Development (SHD), MOUAU (2023 – 2025).
  • Senate Representative, 8th Governing Council of MOUAU (September 2022 – October 2024).
  • Secretary, Committee of Deans in Nigerian Universities (CODENU) (2021 – 2024).
  • Dean, College of Education, MOUAU (2019 – 2024).
  • Agricultural Research Officer, Directorate of Agriculture & Fisheries, NDDC (2015 – 2016).
  • Pioneer Head, Department of Science Education, MOUAU (2011 – 2015).
  • Acting Dean, Faculty of Education, Abia State University, Uturu (2011).
  • Head, Department of Psychological Foundations, Abia State University, Uturu (2009 – 2011).
  • Head, Department of Vocational Education, Abia State University, Uturu (2006 – 2009).
  • Umuahia Centre Supervisor, Institute for Distance Education, Abia State University, Uturu (2004 – 2011).
  • Liaison Officer, Institute for Distance Education, Abia State University, Uturu (2002 – 2004).

Conferences/Workshops Attended and Paper Presentations:

Prof. Akanwa has attended and presented her research papers at 8 international conferences and has also participated and presented at over 50 national and regional local conferences.

Research Publications and Creative Works:

Prof. Akanwa has authored and co-authored over 100 journal articles, reflecting a deep commitment to rigorous research and academic excellence. In addition, she has written more than 10 textbooks, which have become valuable learning resources for students and professionals alike. Her scholarly influence is further demonstrated through 19 book chapters and book readings, showcasing her versatility and engagement with collaborative and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Resource Person and Community Service:

Prof. Akanwa has facilitated various workshops, conferences, seminars, and capacity-building programmes organized by universities, professional associations, and government agencies. Beyond the academic sphere, she actively engages in community service initiatives aimed at improving education, social welfare, and youth development. She has participated in various outreach programmes, mentoring initiatives, and advocacy projects that promote literacy, women’s empowerment, and sustainable community growth.

Awards:

Amongst many awards received, she was given an Award of Honour as the Most Outstanding Dean in MOUAU, presented by the National Association of Education Students (2023).

Professor Akanwa is happily married to Dr. M. O. Akanwa, and their marriage is blessed with six children: two girls and four boys. In her free time, she enjoys singing, reading, and exercising.