AAU Ekpoma Holds Her 53rd Inaugural Lecturer: Prof. Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma will on Thursday, 28th July, 2016 holds its 53rd Inaugural Lecture to be delivered by Prof. Ignatius A. Onimawo, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The lecture is titled " NUTRITION IN THE FIRST 1000 DAYS OF LIFE: GENESIS AND SUMMIT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ".

The Lecture which holds under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Jude Agho will commence at 2.00 p.m. at the New University Auditorium (TETFUND).

The Profile Of The Inaugural Lecturer
Prof. Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo was born on the 20th of July, 1957 in Afowa, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended St. James' Grammar School, Afuze from 1972 – 1976 and bagged his WASCE (Division One) in 1976. With this feat, he was admitted into the Great University of Ibadan in 1977 for the B.Sc. programme in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition and he graduated with a 2nd Class Upper Division in 1982.
In his quest for more academic laurels, he proceeded for his Masters programme and thereafter his Ph.D. programme in Human Nutrition (Nutritional Biochemistry) and obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 1985 and 1995 respectively, from the University of Ibadan.
In 2012, he bagged a Certificate in Professional Development in Nutrition (CPD).

Prof. Onimawo started his working career as a Lecturer III in the Science Technology Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State in 1983 and rose through the ranks to the Position of Chief Lecturer in 1999 before he left to join the services of Ambrose Alli University as a Senior Lecturer in 1999. In 2001, he left to take up an appointment with Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and rose to the rank of a Professor in that University in 2005.

As a Professor, he realized the need to contribute his quota to the development and progress of his State University, hence he returned home to rejoin the services of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma as a Professor in 2005.
As an academic of very high repute, he distinguished himself in the areas of research and publications as follows:

i. he has 116 publications, both nationally and internationally with 20 (twenty) in nutritional research to his credit;
ii. he also attended several conferences and seminars/symposia locally and internationally, presenting academic papers, especially in scientific meetings;
iii. he has attended numerous workshops and delivered Public Lectures globally in his chosen field;
iv. it is worthy of note that Prof. I.A. Onimawo received 27 (twenty seven) Awards, Honours and Recognitions at both local and international levels.

Prof. I.A. Onimawo also has a veritable wealth of experience both in administrative and editorial matters. He was a one-time Dean, College of Applied Food Sciences and Tourism, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, 2006 – 2008; Head, Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, 2009 – 2011; Director, Academic Planning, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, 2011 – 2012; National President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, 2002 – 2006 and 2009 – 2012; Secretary General, Federation of African Nutrition Societies, International Organization of Nutritionists in Africa, 2011 – date; Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic, Idah from 1994 – 1998; Chairman, Senate Business Committee, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, 2008 – 2009; Editor–in-Chief, Nigerian Journal of Nutritional Sciences, 2006-2008; and Nigerian Annals of Sciences, 2000 – 2001 among others too numerous to mention.

Prof. Onimawo is a pace-setter with a knack for being the best. For example, he came out in Division One during his Secondary School days; he came out with a Second Class Upper Division in his first Degree University education besides others.

He is a socialite and a good mixer who creates time in spite of his academic pursuits to engage in sports. He is a sprinter, footballer, Hockey player, Volley baller, Triple jumper and Ludo player. He equally creates time to serve his creator, the Almighty God. He is a good Catholic.

Prof. Ignatius A. Onimawo is happily married to his lovely and amiable wife and friend, Mrs. Jane Onimawo of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and they are blessed with three wonderful children.
We congratulate Prof. Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo and his family on this historic occasion of being the 53rd Inaugural Lecturer of this University.

Chris A. Omo-Iriogbe, AMNIM, MANUPA
SAR, Information/Public Relations Officer