Ignatius Ajuru University of Education 44th Convocation: Dates, Promotions, and Full List of New Professors (May 2026)
PORT HARCOURT — The Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) will hold its 44th Convocation Ceremony on May 8 and 9, 2026, the University Senate has announced. The dates were approved by the Executive Governor of Rivers State and Visitor to the University, Siminalayi Fubara, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic calendar.
Ceremony Schedule and Key Events
The convocation will span two days, with distinct ceremonies for undergraduate and postgraduate graduands:
- Friday, May 8, 2026: Award of First Degrees and presentation of prizes. This session honors graduating undergraduates and recognizes outstanding academic achievements across all faculties.
- Saturday, May 9, 2026: Conferment of Postgraduate Degrees, including master’s and doctoral degrees, celebrating advanced scholarship and research contributions.
The schedule was announced by Okechuku Onuchuku, Chairman of Senate, during an emergency Senate meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the University’s Postgraduate Hall, Rumuolumeni. The meeting also addressed critical administrative decisions, including the ratification of faculty promotions.
Faculty Promotions: 35 New Professors and 41 New Readers
In a major boost to academic staffing, the University Council has ratified the promotion of 35 academic staff to the rank of Professor and 41 others to the rank of Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor). These promotions reflect IAUE’s commitment to strengthening its research capacity and teaching excellence across disciplines.
Below is the complete list of newly promoted professors, organized by faculty and specialization. This list provides valuable insight into the university’s areas of academic strength and emerging research focus.
Administration and Management Sciences
- Ikechi Prince Obinna — Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing
- Chukwu Godswill Chinedu — Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing
- Joy A. Mekuri-Ndimele — Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing
- Dumo Nkesi Opara — Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
- Lawrence Amadi — Entrepreneurship and Strategic Marketing
Note: The concentration of three professors in Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing signals a strategic emphasis on sustainable business practices and consumer ethics, aligning with global trends in responsible marketing.
Agriculture
- Eunice Ngozi Ajie — Agricultural Economics
- Godswill Ibom Wilcox — Production Economics
Context: These promotions strengthen IAUE’s agricultural economics faculty, which is critical for addressing food security and rural development challenges in the Niger Delta region.
Education
- Emmanuel Okwu — Library and Information Science
- Love Nwamadi — Counselling Psychology
- Ali Beatrice Onyebuchi Amadi — Early Childhood and Primary Education
- Jerome Ibejika Wosu — History and Policy of Education
Practical example: The promotion in Early Childhood and Primary Education supports IAUE’s mandate as a specialist university of education, directly impacting teacher training for foundational learning stages.
Humanities
- Grace Hart Lawrence — African Religion and Cultural Heritage
Significance: This appointment underscores the university’s dedication to preserving and studying indigenous knowledge systems, which is vital for cultural sustainability in Africa.
Natural and Applied Sciences
- Worokwu China Roland — Science Education (Chemistry)
- Constance Izuchukwu Amanah — Algorithms and Software Engineering
- Comfort Emma-Elechi — Community Health Education and Promotion
- Wokocha Gideon Azubuike — Science Education
- Glory Godspower-Echie — Science Education
- Nwala Longinus — Science Education (ITS)
- Daso P. Ojimba — Mathematics Education
- Nchelem Rosemary George — Mathematics Education
- Dagogo Franklin Ibim — Applied Geophysics
Deeper explanation: The cluster of promotions in Science Education reflects IAUE’s strategic focus on improving STEM teacher quality, a national priority in Nigeria. The inclusion of Applied Geophysics also highlights research relevant to oil and gas exploration in Rivers State.
Social Sciences
- Leelee Nwiibari Deekor — Development Economics
- Nzidee Williams — Development Economics
- Iwarimie B. Uranta — Political Theory and Methodology
- Dennis Reuben T. Ukpere — Rural Development and Resource Management
- Poroma Lekia Celestine — Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management
- Ngeh David Baride — Sociology of Development
- Ebenezer Levi Odike — Sociology of Development and Social Work
- Goodnews Wabah — Medical Sociology
- Nwikpugi Bright Poronakie — Regional Development Planning
- Ikechi Omenihu Okwakpam — Environmental Management
Context: The breadth of social science promotions — from Development Economics to Medical Sociology — indicates IAUE’s interdisciplinary approach to addressing socio-economic challenges, including poverty, health disparities, and environmental degradation in the region.
Vocational and Technical Education
- Paulinus Emennu — Industrial Technical Education (Mathematical Option)
- Joseph Onwuakalaegbule — (Specialization not specified in source)
Practical example: Vocational and Technical Education is crucial for equipping students with employable skills, directly supporting Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification and youth empowerment.
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