Brief Resume of Prof. Emeka Okpara, Vice Chancellor, RNU.
Prof. Emeka Okpara, Ph. D mni, graduated from the University of Nigeria with a B.Sc Hons. In Psychology in 1972, at 2nd Class Upper Division, after being recognized as the best all- round student of the Department of Psychology in 1971, with consequent award of a University of Nigeria Senate Scholarship in 1971-72. He was appointed a Junior Fellow of the University of Nigeria in 1973 and awarded a Junior Fellowship in 1973, a British Commonwealth Scholarship in 1974 and a Federal Government Scholarship in 1976. He was thus able, through those grants deriving from academic merit, to undertake graduate studies at London University, Birkbeck College. He obtained a Ph. D in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Management in 1978.
Prior as well as sequel to his obtaining his doctorate degree, he had been a devoted teacher. His research output clearly confirms his potential as a scholar which was already manifesting during clearly confirms his potential as a scholar which was already manifesting during his undergraduate years. He has published widely in learned journals and professional journals and books of his discipline. He has to his credit forty (40) articles comprising journal, twenty three (23) articles and seventeen chapters in books. He is also the sole author of seven books, editor of one, and co-editor of two. He currently also has five books in print-a clear indication of his continued productivity.
His working experience include a post doctoral lectureship at London University’s Institute of Education; Industrial Consultancy in Personal Selection and Training at the Lewis Company London, ( 1977-78), Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and subsequent Acting Directorship at the Institute.
He has rendered invaluable service to the University of Nigeria in such critical areas as Students Hall Wardenship; the Academic Staff Union, and University Committees on Primary and Secondary education, joint Senate and Council committees on Endowment; Staff Discipline and Examination Malpractices; the Environment, Alumni relations and Hall of Fame.
His services to community include project initiation, management services, consultative advise, counseling and project implementation. He is the Chairman of an NGO-Road Transport Passengers Protection Initiative-an organization which involves itself in sensitization and attitude change of passengers of road transport-cars, buses, okada and drivers on safe usage of these modes. His academic attainments were duly recognized by his appointment to the chair of Psychology by the University of Nigeria in 1991.
In 1991, he was nominated by the NUC and approved by the Federal Government to attend the 13th Senior Executive Courses of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru. His excellent records at Kuru was not only ample proof of his intellectual capability and management prowess but also a justification of the decision by the University to nominate him for participation as representative from the Nigeria Academia as well as the National Universities Commission’s endorsement of the University’s nomination.
In 1992, he was appointed by the University Senate and Council as the Representative of the University of Nigeria, in Lagos, as Director of Administration of the University’s Lagos National Office; an assignment that tasked him with taking charge of the institutions numerous external contacts such as Federal Ministry of Education and its parietals, notably NUC and JAME, Embassies and High Commissions, and Public Relations Outfits.
In 1994, he was appointed Secretary of the International Steering Committee for the Establishment of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Distinguished Chair in International Affairs at Lincoln University of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA. He organized the entire event so successfully that Lincoln University awarded him Certificate in Leadership Role and Distinction, for the success of the entire event.
In 1998, he was appointed the Imo State Government Representative on the Zonal Consultative (Zone11) of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF). In this capacity, he articulated the problems of Imo State and made useful recommendations in the context of PTF policies and its programmes for Imo State.
Prof. Emeka Okpara mni served as a Dean at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and a Consultant on Local Government for Imo State Government. He was recently honored by the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies with “Distinguished Alumni” award.
In February 2009, Prof. Emeka Okpara mni was appointed Vice Chancellor, Renaissance University, Ugbawka in Enugu, Enugu State.
Prof. Okpara mni, is married to Mrs. Maudline Nkiru Okpara who teaches at the University of Nigeria, School of General Studies. They have four (4) deserving children.