Epitome Institute of Education and Innovation

Office of the President

"We believe in knowledge, the power of teaching and research, and their transformative impact on society—especially in advancing sustainable rural development."

Professor Chigozie C. Asiabaka
On leading Epitome’s mission

About Prof. Chigozie C. Asiabaka

President, Epitome Institute of Education and Innovation (2023-Present).
6th Substantive Vice‑Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria (2011–2016).
Professor of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, with emphasis on gender equity, community participation, climate adaptation.

Mission & Leadership

Championed e‑governance, gender‑inclusive rural programs, and science-based community development
Elevated FUTO from 48th to 12th in national NUC rankings; spearheaded establishment of the FUTO Science & Research Park, funded by a ₦1 billion TETFund grant
Fostered partnerships with NGOs, government, and global foundations, reinforcing applied research and community service

Historical Leadership

Term	Position	Highlights
2011–2016	Vice‑Chancellor, FUTO	Led university governance, research growth & ranking improvements
2007–2011	Dean, Faculty of Agriculture	Strengthened academic programmes, research infrastructure
1990s–2000s	Department Head	Guided department through reforms and faculty expansion
1986–1997	Lecturer	Focused on extension programmes, curriculum development

Biography

Education
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension, Louisiana State University (1984)
- M.S. & B.S. in Agricultural Extension, University of Georgia (1981–1982)
Consultancy & Advisory
- Collaborated with Rockefeller Foundation, UNDP, World Bank, Shell, IDRC, DFID, IITA
- Senior Scientific Adviser to IFS (Sweden) and CODESRIA
Honours & Affiliations
- Justice of the Peace (JP), Knight of Saint Mulumba (KSM)
- Fellow, Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON)
- Board-level adviser for IFS and CODESRIA

Administrators

Dr. C. O. Anyim

Vice President

Ogaraku Damian N.

Librarian

Mr. Chukwuma B. Nwanekezi

Bursar

Mrs. Theresa Chiamaka Uzoma

Registrar