Dr. Chukwu Otuh Okoh Chukwu, is a distinguished Medical Laboratory Scientist, academic, administrator, and visionary leader whose life has been defined by resilience, integrity, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Born in Ebonyi State, his early days were shaped by values of truth, hard work, justice, and a spirit of camaraderie that made him a natural protector of his kith and kin. A born leader, he consistently rose to positions of responsibility from his primary and secondary school days, where he served as Prefect, through his higher education, where he held leadership roles including Class Representative. These formative experiences set the stage for a life of leadership, scholarship, and service to humanity

His academic journey is rich and international in scope. He earned a Ph.D. in Applied Microbiology from the University of Jos and became a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, a Fellow of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. Beyond these fellowships, Dr. Chukwu expanded his expertise through specialized training across the globe. He obtained certifications in Molecular Biology and Immunology Techniques from the University of Wurzburg, Germany; Veterinary Bacteriology Diagnostics at the Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh, Malaysia; and Computerized Project Management at the International Centre for Career Development, Eswatini, South Africa. His academic portfolio also includes training in Sustainable Agriculture in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, and in Total Quality Management at the Centers for Disease Control, USA. His professional journey has also taken him beyond Nigeria’s borders as a Technical Aid Volunteer in Equatorial Guinea, where he gained not only experience but also proficiency in Spanish

A passionate scholar, Dr. Chukwu has excelled as both a teacher and a researcher. He has taught and mentored students at both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels in FCVMLT and FCAHPT, while also serving as Visiting Lecturer at the University of Jos and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Abuja. His mentorship has produced numerous graduates at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who today hold positions of influence across the globe. He is equally prolific in research, having authored over eighty-five peer-reviewed publications and several books in his core areas of expertise, which include Biotechnology and Molecular Diagnostics, Food Microbiology, Zoonotic Pathogens, and Public Health Microbiology. His research and teaching are firmly anchored in the One Health approach, reflecting his commitment to integrated solutions for human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr. Chukwu’s knowledge extends beyond laboratory sciences into animal husbandry and crop production, where he has demonstrated competence and innovation. His influence extends beyond Nigeria through his significant contributions to the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), where he played a key role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices, research development, and human capacity building across the sub-region. His work under WAAPP further reinforced his expertise in animal husbandry, crop production, and entrepreneurial innovations, strengthening the link between science, technology, and agricultural productivity for food security in West Africa. This broad expertise has allowed him to align his leadership with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, promoting food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices. He embodies an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring that knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, innovative, and transformative.

Since his assumption of office as Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Dr. Chukwu has recorded significant milestones that reflect his visionary leadership. His tenure has witnessed the introduction and accreditation of new academic programs; the establishment of a greenhouse, fish farm, and poultry units that now provide vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and eggs; and the relocation, creation, and renovation of the College’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Centre, now renamed the Lady Elizabeth Petkwap Wapmuk Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Centre. He has also spearheaded the re-equipping of the Chemistry, Physics, and Biology laboratories, created a new Department of General Studies, and initiated diverse training programs for youths, women, men, students, and staff in various entrepreneurial and vocational skills. These developments reflect his commitment to human capital and infrastructural development, consistent with his guiding philosophy of “Knowledge for Service: Discover, Develop, Deploy.”

His sterling leadership has attracted widespread recognition and numerous awards. Among these are the Award of Merit by the Household of Faith Global Outreach, the Ambassadorial Award by the Nigeria Patriotic Youth Against Corruption and Transparency Initiative, Awards of Excellence by the Student Union Governments of both FCAHPT and FCVMLT, the Hall of Fame Induction Award by Young Africa Professionals and Entrepreneurs, and a Distinguished Leadership Award, among many others. These honors underscore his reputation as a proven performer, a result-oriented leader, and a symbol of excellence and integrity.

Beyond his official duties, Dr. Chukwu is a man of faith, compassion, and humility. He is God-fearing, unremittingly honest, and known for his calm disposition even in the face of challenges. A brilliant planner and tireless worker, he inspires with his persistence, creativity, and dexterity in leadership. Outside his professional responsibilities, he enjoys listening to worship music, reading, engaging in evangelistic outreach, and reflecting on strategies to make humanity fare better. He is happily married with children.

Today, Dr. Chukwu stands not only as the Provost/CEO of FCVMLT and Chairman of the National Committee of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines but also as a beacon of excellence whose life and work embody the renewed hope of Nigeria. His story is that of a leader who has discovered his calling, developed his gifts, and is deploying them in service of his nation and beyond.