Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), has appointed Prof. Amadike Ugbogu, a Professor of Biochemistry, as its 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The university announced this in a statement issued on Saturday, titled “Appointment of the 9th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu.” It was signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu.
According to the statement, the Governing Council recommended him at its 161st Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Governor and Visitor to the university, Dr. Alex Otti, then approved the appointment.
It takes effect from November 1, 2026.
Ugbogu replaces Prof. Ndukwe James Okeudo, who assumed office on November 1, 2024, on what the university called a “rescue mission.” Governor Otti had appointed Okeudo to stabilise and reposition the institution.
In a separate release, the university praised Okeudo’s tenure. It said he cleared backlogs through staff appraisal exercises and promotions, and enforced merit and order, including in the mobilisation of law graduates for the Nigerian Law School.
It added that he cleared graduation backlogs through a historic triple convocation ceremony.
Ugbogu holds BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Biochemistry. He did his doctoral training at Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom, from 2011 to 2014, after winning a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2010.
He rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Biochemistry at ABSU. He has served as Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Dean of Biological Sciences.
In early 2025, he was appointed Director of Research, Publications and Central TETFund Desk Officer.
His research covers the toxicity and health benefits of medicinal plants, gene mutations linked to cancer and neurological disorders, and plant-based ways of reducing methane emissions from livestock.
His ResearchGate profile lists 158 publications and nearly 4,000 citations.
He is also the younger brother of Prof. Ositadinma Ugbogu, who is also an academic. A profile released with the announcement describes him as the youngest Vice-Chancellor in ABSU’s history.
The profile says he is poised to push the university towards stronger research, infrastructural renewal, international collaboration and global competitiveness.
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