10 Things to Know About Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev – Ministerial nominee

10 Things to Know About Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev

1. Background: Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev is a renowned civil and water engineer, academic, politician, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and administrator. He was born into the Utsev Akaa family of Mbaakura, Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

2. Education: He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, where he graduated as the best student in 2004 with 2nd Class Honours “Upper Division.” He furthered his education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, obtaining both Masters and PhD Degrees in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering in 2007 and 2011, respectively.

3. Academic Career: Engr. Prof. Utsev has about 17 years of lecturing and professional experience. He is recognized as an accomplished administrator and highly respected professional within the West African sub-region due to his diverse experience in Civil Engineering practice and research.

4. Leadership Roles: He served as the Deputy Director and later the full Director in the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi from 2013 to 2017. He also held the position of Honourable Commissioner in the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, Benue State, in 2017.

5. Engineering Projects: Throughout his career, he has been involved in the construction of dams, bridges, roads, boreholes, drainages, and other engineering projects. Notably, he played a significant role in the design and construction of the Idye Basin Phase II drainage system.

6. Pioneer Rector: He is currently the pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Benue State. As Rector, he is working to transform the Polytechnic into a world-class institution that addresses academic, vocational, and employment challenges in the state and Nigeria at large.

7. Honours and Awards: Engr. Prof. Utsev is a recipient of several honours and awards, including the Best Honourable Commissioner in the Water/Environmental sector in Nigeria, Academic Noble Award, and Distinguished Merit Awards for various achievements and contributions.

8. Membership of Professional Bodies: He is a registered Civil Engineer by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and holds fellowship positions in esteemed organizations like the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, and Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers.

9. Research and Publications: Prof. Utsev has authored numerous publications in both national and international journals of repute. He has supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and has participated in various professional conferences and workshops worldwide.

10. Personal Interests: Apart from his professional endeavors, Engr. Prof. Utsev enjoys reading, initiating new research frontiers, traveling, and playing badminton. He is happily married and blessed with children.