Alia names Owukpa-born Henry Ojobo as Benue Polytechnic Rector

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has appointed Arc. Dr. Henry Ojobo as the substantive Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, for a single five-year tenure, effective April 1, 2025.

IDOMA VOICE reports that a statement from Mr. Bartholomew Geraga, Permanent Secretary, Government House Administration, highlighted Dr. Ojobo’s distinguished career as an academic, urban planner, and environmental sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in architectural education, research, and professional practice.

His appointment aligns with the recommendations of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council and is expected to drive academic innovation, infrastructural development, and institutional growth.

Dr. Ojobo, a native of Ogbadibo Local Government Area in Benue State, holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a Ph.D. in Architecture with a specialization in Landscape Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His research focuses on the built environment, environmental sustainability, and the psychological benefits of landscape design.

Before his appointment, Dr. Ojobo was an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Kaduna State University, where he held leadership positions, including Head of Department (2018–2021), Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (2019–2023), and Editor-in-Chief of the Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal (2019–2022). He has over 50 peer-reviewed publications in international and national journals.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ojobo is a recognized urban and regional planning expert and a member of professional bodies such as the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES), and the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES). His portfolio includes notable architectural projects, from luxury hotels to mass housing developments across Nigeria.

His commitment to community service is evident in his leadership roles in humanitarian initiatives, including serving as President of the Rotary Club, Kubwa Gateway (2022/2023), where he spearheaded impactful community projects.

In a related development, the Polytechnic’s Governing Council has appointed three new principal officers to strengthen the institution’s administrative and financial management. They include Dr. Sunday Apochi as Registrar, Mr. Kase Joseph Chihinen as Bursar, and Mr. Antse Terfa Benjamin as Librarian. According to Dr. Damian Tersoo Anyam, Chairman of the Governing Council, these appointments, effective April 3, 2025, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance academic and administrative excellence.

Governor Alia’s administration prioritizes technical and vocational education, appointing seasoned professionals to key institutions to improve learning standards, research output, and infrastructure. Dr. Ojobo’s appointment aligns with this vision, and stakeholders, including students and staff, are optimistic about a transformative era under his leadership.