Gov Alia Appoints Dr. Henry Ojobo As Benue Polytechnic Rector

Benue Polytechnic Gets a New Rector as Gov. Alia Appoints Dr. Henry Ojobo

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has officially appointed Arc. Dr. Henry Ojobo as the substantive Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. The appointment, set to take effect from April 1, 2025, will span a single five-year tenure, aligning with the recommendations of the institution’s Governing Council.

Dr. Ojobo’s Academic and Professional Expertise

In a statement released by Mr. Bartholomew Geraga, Permanent Secretary of Government House Administration, Dr. Ojobo was described as a highly distinguished academic, urban planner, and environmental sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in architectural education, research, and professional practice.

A native of Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Dr. Ojobo has an extensive academic background, having obtained:

A B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
A Ph.D. in Architecture (Landscape Architecture specialization) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

His research primarily focuses on the built environment, environmental sustainability, and the psychological impact of landscape design.

Ojobo’s Leadership Roles and Research Contributions

Before his appointment, Dr. Ojobo was an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Kaduna State University, where he held several key leadership positions:

Head of the Department of Architecture (2018–2021)
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (2019–2023)
Editor-in-Chief of the Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal (2019–2022)

As a renowned researcher, he has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in both national and international journals, significantly contributing to architectural and environmental research.

Ojobo’s Membership in Professional Organizations

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Ojobo is an accomplished urban and regional planning expert and a member of several professional organizations, including:

Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON)
Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)
Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES)
Nigerian Environmental Society (NES)

His portfolio features landmark architectural projects, spanning from luxury hotels to large-scale housing developments across Nigeria.

Commitment to Community Development

Aside from his professional career, Dr. Ojobo has played a vital role in community development initiatives. He previously served as President of the Rotary Club, Kubwa Gateway (2022/2023), where he spearheaded various humanitarian projects to enhance local communities.

Appointment of New Polytechnic Officials

In addition to Dr. Ojobo’s appointment, the Governing Council of Benue State Polytechnic has also approved the appointment of three principal officers to improve the institution’s administrative and financial management. These appointments, effective April 3, 2025, include:

Dr. Sunday Apochi – Registrar
Mr. Kase Joseph Chihinen – Bursar
Mr. Antse Terfa Benjamin – Librarian

According to Dr. Damian Tersoo Anyam, Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, these new appointments are part of a strategic plan to boost academic and administrative excellence at the institution.

Governor Alia’s Vision for Benue’s Educational Sector

Governor Hyacinth Alia has prioritized technical and vocational education in Benue State, appointing highly skilled professionals to key institutions to enhance learning, research, and infrastructure in the state’s tertiary education system.

Stakeholders, including students, staff, and academic experts, have expressed optimism about Dr. Ojobo’s leadership, believing it will usher in a new era of innovation and institutional growth at Benue State Polytechnic.

For more details on higher education appointments in Nigeria, visit National Universities Commission (NUC).