The office of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) will become vacant on 19 June 2026. In line with the provisions of the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap. F23, Volume 7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Governing Council of the University has commenced the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor.

Accordingly, applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified and interested candidates for the position of Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

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The University

Founded in 1980, FUTO is one of the first three Federal Universities of Technology established by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The University is located approximately 25 kilometres from the Owerri metropolis.

By law, FUTO is empowered to offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research degrees, and higher degrees. Its programmes emphasise planning, adaptability, technical competence, maintenance, innovation, development, and productivity in engineering, science, agriculture, medical, and related professional disciplines.

The University’s overarching goal is to produce socially responsible graduates who can effectively apply existing technologies, improve them, and develop new technological solutions for national advancement.

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Mission Statement

FUTO’s mission is to be a world-class university driven by hands-on training and cutting-edge research, with the objective of transforming Nigeria’s economy from consumption-based to production-driven, anchored on a strong technological foundation.

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The Position

The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Chief Academic Officer of the University. The Vice-Chancellor also serves as the Ex-Officio Chairman of the Senate and Congregation, and as a Member of the Governing Council.

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The Candidate

A candidate for the office of Vice-Chancellor must possess a sound university education from a recognised institution and demonstrate proven ability in the effective management of human and material resources.

In addition, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

a. Be a distinguished scholar and a Professor of high repute, with appropriate academic qualifications, including a Ph.D. or, for medical professionals, a Postgraduate Medical Fellowship, and a strong record of nationally and internationally recognised publications.
b. Be a Professor in a discipline relevant to FUTO’s academic programmes, with at least 15 years of senior academic experience, including a minimum of 10 years as a Professor. A letter of promotion to Professorship must be attached.
c. Demonstrate respect for merit and uphold fairness without fear or favour, even under pressure.
d. Possess an enterprising spirit, with verifiable ability to attract funding and other resources for the growth of the University.
e. Show capacity to foster harmony among staff and students, as well as between the University and its host communities.
f. Demonstrate ability to build effective working relationships across all sectors of the University, without ethnic, religious, or other bias.
g. Present a clear vision and a realistic, actionable plan for the development of the University.
h. Show proven ability to promote research in priority areas and establish productive collaborations with reputable global universities and industries.
i. Be a person of proven integrity and probity.
j. Command respect and provide strong academic and administrative leadership.
k. Be in sound physical and mental health, capable of withstanding the demands of the office. Applicants must submit a medical fitness certificate from a physician in a recognised public health institution.
l. Possess strong information and communication technology (ICT) skills and appreciate their importance in modern knowledge systems.
m. Be able, at all times, to effectively advise the Governing Council on matters relating to projects, finance, property, and administration.
n. Not be more than 64 years of age by 19 June 2026, the date the appointment takes effect.

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Terms and Conditions of Service

The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single, non-renewable term of five (5) years, subject to the terms stated in the letter of appointment. Salary and conditions of service shall be as applicable to Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities in Nigeria, in line with Federal Government guidelines and as may be determined by the Governing Council.

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Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should submit applications in accordance with the following guidelines:

i. Each application must be submitted in thirty (30) copies of a signed and dated Curriculum Vitae, with a recent passport photograph attached to each copy.
ii. Each Curriculum Vitae must include the names and addresses of three (3) referees. Each referee is required to forward a confidential report on the candidate’s character, academic competence, and managerial ability to the Registrar, in a sealed envelope clearly marked “POST OF VICE-CHANCELLOR – REFEREE’S REPORT” at the top left corner.
iii. Each application must include thirty (30) copies of the candidate’s “Vision for the University/Mission Statement.”
iv. Where a candidate is identified and nominated by the Search Team, the application must include a signed letter of consent from the nominee.
v. All applications, Curriculum Vitae, and supporting documents must be submitted under confidential cover, either by hand (with acknowledgement) or through a recognised courier service, and addressed to:

The Registrar and Secretary to Council
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
P.M.B. 1526, Owerri
Imo State, Nigeria

vi. The sealed envelope(s) containing the application or nomination must be clearly marked “VICE-CHANCELLOR” at the top left corner and must reach the office of the Registrar and Secretary to Council not later than six (6) weeks from the date of this publication.