The Federal Government has appointed a United States-based physician and academic, Dr Olugbenga A. Awe, as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State.

Awe’s appointment was conveyed in an official letter dated July 30, 2026, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The appointment took effect from July 29, 2026.

He succeeds Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, who recently received another national assignment following her appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea.

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Awe is a medical doctor, university teacher, entrepreneur and education administrator with professional experience spanning medicine, higher education, enterprise and public service.

He studied at the University of Lagos before proceeding for postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Internal Medicine. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine in the United States, where he has developed a career combining medical practice and academic work.

His professional experience also includes roles in education management, entrepreneurship and public service, giving him a broad background in both academic and institutional administration.

As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of FUTA’s Governing Council, Awe will work with other council members on matters concerning the administration, development, policy direction and overall governance of the university.

The Federal Government expressed confidence that Awe’s international academic experience and knowledge of higher education would contribute to the effective leadership and continued development of the institution.

His appointment comes as the government continues to emphasise stronger leadership and institutional governance across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.