Opinion: A Legacy of Transformation: How Engr. Prof. Odey Ade Osha Re-engineered the Faculty of Engineering, UNICAL
BY Agare Isreal
Engr. Prof. Odey Ade Osha’s tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Calabar will be remembered as a defining era of transformation, consolidation, and purposeful leadership.
His deanship was not merely an administrative appointment; it was a mission-driven stewardship that re-engineered the Faculty’s academic standing, infrastructural outlook, and institutional confidence.
A Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Prof. Osha brought to the office of Dean a rare blend I depth, industry experience, and administrative foresight.
Having earned his B.Sc./M.Sc. and Ph.D degrees from the Belarusian State Technological University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus, and with prior professional experience in the cement industry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he approached academic leadership with a results-oriented and pragmatic mindset.
When Prof. Osha assumed office, the Faculty of Engineering faced significant developmental and accreditation challenges.
Through strategic planning, firm adherence to regulatory standards, and inclusive leadership, he led the Faculty to one of its most remarkable achievements: the successful full accreditation of all seven engineering programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
In addition, during his tenure, the Faculty successfully graduated two sets of engineering students, with the pioneer set already mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking a historic milestone in the Faculty’s academic journey.
This milestone not only restored confidence in the Faculty’s academic quality but also positioned the University of Calabar as a credible hub for engineering education in Nigeria.
Beyond accreditation, Prof. Osha’s legacy is physically etched into the Faculty’s landscape. Under his leadership, the Faculty evolved from a construction site in 2014 into a fully developed academic environment.
He also championed the completion of critical infrastructural projects, including a standard central engineering workshop, a monumental Faculty administrative building, and a twin lecture pavilion.
These facilities significantly improved teaching, learning, and research, while setting a new benchmark for engineering education infrastructure within the University.
Equally impactful was his commitment to human capital development. As Dean, Prof. Osha fostered a culture of mentorship, accountability, and professional excellence.
He encouraged staff development, supported younger academics, and created an enabling environment where students and lecturers alike could thrive. His leadership style, firm yet inclusive, earned him respect across academic and administrative divides.
Prof. Osha’s transformational impact as Dean was further affirmed by his recognition as Best Dean of the Year 2022 by the University of Calabar. The award reflected not only his administrative competence but also his dedication to service beyond the call of duty, visionary approach to leadership, and unwavering commitment to institutional growth.
In further recognition of his administrative acumen, leadership capacity, and contributions to corporate and institutional governance, Engr. Prof. Odey Ade Osha was also conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute of Corporate Administration (FICAD).
This honour underscores his standing as a distinguished academic administrator whose influence extends beyond engineering and academia into broader spheres of corporate and public administration.
Today, the Faculty of Engineering stands as a testament to what purposeful leadership can achieve. The structures he built, the standards he institutionalized, and the culture of excellence he promoted continue to shape the Faculty’s trajectory.
In re-engineering the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Odey Ade Osha did more than manage an office. He built a legacy that will endure for generations.
Agare is a staff of UNICAL
