Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has approved the appointment of Arc. Dr. Henry Ojobo, as the substantive Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, for a single tenure of five years, effective from April 1, 2025. Dr. Ojobo, a highly respected academic, urban planner, and environmental sustainability expert, brings over 20 years of experience in architectural education, research, and professional practice. His appointment marks a significant step toward revitalizing the institution and advancing technical education in Benue State.

A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Government House Administration, Mr. Bartholomew Geraga, confirmed that Dr. Ojobo’s appointment aligns with the recommendations of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic. The statement noted that his wealth of experience and exceptional leadership in academia, as well as his vast contributions to urban and environmental planning, positioned him as the ideal candidate to lead Benue State Polytechnic into a new era of academic and infrastructural development.

Dr. Henry Ojobo hails from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State and has a distinguished academic background that spans both national and international institutions. He obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, before proceeding to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, where he earned a Ph.D. in Architecture, specializing in Landscape Architecture. His research interests focus on the built environment, environmental sustainability, and the psycho-physiological benefits of landscape design.

As a seasoned academic, Dr. Ojobo has served in various leadership capacities at Kaduna State University, where he was an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture. He previously held positions as the Head of the Department of Architecture (2018–2021) and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (2019–2023). Additionally, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal from 2019 to 2022. His research portfolio includes over 50 peer-reviewed publications in both international and national journals, making significant contributions to architectural and environmental studies.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ojobo has been actively involved in professional practice and is a recognized expert in urban and regional planning. He is a registered member of several professional organizations, including 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 practical experience includes diverse architectural projects ranging from luxury hotels to mass housing developments across Nigeria.

A strong advocate for community development, Dr. Ojobo has demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom. He served as the President of the Rotary Club, Kubwa Gateway, during the 2022/2023 Rotary Year, where he spearheaded various humanitarian projects. His leadership in professional and community-based organizations underscores his commitment to both institutional excellence and societal progress.

In a related development, the Governing Council of Benue State Polytechnic has also approved the appointments of three other principal officers to strengthen the institution’s administrative and financial management.

They include:

Dr. Sunday Apochi – Registrar

Mr. Kase Joseph Chihinen – Bursar

Mr. Antse Terfa Benjamin – Librarian

A statement issued by the Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Dr. Damian Tersoo Anyam, confirmed that these appointments take effect from April 3, 2025. The Council expressed confidence that the newly appointed officers, alongside Dr. Ojobo, will work collaboratively to reposition the Polytechnic and enhance its academic and administrative excellence.

Governor Alia has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to overhauling the education sector in Benue State, with a focus on technical and vocational education. His administration has prioritized the appointment of competent professionals to key institutions, as part of efforts to improve learning standards, research output, and infrastructural development in tertiary institutions.

The appointment of Dr. Henry Ojobo as Rector of Benue State Polytechnic aligns with the Governor’s vision of repositioning the Polytechnic as a center of excellence in technical education and innovation. Stakeholders, including students, staff, and the general public, have expressed optimism that Dr. Ojobo’s leadership will usher in a new phase of growth and academic excellence for the institution.