The apex youth organisation in West African Sub-Region, the West African Youth Congress (WAYC), a prominent organization representing the youth in West Africa, has selected Prof. Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze, the Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) and Chairman of the Association of State-owned Polytechnics Rectors in Nigeria, as a nominee for the Academic Leadership Awards at the 2023 West African Youth and Students Symposium/AWARDS (WAYS-2023).
Prof. Nweze, an origin of Enugu State in Nigeria, is set to compete with other academic leaders from various West African nations, including Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte D'Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, among others.
His outstanding profile, accomplishments, and contributions to academia have already been recognized by the West African Youth Congress, which has translated his profile into French and Arabic languages, making him a notable figure across the West African Sub-Region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
The West African Youth Congress diligently evaluates leaders throughout the Sub-region, relying on their extensive network and yearly reports from interconnected organizations in various countries. These evaluations serve as the foundation for nominating and celebrating individuals who have exhibited exceptional leadership qualities in West Africa.
Given his unwavering commitment and expertise as an academic administrator, the nomination of Prof. Uchechukwu Nweze comes as no surprise as has a rich history of service, having served as the Zonal Coordinator of the Rectors in the South East Geopolitical zone of Nigeria and currently holding the position of National Treasurer for COHEADS (Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria).
Prof. Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze, born on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1960 in Obollo Afor, Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria, embarked on an extraordinary educational journey. Starting as a Grade II Teacher, he taught Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, and Physics in Secondary Schools after training at the Lourdes Training College in Iwollo, Enugu State.
His remarkable talent in Mathematics led to a perfect 100% score in the subject during the 1983 University Matriculation Examination, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, despite not attending a Secondary School. Subsequently, he earned his BSc Degree in Accountancy in 1987, an MBA in 1992, and both an MSc and a PhD in 1999 and 2002, respectively, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Professionally, Professor Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze became a Chartered Accountant, earning membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as an Associate member (ACA) in 1992 and an Associate member (ACTI) of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in 1996. In 2003, he attained the esteemed status of Fellow (FCA and FCTI) in both ICAN and CITN, and he was appointed a Justice of Peace (JP).
His career journey commenced in August 1988 at the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, followed by a role at Anambra Broadcasting Service, Enugu, in December 1988. In 1990, he joined Orient Bank of Nigeria Plc, serving in various branches across Nigeria. In 1992, he became an Assistant Manager (Operations) at Royal Merchant Bank Limited.
In 1995, recognizing the changing landscape of the banking industry, Prof. Nweze transitioned to academia, joining Enugu State University of Science and Technology as a Lecturer. In 2009, he reached the pinnacle of academic achievement when he was promoted to the rank of Professor, becoming the First Professor of Accounting at Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, Professor A. U. Nweze was appointed the Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, effective from June 10, 2016.
Augustine Uchechukwu Nweze, PhD, FCA, FCTI, JP, shares a blissful marriage with Dr. Bernadine Ngozichukwu Nweze, a fellow academic from the Department of Science Education at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to dedication, education, and excellence, and his nomination for the WAYS Prestigious Leadership Awards in 2023 is a testament to his remarkable achievements in the field of education and leadership.
The 2023 West African Youth and Students Symposium promises to be a platform to celebrate and honor exceptional leaders like Prof. Nweze, who have made significant contributions to the academic landscape of West Africa. The anticipation builds as the event approaches, and all eyes are on this distinguished nominee as he represents not only Nigeria but the entire West African Sub-Region in the Academic Leadership Awards.
