Onwurah Ikechukwu Noel Emmanuel

Biography

Ikechukwu Noel E. Onwurah is an erudite Professor of Biochemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Consultant. He was born on February 18, 1955 in Moore Plantation, Ibadan to the family of Late Pa Emmanuel and Mrs. Caroline Onwurah of Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka L.G.A. of Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Ogbete-Enugu, Government Secondary School Afikpo and the University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos where he obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Biochemistry and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. He started his teaching career under the employment of the (old) Anambra State Education Commission, Enugu. During this period, he took a part-time programme at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and obtained a Master’s degree (M.Sc) in Biochemistry with specialisation in Industrial Microbial Biochemistry. At the creation of Enugu State, he was re-located to Anambra State Education Commission, Awka, where he rose to the position of Principal (iii). He got appointed into the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka as an Assistant Lecturer in November 1992. Thereafter he registered for a Ph.D. programme in January 1993 and bagged his Doctorate in June 1996 in Environmental Microbial Biochemistry. Professor Onwurah has devoted his time to the service of God. He is an Area Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, he is the Pastor-in-Charge, Treasure House Parish, Odenigbo-Nsukka. He is a husband of one wife, Mrs. Chimezie N Onwurah, School of General Studies. They are blessed with three children - Arinze (Graduate), Barrister (Mrs) Ifeoma Ezeugo and Ebubechukwu (Engineering student, UNN) and two grand children.

Research Interest

Professor Onwurah’s interest in Environmental Biotechnology issues was kindled during his National Youths Service (NYSC) in Rivers State (1980-1981) after witnessing several oil spill incidents. His enthusiasm in this field of endeavour propelled him into research in bioremediation of oil polluted environment, toxicity assessment, development of biomarkers and mathematical models for impact assessment, where he published extensively.