By Chinenye Onwusonye
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has congratulated Professor Rose Nwabueze following her retirement from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), after what was described as a meritorious career marked by contributions to teaching, research and mentorship.
The commendation was contained in a press release issued on March 11, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Uzopuo Charles Nnamdi, after an event held at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, where the retiring professor delivered the institution’s 36th Public Lecture.
Uzodimma, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, described Prof. Nwabueze as an accomplished scholar whose work significantly contributed to capacity building and scientific development.
The governor also noted that Prof. Nwabueze made history as the first female Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university and commended her for her role in strengthening academic excellence at the institution.
“Your work has helped build intellectual foundations upon which future innovations will stand,” the governor was quoted as saying while acknowledging the scholar’s contributions to knowledge and mentorship.
The public lecture delivered by Prof. Nwabueze was titled “The Silent Architects of Life: Living with the Invisible,” in which she reflected on the unseen forces that sustain life and scientific advancement.
Uzodimma noted that progress often begins with invisible elements such as ideas, curiosity and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, expressing hope that the lecture would inspire greater recognition of the unseen efforts that drive innovation and societal advancement.
The governor also commended the leadership of FUTO, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Otti, for sustaining an academic environment that promotes research and development.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government for its continued support for the institution and praised Prof. Nwabueze for her commitment to service and her role in promoting the dignity of scholarship and womanhood in academia.
While reflecting on her academic journey, Prof. Nwabueze emphasized that integrity is more valuable than material wealth and noted that microbes, though invisible, play significant roles in shaping the earth and influencing biological, health and environmental processes.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a monumentum to the retiring professor by the university’s Vice Chancellor in recognition of her distinguished career and contributions to the institution.
