Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia has appointed Arc. Dr. Henry Ojobo as the substantive Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.

The appointment, effective April 1, 2025, is for a single tenure of five years and aligns with the recommendations of the institution’s Governing Council.

A statement issued by Mr. Bartholomew Geraga, Permanent Secretary, Government House Administration, described Dr. Ojobo as a distinguished academic, urban planner, and environmental sustainability expert with over two decades of experience in architectural education, research, and professional practice.

His appointment is expected to drive academic innovation, infrastructural development, and institutional growth at the Polytechnic.

Hailing from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Dr. Ojobo boasts an impressive academic and professional background spanning both national and international institutions.

He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a Ph.D. in Architecture (specializing in Landscape Architecture) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

His research focuses on the built environment, environmental sustainability, and the psychological benefits of landscape design.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ojobo served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Kaduna State University, where he held several key leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Architecture (2018–2021), Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (2019–2023), and Editor-in-Chief of the Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal (2019–2022).

With over 50 peer-reviewed publications in international and national journals, Dr. Ojobo has made significant contributions to architectural and environmental research.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ojobo is an accomplished urban and regional planning expert and an active member of multiple 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 professional portfolio includes landmark architectural projects, ranging from luxury hotels to mass housing developments across Nigeria.

Additionally, his commitment to community development is evident through his leadership in humanitarian initiatives, including serving as President of the Rotary Club, Kubwa Gateway (2022/2023), where he spearheaded impactful community projects.

In a related development, the Governing Council of Benue State Polytechnic has approved the appointment of three new principal officers to bolster the institution’s administrative and financial management.

They include Dr. Sunday Apochi as Registrar, Mr. Kase Joseph Chihinen as Bursar, and Mr. Antse Terfa Benjamin as Librarian. According to Dr. Damian Tersoo Anyam, Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, the appointments, effective April 3, 2025, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance academic and administrative excellence at the Polytechnic.

Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized technical and vocational education, appointing seasoned professionals to key institutions to elevate learning standards, research output, and infrastructure in Benue State’s tertiary education system.

Dr. Ojobo’s appointment aligns with this vision, with stakeholders—including students, staff, and the wider academic community—expressing optimism for a transformative era under his leadership.

Gov Alia appoints Ojobo as Benue Poly Rector