History was made during the official inauguration of the Association of Business Educators of Nigeria (ABEN), Imo State Chapter, held at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, September 25, 2026, where a number of distinguished Nigerians were honoured among whom were Nigerian-born international scholar/scientist, and visiting professor at Miami university and university of Cincinnati, USA, Prof. Obinna Akakuru, alongside former Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Hon Goodluck Nana Opiah.
The occasion was chaired by the National President, Prof. Femi Ademiluyi, who was represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Samson O. Wagbara. Also present was the National Vice President, South-East/South-South, Dr. Felicia Nwokike.
Receiving the award on behalf of Prof. Obinna C. Akakuru, who was honoured as a Distinguished Scholar, Comrade Ihenacho Uchechukwu Oscar, Ph. D., a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, and a member of both the Association and the Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to ABEN for finding Prof. Akakuru worthy of the honour.
He noted Prof. Akakuru’s outstanding contributions to the global research community and his philanthropic commitment to the academic development of the younger generation. He maintained that Prof. Akakuru would continue to contribute to the advancement of young scholars and pledged his continued support to the Association whenever called upon.
Prof. Akakuru who is a Visiting Professor at the Miami University and the University of Cincinnati, USA, has established a growing international research profile, particularly in hydrogeology, environmental geoscience, groundwater quality, hydrogeochemistry, environmental pollution, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to contemporary environmental challenges.
UHe has authored and co-authored more than 100 scholarly publications. His scholarly contributions have earned him recognition among the Top 500 Researchers in Nigeria in successive assessments based on Scopus/SciVal research data. Beyond his publications, he contributes to the international scientific community through editorial and peer-review responsibilities with reputable scholarly journals, including editorial roles with Springer Nature journals and an invitation to serve as an Associate Editor with Frontiers in Geochemistry.
His research collaborations and scholarly activities span institutions and researchers across several countries, further reflecting the growing international visibility and impact of his work.
Other prominent personalities honoured at the event were Dr. Stephen E. Ndili, FCA, Bursar, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; Engr. Chibuike Onyejietu, FNSE, immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Imo State Branch; and Chief DOM Annor, an international businessman of note.
