Draft:Professor Jacinta Opara

Position: Vice Chancellor, Dominican University, Ibadan, Nigeria

Academic Background

Professor Jacinta Opara is a distinguished academic and administrator. She is currently Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan, and a leading environmental scholar, scientist, educator, health researcher, consultant, and development activist. Her academic journey and professional career are basically responsible for her laudable achievements and contributions to higher education.

Opara was educated at such prestigious institutions as the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Port Harcourt, Universidad Católica San Antonio (UCAM), and the University of Granada, among others. Her educational background is also complemented by advanced degrees and certifications from respected frontline institutions committed to her dedication to lifelong learning.

Professional Career

Professor Opara's career began as a Science Teacher (Biology) at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu in 1997 during her National Youths Service (NYSC). Since then, she has held numerous top academic and administrative positions across Africa, America, Europe, and Asia. She has served in various administrative capacities at Avance International University (AIU), the University of Maiduguri, the Federal University, Kashere, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she distinguished herself through dedication to teaching, research, educational development, and academic excellence and was promoted to full Professorship in 2016 at Kampala International University (KIU).

She has served as Visiting Scholar of Gender, Peace and Security at IISJ (Universidad de Basque County-UPV/EHU), Gipuzkoa-Spain; Visiting Professor at Kigali Independent University, Rwanda; Metropolitan International University; Mount Kenya University; Laikipia University; University of The Gambia; Nexus International University; Commonwealth University; Athens Institute of Education and Research; National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Bulawayo-Zimbabwe amongst others.

Family Life
Opara was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on 2 February 1976 to the family of Mazi Emmanuel Nosike Opara and Florence Uwamezi Opara [nee Agbakwuru]. She is married to Professor Austin Nosike and they have five adult children, three boys and two girls.

Research and Publications
A prolific author, Professor Opara has more than 200 publications. Professor Opara has contributed extensively to the field of environmental education and related disciplines. She has authored numerous research papers, articles, and books that have been widely cited and respected within academic circles. Her works often address pressing environmental issues, educational strategies, and sustainable development, reflecting her dedication to creating a better world through education and research.

Leadership and Administration
Professor Opara is an epitome of exemplary leadership and administrative skills. She is known for her strategic vision and innovative approach to university management. Under her guidance, higher education in Africa has seen significant growth in academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement. Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and a focus on excellence.

Contributions to Education
Professor Opara is a passionate advocate for quality education and has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that enhance educational standards. She is actively involved in various national and international educational forums, where she shares her insights and experiences to foster global educational development. Her commitment to student success and faculty development is evident in the numerous programs and initiatives she has spearheaded at Dominican University and others.

Awards and Recognitions
Through her career, Professor Opara has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of her contributions to education, research, and community service. Her awards and fellowships include the Erasmus Mundus of the European Commission and the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Achievement Award. These accolades reflect her impact on the academic community and her dedication to excellence in all her endeavours.

Community Engagement
Beyond her academic and administrative roles, Professor Opara is deeply involved in community service. She believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities, and she actively participates in initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development.

Vision for the Future
Professor Jacinta Opara’s goals include expanding research opportunities, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students and faculty can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Personal Qualities
Known for her integrity, dedication, and compassionate leadership, Professor Opara inspires those around her to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to society. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues make her a respected and admired figure in the academic community.

Experience
Her administrative experience is extensive, having served as Head of Department, Dean, Director, and Deputy Vice Chancellor. She is known for her ability to build bridges between stakeholders in higher education and human capacity building. Professor Opara is also a founding Co-Executive Director of the Center for Environment and Community Development and serves on several boards and governing councils. She also serves as President of the African Association for Teaching and Learning and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Policy Management Development.

REFERENCES

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KII9b_oAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.atiner.gr/bio/Jacinta_Opara.pdf

http://www.b-ac.info/uploads/9/3/9/2/9392622/biography_of_professor_jacinta_a._opara-ju.pdf

https://madridge.org/editorial_board_member/Jacinta-A-Opara

https://africanscientists.africa/business-directory/opara-2/

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1319789/prof-jacinta-opara-new-vc-of-dominican-universit.html

https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/dui-vice-chancellor/

http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=43518

https://twitter.com/duinigeria/status/1801614333899628678

https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jacinta-A-Opara-81957717

https://thenews-chronicle.com/tag/prof-jacinta-opara-appointed-as-vice-chancellor-of-dominican-university/

http://www.sapub.org/journal/editorialdetails.aspx?JournalID=1129&amp;PersonID=18188

https://www.academia.edu/8634359/Jacinta-a-opara-editorial_3

https://www.ines.ac.rw/research/seminar/

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Jacinta-Opara/dp/3659419281

https://mulengeranews.com/tag/prof-jacinta-opara/

https://www.morawa.at/detail/ISBN-9783659419287/Opara-Jacinta-A./State-of-Education-and-Globalization

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/702988-nigerian-university-appoints-first-female-vice-chancellor.html

https://examiner.co.ug/news/africa/dominican-university-appoints-professor-jacinta-opara-as-vice-chancellor/

https://www.ines.ac.rw/research/seminar/overview-of-research-for-development-in-africa/

https://dui.edu.ng/new_vc_profile

https://edelweisspublications.com/editor.php?name=Jacinta-A.Opara&amp;journal_id=44

https://idosi.org/wjns/board.htm

https://www.acedu.org/institute-of-environmental-health Professor Jacinta A.Opara,PhD,DSc".