Member’s Corner takes a closer look at Dority International Alumni Association members. This month, August 2026, features Professor Chinelo Ezeocha from Class of 1997.

Chinelo Vanessa Ezeocha is a dedicated academic, researcher, and mentor in in Food Science and Technology, with extensive experience in teaching, research, innovation, and community service. 

She is a 1997 graduate of DISS and holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD degrees in Food Science and Technology. A recipient of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship, she completed Advanced Science Training at the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) in Montpellier, France, and served as a Visiting Researcher at CORAF/WECARD in Dakar, Senegal.

She began her career at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, where she rose to the rank of Senior Research Officer. In 2015, she joined Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), where she progressed through the academic ranks to become a Professor of Food Science and Technology. She is currently on sabbatical leave at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Professor Ezeocha is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, a Certified Food Scientist (CFS), and a member of several other related professional bodies.

When did you first become interested in Food Science and Technology, and why did you choose it as a career?

As a child I had always been very selective when it comes to food, I always complained about the monotonous diet at home and when I did, my mum would ask me to go to the kitchen and fix the so called special diet myself. So I always found myself in the kitchen experimenting with recipes, some of which turned out great, while some others were nasty.

When it was time to choose what to study, I knew I wanted to do something related to food which was completely against what my parents wanted for me. I discussed my passion with my uncle who then advised me to go for Food Science and Technology since I performed well in my sciences and mathematics.

He helped me convince my parents and that was how my journey in Food Science and Technology started. Since then, I decided to work hard to prove to my parents that my career choice was the right one for me and I am happy that they later agreed with me.

What important lessons did you learn during your time at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike?

My journey in the research world started at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, where I learnt how to identify practical challenges facing farmers, processors and consumers and develop innovative solutions. I also learnt patience, perseverance, how to pay attention to details while working with data and how to collaborate and work within a multidisciplinary team.

I was also exposed to a lot of trainings and short courses such as the ones organized by IITA, CIRAD, Wageningen University etc. The years I spent in NRCRI were my formative years which laid the solid foundation on which I stand today.

What were the most significant challenges on your journey to becoming a professor?

The greatest challenge on my journey to becoming a Professor was time management. It was not easy balancing the demands of teaching, research and family responsibilities.

Another challenge was working in an environment where research infrastructure and funding were usually inadequate. This pushed me to become resourceful, collaborate with colleagues from better equipped institutions and seek for funding opportunities, which were very competitive, to strengthen my research and professional development.

Despite these challenges I faced, perseverance, mentorship and the passion for advancing knowledge kept me motivated.

How does your research in food processing, preservation and value addition improve the lives of ordinary households, farmers and entrepreneurs?

My research is aimed at improving food security, nutrition and livelihoods. By developing simple, affordable and sustainable processing technologies and value-added products, my research contributes to the reduction of post-harvest losses, extension of shelf life and improvement in the quality and safety of food products made from locally available crops.

These can increase the economic value of these crops and minimize waste for farmers. I always ensure that my research work always translate into real benefits for communities through improved nutrition, increased income and sustainable food systems.

How did the AWARD Fellowship and your research experiences in France and Senegal influence your professional development?

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) fellowship was a transformative milestone in my professional development. It equipped me with leadership, mentorship and proposal writing skills, enabling me to build stronger research collaborations and compete more effectively for research funding.

Through the advanced science training, I was exposed to state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge analytical techniques. These experiences have shaped my approach to research and teaching.

They inspired me to pursue excellence, foster collaborations, mentor young scientists and conduct research that benefit my community.

What challenges have you encountered as a woman working in agricultural research and academia, and how did you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges I encountered as a working woman was balancing the demands of teaching, research, mentorship, and administrative duties with family and personal responsibilities simultaneously, often under serious time constraints.

Most times, I had to work extra hard to establish credibility and demonstrate my capabilities above my male colleagues.

Mentorship by senior colleagues, participation in initiatives such as AWARD and my international experiences gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. By remaining resilient, maintaining high professional standards and focusing on research that addressed real societal needs, I was able to build a rewarding career.

Today, I am passionate about mentoring young women scientists, encouraging them to believe in their abilities, that with determination, integrity and hard work, they can overcome barriers.

You have supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate students. What principles guide your approach to teaching and mentorship?

I have always believed that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also inspiring curiosity, critical thinking and innovation.

So I try to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas and develop confidence in their abilities.

I encourage my students to think independently and equip them with what it takes to become problem solvers, effective communicators, team players and future leaders. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing my former students excel in the real world after graduation.

I met one of my students in Italy during one of my industrial visits and I was very happy when his supervisor was speaking highly of him. Such achievements reaffirm my belief in mentorship.

What have you learnt from training master bakers, women’s groups, young people and entrepreneurs to develop products from indigenous crops?

Training these various groups of people has taught me that scientific knowledge has its greatest value when it is translated into practical solutions that improve people’s lives and livelihoods.

This helped me to realize that innovation must be pertinent to local needs and that capacity building is as important as technology development.

I also learnt that the most successful innovations are those developed by combining scientific expertise with local experience because they usually give rise to practical, affordable and culturally acceptable solutions.

You mentioned Mrs. Zovannah Onumah’s influence on you as a student. Was there another person, teacher or experience at Dority that significantly influenced your future?

The collective influence of the teachers and values promoted at Dority laid the foundation for my future. However, the teachers that had the most significant influence were Monsieur Abosi Mukete and Mr. Moses Ineh.

Monsieur Abosi Mukete taught us how fun learning a new language could be, he taught us nice songs and we also acted drama in French. Those experiences gave me the confidence and open mind I needed during my sojourn in non-English speaking countries.

Mr. Moses Ineh taught us discipline which is one of the principles that has guided my academic and professional journey.

The JETS club competition we went for in Ogun State was what triggered my interest in science, and I remain grateful for such experiences.

What advice would you give to Dority students and younger alumni who want to build meaningful careers in the agriculture and food industry?

My advice to Dority students and younger alumni is to pursue their dreams with purpose, curiosity and perseverance.

They should first build a strong academic foundation and never stop learning since technology is constantly evolving, they should remain open to new ideas and innovations.

They should also work hard, remain resilient, seek mentors and build meaningful professional networks, collaborate and take advantage of internships, research opportunities and professional development programmes that will broaden their experience.

Most importantly, they should use their knowledge to improve their community.

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Building a business from nothing involves uncertainty, risk, rejection and many difficult days.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Uzoma Ekwebelem (Class of 2002) delivered a presentation titled “The Courage to Build: Lessons from the Boardroom to Entrepreneurship” as part of DIAA’s monthly Knowledge Sharing Series.

She spoke about her decision to become an entrepreneur and explained how she built Arya Marketplace, a business-to-business platform connecting African manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors with buyers across the continent.

Here are five lessons from her presentation.

1. Dority Influenced Us

According to Uzoma, Dority taught her discipline.

She was expected to arrive early to school, complete her assignments, attend evening lessons and sometimes return for Saturday classes.

These demands felt difficult at the time. But Uzoma later realised that they helped her develop discipline and resilience.

The lesson is that education goes beyond the subjects taught in the classroom.

Schools influence our habits and attitudes, and the discipline we complain about as students may become our greatest advantage as adults.

2. Companies Grow Through Systems

Uzoma spent about fifteen years working at IBM and Oracle.

Before entering the corporate world, she believed that business success came mainly from having brilliant people.

She soon realised that brilliant people weren’t enough. Successful companies build systems that continue to function when employees and leaders change.

Many Nigerian businesses revolve around one person. The founder makes every decision, supervises every task and holds most of the important information.

When that person is unavailable, work slows down or stops completely.

A business operating this way cannot grow beyond the capacity of its founder.

In large corporate organisations, employees receive responsibilities and are assessed according to agreed Key Performance Indicators. They aren’t followed around and told what to do every hour.

A business becomes scalable and successful when its important activities can continue without the founder personally managing every step.

3. Growth Requires Discomfort

After working at IBM and Oracle for many years, Uzoma faced an important decision.

She could remain in a successful corporate career with a good salary and a predictable path. Or she could leave that security and build something of her own.

Uzoma decided that she would rather try and fail than reach a point in her life where she regretted not trying.

Entrepreneurship gave her freedom, but it also brought uncertainty and financial risk.

There was no guarantee that her business would succeed.

Meaningful growth requires us to do something unfamiliar. Growth doesn’t happen within our comfort zone.

We may need to accept a new responsibility, enter a different industry, acquire a difficult skill or attempt a project with an uncertain outcome.

4. Successful Businesses Solve Real Problems

Uzoma’s interest in engineering, manufacturing and business led her to the problem Arya Marketplace was created to solve.

Aba produces shoes, clothes, bags and many other products. However, local manufacturers struggle to reach buyers outside their immediate environment.

Arya Marketplace solved this problem by connecting Aba manufacturers with buyers across Nigeria.

The company has onboarded more than 1,000 merchants, developed a buyer community of over 1,000 people and listed approximately 7,500 products.

The long-term plan is to extend the business model to other commercial centres in Nigeria and across Africa.

We don’t have to search far away for business opportunities.

Some of the most valuable opportunities are hidden inside the problems affecting our communities.

5. Resilience, Relationships and Reputation Matter

Uzoma made us understand that while talent may create opportunities for you, resilience helps you make the most of those opportunities.

Resilience enables you to continue working when things go wrong. It helps you recover from rejection and solve unexpected problems.

Relationships also matter. Uzoma’s move to Oracle resulted from a recommendation by a former IBM colleague.

Every person who comes into our lives impacts us in one way or another. They may teach us, recommend us for opportunities, support our work or connect us with others.

Reputation is also important. A good reputation takes years to build but can be destroyed quickly.

People remember how we treat them, whether we keep our promises and whether we act with honesty when nobody is watching.

Resilience, relationships and reputation produce results gradually, with their value increasing over time.

Memorable Quote from the Presentation

“Our best chapter is not written yet.”

Food is an important part of life.

It gives us energy, supports our health and brings families and communities together.

But food can also expose us to disease, damage the environment and contribute to waste when it is produced, handled or consumed irresponsibly.

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Professor Chinelo Vanessa Ezeocha (Class of 1997), a professor of Food Science and Technology at Michael Okpara University, Umudike, delivered a presentation titled “Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Diets” as part of DIAA’s monthly Knowledge Sharing Series.

She explained how food choices affect our health, local economy and environment.

1. A Good Diet Has Three Dimensions

Professor Ezeocha divided the subject into three connected dimensions: safe diets, healthy diets and sustainable diets.

A safe diet contains food that does not cause harm when it is prepared and consumed as intended.

A healthy diet provides the energy and nutrients the body needs. It should be balanced, varied and appropriate for a person’s age, health, activity level and physiological needs.

A sustainable diet meets our present nutritional needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs.

These three dimensions must work together.

Food may be nutritious but unsafe because it is contaminated. It may be safe and nutritious but unsustainable because its production damages the environment or wastes scarce resources.

2. Food Safety Starts Before Food Reaches Our Plates

Food safety does not begin in the kitchen.

It starts with production and continues through harvesting, transportation, processing, storage, preparation and service.

Professor Ezeocha identified three major categories of food hazards.

Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Physical hazards include stones, glass, hair, insects and pieces of metal. Chemical hazards include pesticide residues, heavy metals, natural toxins and unsafe substances from processing or packaging materials.

Poor handling at any stage can turn good food into dangerous food.

She advised members to wash their hands before preparing meals, use clean water, sanitise food-contact surfaces and keep raw food separate from cooked or ready-to-eat food.

Perishable foods should be stored at safe temperatures. Meat, fish, eggs and other foods should be cooked properly. Spoiled, mouldy, expired or adulterated food should be avoided.

We can’t determine food safety by appearance alone. Food may look and smell normal and still contain harmful microorganisms or chemicals.

3. Healthy Eating Is About Balance, Variety and Moderation

The Nigerian Food Guide shared in Professor Ezeocha’s presentation.

Professor Ezeocha used the food pyramid to explain the proportions in which different food groups should be consumed.

A healthy diet should contain appropriate amounts of whole grains, roots and tubers, fruits, vegetables, protein foods, healthy fats and water.

She encouraged members to eat the rainbow by including fruits and vegetables of different colours in their meals. Different colours often represent different nutrients and protective compounds.

She also advised members to favour minimally processed foods and limit excess salt, added sugar, sweetened drinks, saturated fats, repeatedly fried foods, ultra-processed foods and excessive alcohol.

People who enjoy red meat do not necessarily have to stop eating it completely. They can choose leaner portions and reduce fatty cuts.

Palm oil contains saturated and unsaturated fats and should be used in moderation.

The lesson was simple: healthy eating is about making better food choices and avoiding excess.

4. Indigenous Foods Deserve More Attention

Pigeon pea (Fiofio), one of the indigenous Nigerian crops featured in Professor Ezeocha’s presentation.

Many Nigerians overlook indigenous foods while embracing imported or heavily processed alternatives.

Professor Ezeocha encouraged greater use of locally produced legumes, cereals, roots, tubers, fruits and vegetables.

Foods such as pigeon pea and African yam bean can provide valuable nutrients, support local farmers and reduce the environmental costs associated with transporting food over long distances.

She also spoke about collaborative research to improve the nutritional quality, cooking time and attractiveness of products made from underutilised indigenous crops.

Supporting local food improves our diets.

It also creates economic opportunities for farmers, preserves biodiversity and protects valuable food knowledge that could otherwise disappear.

5. Food Waste and Sustainable Eating Require Us to Think Beyond Ourselves

Food waste goes beyond throwing away leftovers.

Food may be lost during harvesting, transportation, storage, processing and marketing before it reaches the consumer.

Unreliable electricity worsens the problem in Nigeria. Traders and households may lose meat, fish, vegetables and other perishable foods because they cannot keep them at safe temperatures.

Better harvesting methods, improved storage, reliable electricity, meal planning and sensible portion control can reduce food loss and waste.

Leftovers should be stored and reheated safely or put to productive use where possible.

When we waste food, we also waste the land, water, energy, labour and money used to produce it.

Memorable Quote from the Presentation

“Food must not just be available. It must be safe, nutritious, affordable, and produced in ways that protect the environment.”

Member’s Corner takes a closer look at Dority International Alumni Association members. This month, July 2026, features Uzoma Ekwebelem from Class of 2002.

Uzoma Ekwebelem is a technology executive, entrepreneur, board member, and business leader with over two decades of experience leading business transformation, technology adoption, and growth initiatives across Africa.

She holds a first degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Technology and Business Management, University of Manchester, Manchester Business School, United Kingdom. 

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arya Marketplace, a technology -enabled B2B wholesale marketplace connecting African manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to buyers across the continent. 

Prior to entrepreneurship, she built a distinguished corporate career with global technology leaders IBM and Oracle, where she held several leadership positions spanning enterprise technology, cloud computing, and public sector transformation.

She is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, women’s leadership, and Africa’s economic transformation. She is also committed to creating opportunities and empowering the next generation.

What inspired your interest in Electrical and Electronics Engineering?

My Dad.

He was my idol growing up. I watched him build a business and a factory from the ground up, and I simply wanted to be like him. At the same time, I was always fascinated by how things worked and enjoyed solving problems.

Engineering appealed to me because it combined analytical thinking with the ability to create practical solutions to real-world problems. Looking back, it was the perfect foundation for the technology and business career I would later build.

What were the most important lessons you learned working for IBM and Oracle?

IBM and Oracle taught me how to build businesses that can scale.

I learned the importance of structure, delegation, accountability, and ownership. As organizations grow, success becomes less about individual effort and more about building systems and teams that can consistently deliver results.

The second lesson was that relationships are often more important than transactions. Long-term success is built on trust, credibility, and the ability to work effectively with people.

The third lesson was that technology is never really about technology. It is about solving business and societal problems. The most successful solutions are those that create measurable value for the people they serve.

As Cloud Country Leader for Nigeria and Public Sector Director at Oracle, you worked on major technology initiatives. What achievement from that period stands out most to you?

What stands out most is not a single project but the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

I had the privilege of working on projects that helped digitize government payroll and HR systems, customs and border modernization initiatives to support trade and exports, health insurance systems, and pension administration platforms.

One moment I will never forget was when a police officer walked up to me after a meeting and thanked us because, for the first time in his career, salaries were being paid on time. He explained that in the past, officers often had to bribe people or go through unnecessary hurdles just to access what they had earned.

Another memorable moment was receiving feedback from a pensioner who had struggled for years to receive pension payments and finally began receiving them through a digitized system without needing to beg anyone.

Those experiences reminded me that technology projects are never just about software or systems. Behind every project are real people whose lives can be improved when things work better.

Beyond the technology itself, I am proud of the teams I built, the people I mentored, and the leaders who grew through those experiences.

You’re the Founder and CEO of Arya Marketplace. What inspired you to build Arya Marketplace?

Arya Marketplace was inspired by both personal experience and research.

I grew up in Aba and come from a manufacturing background, so I saw firsthand the challenges manufacturers faced in finding new markets and growing their businesses.

During my Master’s degree research, I spent time speaking with merchants in the Aba leather and footwear cluster, and many of them described the same challenges—limited market access, trust issues, fragmented supply chains, and difficulty reaching buyers beyond their immediate environment.

Years later, when I started my own retail e-commerce business, I encountered many of the same problems. The experience was frustrating enough that I decided this was a problem worth solving.

Arya Marketplace was created to help manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and buyers source products cheaper, safer, and faster while unlocking access to larger markets across Africa.

What future do you see for African businesses when technology is used to connect markets?

I believe the future is incredibly exciting.

Technology has the potential to remove geographical barriers, improve trust, increase transparency, reduce transaction costs, and connect businesses to customers far beyond their immediate communities.

As more African businesses embrace digital platforms, we will see stronger regional trade, greater competitiveness, increased job creation, and more locally made products reaching national and international markets.

Technology can become one of the greatest enablers of Africa’s economic transformation.

What’s the most difficult part of building a business from the ground up?

The most difficult part is dealing with uncertainty.

In a corporate environment, many systems, resources, and structures already exist. As an entrepreneur, you are building while simultaneously learning, adapting, and solving problems you have never encountered before.

There are moments when progress feels slow and outcomes are uncertain. What keeps you going is resilience, belief in your vision, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when you do not yet have all the answers.

You received multiple awards for exceptional performance. What do those recognitions mean to you?]

I am grateful for every recognition I have received, but I view awards as a by-product rather than the objective.

To me, they represent the collective effort of teams, mentors, colleagues, customers, and partners who contributed to those achievements. They are reminders of what is possible when people work together toward a shared goal.

Ultimately, the impact we create and the opportunities we help others access are far more important than the awards themselves.

In what ways did Dority help shape your confidence and ambition?

I certainly was not a model student at Dority! (LOL)

But Dority provided an environment that emphasized learning, discipline, and excellence.

I believe many of the experiences we went through helped build resilience and prepared us for the realities of life beyond the classroom.

Dority was all about excellence. It taught me that excellence should be pursued consistently and that ambition should never be limited by circumstances.

Those values have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to influence how I approach both business and life.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at Dority?

Without a doubt, walking home with my classmates.

The walk home was an experience in itself. We would gist, laugh, buy ice cream, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Looking back, some of my fondest memories are the friendships, shared experiences, and sense of community that came with being part of the school.

Dority was where many lifelong friendships were formed, and those relationships remain one of the greatest gifts from that period of my life.

What advice would you give to current Dority students and younger alumni who want to build corporate careers but are unsure where to begin?

Start before you feel ready.

Focus on building skills, not just collecting qualifications. Be curious, ask questions, seek mentors, and take every opportunity to learn.

Do not be afraid to start small. Every successful career is built one step at a time. Consistency often matters more than brilliance.

Most importantly, understand that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Invest in your character, your reputation, your relationships, and your ability to keep learning. Those assets will open more doors than any job title ever will.

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