Obiadi, Izuchukwu Ignatius hails from Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, is the third child, and the second son in a family of six. He was born in Benin City, Edo State, and had his early education there. He attended the NIFOR Staff Primary School, Benin, in the 80s, after which he proceeded to Egba Grammar School for his secondary education. He excelled in his secondary school studies, winning prizes and awards both at the Junior Secondary School Examination as well as in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, where he emerged among the best in his set with distinctions. His quest for higher education took him to his home state of Anambra, where he was admitted as an undergraduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. During his undergraduate studies, he again excelled in both academics and other human endeavors. His sterling qualities endeared him to his peers as he was soon elected into the student union executive of his department first as the Departmental Librarian and subsequently as the President. He also held several leadership positions in the local university chaplaincy, a testimony to his leadership skills and ability to mobilize people of diverse backgrounds and learning. Izuchukwu has the unique ability to combine leadership and social work with academics; little wonder he excelled in all. He graduated with a First Class (Honours) Degree in Geological Sciences from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, winning the Best Graduating Student Award for his set. This feat earned him automatic employment as an academic staff member in the same department. However, he had to serve his nation in the NYSC scheme before assuming his appointment with his university. Izuchukwu did his primary assignment with the Ministry of Water Resources, Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he was actively involved in several rural water supply schemes. It did not take long before his leadership skills brought him to the fore as he was elected the State / Lafia Zonal President of the National Association of Catholic Corpers NACC, Nasarawa State. He contributed immensely to the growth of the association locally and nationally and was recognized as the president of the best participating (by attendance) state chapter at the 2006 national convention at Enugu. By his position, he was also a member of the St. Williams Catholic Cathedral Pastoral Council, where he contributed his own quota to the growth of the local church. After a successful service year to the fatherland, he assumed his appointment in the Department of Geological Sciences, UNIZIK. Being an academic ignited his quest for knowledge. He immediately enrolled for a master's degree programme in his local university while simultaneously seeking sponsorship for studies abroad, as this would give him the advantage of studying in an internationally competitive environment. He was awarded the prestigious Shell Chevening Scholarship to study for an MSc in Structural Geology with Geophysics at The University of Leeds, England, in 2006. This opportunity opened him to a whole new world of academic, social, and cultural learning as he was the only black student in his class. He built bridges and networks across countries and continents during his stay there, a resource he has continued to explore even to this day. Thanks to Shell Chevening! Izuchukwu finished his studies and returned home to contribute to the advancement of education in his local university, UNIZIK. Still focused on his goal of obtaining a Ph.D. before his 30th birthday, he immediately enrolled for a Ph.D. programme in Applied Geophysics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Working hard and defying all odds, he bagged his Ph.D. well in time before he clocked 30 years. His academic exploits saw him rise through the ranks to his present position as a Professor in the Department of Geophysics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He has been involved in the teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as active research. He has successfully supervised and produced a good number of Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Students and presently is actively supervising Ph.D. students. Many of his past students are well placed in society, contributing to societal goals and objectives. He has to his credit several professional publications in the geosciences with a particular focus on Applied/Exploration Geophysics and Structural Geology. He has also been involved in applied research as a Research Intern with the Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria, where he worked on the structural evolution and hydrocarbon distribution in parts of the Niger Delta Basin. He has attended several professional short courses/training/workshops/conferences locally and internationally. Izuchukwu has also attracted several research grants and recognitions, amongst which are the International Foundation for Science IFS Research Grant (Sweden), the Geophysics Without Borders-SEG research grant (USA), and the STEP-B (World Bank Assisted) Innovator-of-Tomorrow Research Award. The administrative and leadership qualities in Izuchukwu did not go unnoticed in his institution as he was soon appointed the Head of Department of Geophysics. Before he completed his second term as the Head of Department, he was elected the Sub (Associate) Dean of his faculty, the Faculty of Physical Sciences, a position he held for two years. He is presently serving as the Post-Graduate Sub-Dean for the Faculty of Physical Sciences. He has also been appointed chairman, secretary, and member of several standing and ad hoc committees in the university and society. Izuchukwu, a Christian of the catholic faith, is happily married with Children.

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Applied Geophysics Structural Geology