PROFESSOR RAPHAEL NNAJIOFOR OKIGBO, FMYCOSON, FAATSEA Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria Phone: +234-8052239358 | Email: [email protected], [email protected] Google Scholar: 4,313 Citations | H-Index: 31 | i10-Index: 59 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Distinguished Professor of Botany and Plant Microbiology with over 18 years of full professorial rank (promoted October 2008) and 38+ years of university teaching, research, and high-level administrative leadership. Demonstrated strategic governance through roles as Acting Dean, Head of Department, Senate Committee Chairman, and leadership across national university bodies. Proven track record in institutional development, research grant attraction, curriculum review for the National Universities Commission (NUC), and international academic collaborations. He has 4,313 Citations, H-Index: 31 and i10-Index: 59 EDUCATION & ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS • Ph.D. in Microbiology – University of Benin, Nigeria (1995) • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2010) • M.Sc. in Microbiology – University of Benin, Nigeria (1992) • M.Sc. in Botany – University of Benin, Nigeria (1988) • B.Sc. in Botany – University of Benin, Nigeria (1984) UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATIVE & GOVERNANCE LEADERSHIP • Chairman, VC Senate Committee on Staff Welfare/Club Services, UNIZIK (2024–2026) • Applied & Interviewed for Vice Chancellor Positions: o Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (Feb 2026) o Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (March 2025) • Acting Dean, Faculty of Biosciences, UNIZIK (2013) • Pioneer Sub-Dean, Faculty of Biosciences, UNIZIK (2010–2013) • Head of Department, Department of Botany, UNIZIK (2006–2007; 2011–2012) • Chairman, Senate Committee on Arboreal & Environmental Protection, UNIZIK (2012–2015) • Pioneer Chairman, Faculty of Biosciences Welfare Committee, UNIZIK (2010–2014) • Faculty Representative in Senate, MOUAU (2004–2005) ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS • Professor, Dept. of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (2008–Present) • Sabbatical Professor, Delta State University (2021–2023) & Univ. of Uyo (2014–2015) • Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Science Education, ESCET (2013–2014) • Reader, Dept. of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (2005–2008) • Senior Lecturer / Lecturer I, Michael Okpara Univ. of Agriculture, Umudike (1999–2005) • Lecturer I / II / Assistant Lecturer, Delta State University, Abraka (1992–1999) FELLOWSHIPS, HONORS & SCHOLARLY RANKINGS • Ranked #3 Scholar in UNIZIK out of Top 100 Scholars by citations and publications (2020/2021 VC Commendation). • AD Scientific Index (2023): Ranked #4 in UNIZIK, #121 in Nigeria. • Fellow, Mycological Society of Nigeria (FMYCOSON, 2017). • Fellow, Association of Agricultural Technology in South-East Asia (FAATSEA, 2015). • Major Donor / 15-Star Paul Harris Fellow (PHF+14), Rotary International (2019/2025). • Special Commendation Award for Research, Emerald Group Publishing, UK/USA (2009). NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS • President, Mycological Society of Nigeria (MYCOSON) (2025–Present) • NUC Resource Person: Comprehensive review of Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Botany programmes in Nigerian Universities (2021). • NUC Accreditation Team Member: Kano State Univ. of Science & Tech. and Fed. Univ. Dutse (2021). • Electoral Returning Officer: Federal Constituencies & Gubernatorial Elections (2015, 2019). • Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Phytopathology and Plant Health. • External Examiner & Professorial Assessor: Evaluated senior academic staff for over 15 institutions including Univ. of Nigeria Nsukka, Univ. of Benin, Univ. of Uyo, and Madurai Kamaraj Univ. (India). SELECTED RESEARCH GRANTS ATTRACTED • TETFund Research Grants: Multiple grants awarded for biofertilizer development, mushroom production, and livestock biogas systems (2012–2013). • Emerald Research Fund Award (UK): Facilitating Knowledge Creation & Transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa (£6,000). • International Travel & Conference Grants: CTA Netherlands ($3,000), AATSEA Philippines ($2,000), Chinese Local Govt. Grants, and TETFund Travel Grants (2005–2019). POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION & PUBLICATIONS • Ph.D. Dissertations Supervised: 10+ completed doctoral candidates. • M.Sc. Theses Supervised: 16+ completed master's candidates. • Publications: Over 132 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 book/proceeding chapters, and 14 international keynote/abstract presentations across Europe, Asia, and North America. REFEREES 1. Chinenye Gloria Okeke Registrar and Secretary to Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Phone: +234-7069281882 2. Prof. Michael U. Orji Vice Chancellor, Caritas University, Emene, Enugu State, Nigeria. Phone: +234-8034539692 3. Prof. A. I. Izundu Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Phone: +234-7036643123

Mycology/Plant Microbiology/ Aquatic Botany