Recently, the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, appointed Professor Chidiebere Onyia as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

With an impressive academic background and extensive experience in change management and leadership, Prof. Onyia has made significant contributions to the education sector and infrastructure development. In this article, we will explore ten fascinating facts about Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, shedding light on his achievements, qualifications, and impactful roles in various organizations.

Prof. Chidiebere Onyia Biography and Profile

Academic Excellence:

Prof. Chidiebere Onyia holds a Bachelor\’s degree in Biological Sciences, a Master\’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Business Administration degree, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a post-doctoral scholarship in Education Policy from the Ivy League Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.

Diverse Professional Experience:

As the Chief of Staff to the Honorable Minister of Power from 2012 to 2015, Prof. Onyia played a crucial role in providing decision support for the ongoing sector reform process. He ensured that the Minister\’s team, comprising of local and Diaspora experts in the power value chain, delivered timely and evidence-based solutions.

Managing Director for UK Nigeria Infrastructure Facility:

Currently, Prof. Onyia serves as the Managing Director for the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Facility. In this role, he oversees a 70-million-pound technical assistance support for infrastructure development in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on five key components: Power, Private Public Partnership, Roads, Capital Budget, and North East Nigeria.

Key Advisor for Power Sector Recovery Programme:

Prof. Onyia acted as the Lead Strategy Advisor for the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank Group Power Sector Recovery Programme. His expertise in infrastructure and strategic planning played a vital role in formulating effective strategies for the recovery and development of the power sector in Nigeria.

Senior Advisor to Globethics.net Geneva:

With his extensive knowledge and strategic insights, Prof. Onyia serves as a Senior Advisor to Globethics.net Geneva. He offers valuable advice to the organization\’s leadership and contributes as an external reviewer for higher education ethics curriculum modules. Additionally, he engages in strategic collaborations with UNESCO, German, and Russian Governments.

Academic Contributions:

Prof. Onyia is a visiting Professor of Education at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State. He also serves on the Governing Council of two private universities in Nigeria, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Chairman of Board and Consultant:

Prof. Onyia holds positions as the Chairman of the Board of Org Learning Consult (an affiliate of TOL Consult, California, USA) and the Centre for Education Reform and Sustainability Initiative. Through these roles, he spearheads institutional reform and training programs for senior management, emphasizing the importance of performance and attitudinal change in the education sector.

International Engagements:

With his expertise sought after worldwide, Prof. Onyia has served on the Board of various organizations, including the World Bank International Advisory Board on the Nigerian STEP-B project and the US Department of Education Advisory Board on Teacher Incentive Program. His contributions extend to Lift Saxum Foundation, Visiola Foundation, Powerex Energy Consulting Ltd, the OrgLearning Group, and Chrisland University.

Recognition and Awards:

Prof. Onyia\’s outstanding leadership and contributions to the education sector have earned him numerous international and national awards. He was recognized by the prestigious \’Cambridge Who\’s Who\’ in 2009 and featured in the \’Those Who Inspire Nigeria\’ list in 2015. His accolades reflect his commitment to excellence and the positive impact he has made in his field.

A Prolific Author:

Beyond his professional engagements, Prof. Onyia is a certified educational consultant, researcher, presenter, mentor, and author of multiple books. His publications contribute to the existing body of knowledge in education and serve as valuable resources for scholars and practitioners alike.

Conclusion

Professor Chidiebere Onyia\’s appointment as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Enugu State is a testament to his remarkable achievements and expertise. With his strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and leadership roles in various organizations, Prof. Onyia has made significant contributions to infrastructure development, education, and change management in Nigeria. His passion for excellence, combined with his visionary leadership, positions him as a catalyst for positive change in the country\’s education sector and beyond.