IKWUAZOM OKWUNNA ONYEKACHI

Jan 21

PROFILE

Name: IKWUAZOM OKWUNNA ONYEKACHI

Okwunna is a medical biochemist, university lecturer, and public health advocate committed to improving health outcomes through research, education, and community engagement. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Biochemistry from Delta State University, Abraka, and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos. His research spans critical areas such as diabetes, infertility, hypertension, cancer, and metabolic health, with academic work that includes investigating IVF failure and exploring therapeutic strategies for diabetes management.

Beyond the laboratory and classroom, Okwunna is a dynamic youth leader and development champion. He has served as President of the National Association of Medical Biochemistry Students and currently coordinates the Nigerian Youth SDGs in Anambra State, driving youth participation in sustainable development initiatives. His work with organizations such as Mastercard Foundation, USAID, and Unified Initiative for a Drug-Free Nigeria highlights his dedication to drug abuse prevention, gender equality, and climate action.

Okwunna is also the founder of the Future Wellness & Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Initiative (FWNCDPI), an NGO focused on preventing NCDs and strengthening health literacy across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this platform, he promotes community-based health education, nutrition awareness, and preventive care, particularly in underserved communities. With several academic publications and ongoing training in health policy and systems, Okwunna continues to position himself as a rising voice in clinical nutrition, metabolic health, and global public health leadership.

PROFILE:

A PhD level researcher in Biochemistry; with extensive experience in volunteering, teaching and scientific analysis and research; data entry and analyst, Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Competence Level 2; trained in strategic management and administration. Seeking a platform to put my knowledge, skills and competences to optimal use to enable the organization achieve its corporate objectives.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCES:

 Sound knowledge of scientific and laboratory techniques

 Enthusiastic, goal-driven and result-oriented.

 Highly multitasking and can work efficiently, with little or no supervision. Learns very fast and able to work effectively independently as well as in a team

EDUCATIONAL PROFILE:

i. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State 2022 - till date

ii. University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State. 2017 – 2019

iii. Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State. 2009 – 2014

iv. Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary, Nnewi, Anambra State. 2001 - 2007

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

i. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Biochemistry (in-view)

ii. Master of Science (M.Sc.) Biochemistry 2019

iii. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Medical Biochemistry, Second Class Honours (Upper Division) 2014

iv. West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE)(WAEC/NECO) 2007

TRAININGS ATTENDED

• Youth Economic Summit (YES). Minds Magazine (May, 2015),

• Youth Empowerment Workshop. Nigerian Bottling Company (August 2017)

• Udemy Training on Microsoft Excel (2020)

• Rotaract International Multi District Disease Prevention and Treatment Project on Hepatitis B.

• Global Schools Advocate Program

MEMBERSHIP OF LEARNED/PROFESSIONAL BODIES

• Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management (CICRM).

• Associate Member, American Association of Cancer Research (AACR)

• Member, Rotaract Club of Nnewi

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Confident I.T. User, experienced with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point, passionate about project design, planning and implementation, and possesses good report writing skills as well as facilitation and presentation skills, Knowledge of SPSS, HTML5, CSS in web development, data entry.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Assistant Lecturer, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State 2023- till date Achievements/Duties: I lecture medical biochemistry to MBBS and B.Sc. students. Have project and seminar students under my tutelage. I am actively involved in project and publication reviews.

• Freelance Academic Advisor and Data Analyst 2020 – till date

Achievements/Duties: I do online and physical tutorials to students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Delta State University, Abraka, in biochemistry, Chemistry, physiology; advise university aspirants on career moves, and prepare students adequately for university entrance. Input and analyze school termly and annual results using lines of coding I wrote by myself and SQL. I also consult for companies for quality control and SOPs. I assist to supervise B.Sc. project topics.

• Quality Control Chemist, Benchiebest Pharmaceutical Company Limited 2019 -2020

Achievements/Duties: I prepared Standard of Procedures (SOP) on different techniques that were not available on my coming into the company. I performed analysis on raw materials, finished products, including water analysis. I was able to perform calibration, validation and qualification on the equipment available.

I was in charge of the Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR) of the company. I witnessed several NAFDAC and Pharmaceutical Council Inspections. I supervised productions and other in-line processes of manufacturing. I took and gave trainings on health and hazards in the laboratory and during production process.

• Program Assistant, Unified Initiative for a Drug Free Nigeria, an NGO- Lagos 2015 – 2017

Achievements/Duties: I was trained on identification of drugs called hard drugs or illicit drugs, trained on the effects on such drugs psychologically and mentally. Organize schools and community outreach program. Write proposals and program reports. Carry out surveys, collect data by questionnaire, analyze such data with SPSS, STATA and use the information gathered for further analysis

• Market Assessment Officer (Pro bono), Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Abuja. 2015

Achievements/Duties: Worked as part of a dedicated team in carrying out market surveys and field market research which helped us develop a report and business case. The market assessment involved research of maize and soya bean crops and products, and how to improve market chains and increase market value for farmers. It involved exploring the role of private sector lead firms in development issues such as agricultural development.

I learned team work. Helped to observe the market and know the trends of goods. I gained knowledge and experience in community development, livelihoods projects, governance, campaigns and advocacy.

• Lab Assistant (Industrial Trainee), Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. 2012

Achievements/Duties: Learned different biochemical, microbiology tests. Following detailed procedures, carefully disposed of solvents and inks in the correct manner. In addition to increasing knowledge whilst on the job attended presentations, several professional seminars on different blood tests and breakthroughs by experts.

Following training, gained valuable operational experience and knowledge of how to use sophisticated machinery for carrying out different tests. Learned how to file documents and do secretarial duties. Preparing samples used for different blood and culture tests.

RESEARCH INTERESTS/COMMISIONED PROJECTS

• Evaluation of Soya Bean Meal on Growth Performance and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of Albino Rat (Rattus Norvegicus). Esione, C.C., Edeh, E.C. & Ikwuazom, O.O. International journal of innovations in biology and chemical sciences. 2019; vol 12. p. 28-38.

• Biomedical Status of Women Attending In-Vitro Fertilization Clinics in Nigeria. Oluwasegun Adekunle Gbenle, Miriam N. Igwo-Ezikpe, Idowu A. Taiwo, Olumuyiwa A. Anyashina, Osita N. Ofoma, and Okwunna O. Ikwuazom. The FASEB Journal 2018 32:1_supplement, lb162-lb162.

• The Environmental, Endocrinological and Physiological Determinants of Infertility among Women Undergoing In-Vitro Fertilisation in Nigeria. A dissertation towards the award of the M.Sc. Biochemistry degree, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos. (January, 2018).

• Ameliorative Effects of Tender Coconut Water on the Activity of Glutathione Reductase and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the Liver and Serum of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. A dissertation towards the award of the B.Sc. Medical Biochemistry degree, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University. (July, 2013)

PUBLICATIONS

PRESENTATIONS/CONFERENCES ATTENDED

• Youth Economic Summit (YES). Minds Magazine (May, 2015),

• Youth Empowerment Workshop. Nigerian Bottling Company (August 2017)

• T4 Teachers Conference (2020).

• 4 th International public health conference at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State. Date: December, 12-14, 2023

CONSULTANCY POSITIONS

• Subject Matter Expert/Consultant for Anambra State with LYNFID Nigeria Limited: Anambra State

Team Lead and Co-ordinator, Evaluation Programme of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) under Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

Pathology Department, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. 2012; Position: Secretary

• Effectively monitored receipts and purchases by the company’s staff.

• Learned how to file documents and do secretarial duties

• Acquired interpersonal, communication, organizational and personnel management skills.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Oraifite Boys Secondary School, Anambra State. Position: Chemistry/Biology Teacher.

• Mentor, nurture and tutor students in science subjects (Biology and Chemistry) across all secondary school classes.

• Groom and prepare students in terminal classes for external examinations in O’ and A’ levels.

• Supervise and coach students on the conduction of scientific experiments and laboratory

management.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, College of Health Sciences, Position: Biochemistry Tutorial Lecturer

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Position: Biochemistry Tutorial Lecturer

• Lecture biochemistry and physiology to Nursing, public Heath students.

• Assist the students in finding solutions to the TMAs

COMMUNITY/VOLUNTEERING SERVICES

• Community leadership, market assessment for Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO).

• World Largest Lesson Volunteer

• Volunteer Election Observer, Yiaga Africa, Watching the Votes

• Volunteer/Local Coordinator, Nigeria Youth SDG, Mask Up/ E dey your Hands

• ChangeMaker, Youth Representation/Inclusion Project Pakati an AFLI Initiative

• Presiding Officer, 2015 Nigeria Presidential Elections

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD:

 Chair, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Rotaract Club of Nnewi 2022 till date

 President, National Association of Medical Biochemistry Students, DELSU Chapter, 2012/2013

 Treasurer, Igbo Students and Alumni, Delta State Chapter 2012/2013

 Sports Director, National Association of Medical Biochemistry Students, DELSU Chapter, 2011/2012

 National Assistant Secretary, Nnewi Academic Congress (NAC), 2010/2011

AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS

• Agbami Scholarship

• Federal Board Scholarship for Masters

Jim Tamuro

IKWUAZOM OKWUNNA ONYEKACHI

DR RAHNUMATAMANNA

Abigail Linda Etrue