Tessy Okoli


Theresa Obumneme Okoli is the 4th substantive provost of Federal College of Education, Umunze. On 17 May 2018, she was appointed by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, to replace the Acting provost of the college, Dr. Cicilia Nonye Ibekwe.

Early life and education

Tessy was born to the family of Aniagboso in Okpuifite village, Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State. She started her education at St. Augustine's Primary
School, Ogun State and continued at Girls Secondary School, Awgbu, Anambra State, from 1971–1984, where she obtained the West African Senior School Certificate. She preceded to Anambra State College of Education, where she was the best graduating student from the Department of Agric. Education in 1988. She obtained her B.sc degree in Agric. Education in 1990 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and also her master's degree in 1995 from the same university. In 2011, she got her Doctorate degree from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Career

On 3 March 1992, Tessy started her career with Federal College of Education, Umunze as an assistant lecturer in the department of Agricultural Education, she became a principal lecturer in 2007 and later chief lecturer on 1 October 2011. She served as the Dean, School of Agriculture and Home Economics Education, Dean, Students Affairs, Coordinator, Sandwich Programme, Coordinator, Continuing Education Programme, Head of Department, Agricultural Education. She is a member of many professional associations, such as Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Teacher of Technology, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Women in Colleges of Education and Nigerian Institute of Management. She is the National Secretary of Association of Women in Colleges of Education. She is also the Chairman, Forum for African Women Educationalist of Nigeria, FCET Umunze Chapter.

Appointment as provost

On 17 May 2018, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, appointed her as the 4th substantive provost of Federal College of Education, Umunze to replace the Acting provost of the college, Dr. Cicilia Nonye Ibekwe, thus making her the first staff of the college to get to the career peak as Provost.

Awards and honours

In 2019, she was honoured with a distinguished labour-friendly award by Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, and distinguished alumni award by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was conferred with a chieftaincy title, Mma Chinyereugo of Orumba by the Orumba Traditional Rulers Council, Anambra State.