Rotary Honours Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh for Outstanding Community Service …As Ifitedunu Students Celebrate Distinguished Leader
The President General of Ifitedunu Town Union and former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Branch, Engr. Prof. Stephen Uchenna Ufoaroh, has been honoured with the Rotary Community Service Award of Excellence in recognition of his exceptional contributions to community development, educational advancement and selfless service to humanity.
The award was presented on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the installation ceremony of RTN Christopher Ewah as the 25th President of the Rotary Club of Awka GRA, District 9142, held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The recognition celebrates Prof. Ufoaroh’s enduring commitment to using education, leadership and innovation as tools for societal transformation. Over the years, he has distinguished himself not only as a renowned scholar and accomplished engineer but also as a visionary community leader whose interventions have continued to impact lives across Ifitedunu and beyond.
A Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ufoaroh has made significant contributions to research in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Engineering, attracting institutional research grants and leading innovative projects that provide practical solutions to societal challenges. His research team developed an online platform currently deployed for Students’ Union elections at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and also gained international recognition for an Artificial Intelligence-based COVID-19 Safety Protocol Adherence System, which was ranked among the top 25 research innovations from over 100 universities across 19 countries.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, his passion for community service has earned him widespread admiration. As President General of Ifitedunu Town Union, Prof. Ufoaroh introduced scholarship schemes that sponsor WAEC, JAMB and school fees for indigent students, while creating employment opportunities for graduates and supporting youths interested in vocational and entrepreneurial skills. He also organised a career awareness programme for more than 450 Primary Six pupils drawn from 14 primary schools in Ifitedunu, inspiring them to embrace academic excellence and purposeful career development from an early age.
His record of service equally extends to the university community. During his tenure as Chairman of ASUU-NAU, the Union recorded remarkable milestones, including the completion of its ultra-modern secretariat and the award of scholarships to over 90 indigent students between 2020 and 2021. His transparent and people-centred leadership earned him a second term in office unopposed, a rare demonstration of the confidence reposed in him by members.
In further appreciation of his remarkable leadership, the Ifitedunu Students’ Union, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, presented a beautifully crafted portrait to Prof. Ufoaroh during the event. The students said the gesture was in recognition of his unwavering support for education, youth development and his invaluable contributions to the progress of Ifitedunu students and the community at large.
Responding to the honour, Prof. Ufoaroh expressed profound appreciation to the Rotary Club of Awka GRA for finding him worthy of the prestigious award. He described the recognition as a call to greater service and reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that promote education, youth empowerment, research, innovation and sustainable community development.
The ceremony also witnessed the formal installation of RTN Christopher Ewah as the 25th President of the Rotary Club of Awka GRA. In his acceptance speech, Ewah congratulated all the award recipients and pledged to provide purposeful leadership under the theme, “Create Lasting Impact.” He commended the outgoing President, RTN Chioma Ikebudu, for her exemplary leadership and assured members that his administration would consolidate on her achievements through impactful humanitarian and community-based projects. He appealed for the continued support and cooperation of members to enable the club realise its vision of expanding Rotary’s service to humanity.
Earlier, the outgoing President, RTN Chioma Ikebudu, appreciated members for their steadfast support throughout her tenure, noting that their collective commitment made the successful execution of the club’s service projects possible. She urged members to extend the same cooperation to the incoming President while reminding them that genuine service begins with personal transformation and a sincere desire to make society better.
Other distinguished personalities honoured during the ceremony included Barr. Abayomi Peter Oladipo, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze, PSC (+), ACP Ugoeze Dame Ngozi Nwokoma, Hon. Ify Obinabo, Sir Victor N. Agubusi, Ozonkpu Sir Benito Mac Ozigbo, and Anthony Precious Chima, whose outstanding contributions in community and vocational service were equally celebrated.
