Nnamdi Azikiwe University on Thursday, March 12th, 2020 awarded honorary Doctor of Industrial Engineering, Honoris Causa to the Chairman/CEO of IVM Innoson Group, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma OFR during its 14th convocation ceremony by the Chancellor of the University, His Majesty Dr. Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CON, The Gbong Gwon Jos.
The doctorate award conferment was witnessed by the Visitor of the University, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chancellor, The Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, His Majesty Dr. Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CON, The Gbong Gwon Jos, Ag. Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council, Alhaji Bello Isa Modibbo, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, the crème-de-la-crème of the University Community, Royal Fathers etc.
In a letter personally addressed to the IVM Innoson Group Chairman by the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Prof Charles Esimone, the Vice Chancellor stated that the decision of Senate and Council to award him the doctorate degree is predicated on his enviable track record in the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy.
On receiving the award of an honorary Doctor of Industrial Engineering, Innoson stated that he will partner with the University in developing its engineering department that will lead the University to achieve its Project 200 which will see the University be among the top 200 ranking University in the world.
Dr Chukwuma is not new to partnering with Higher Institutions; of recent Dr. Chukwuma in partnership with the University of Nigeria Nsukka is currently building a tractor manufacturing plant known as the Lion IVM 20HP Agricultural Tractors at the Lion Science Park, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Lion IVM is a multi-functional tractor that will be produced by Innoson Vehicles. It is interesting to also state that Dr. Chukwuma has previously donated a building housing the Faculty of Business Management Department, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus to the University of Nigeria.
Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma OFR is the Chancellor of Imo State University and is a recipient of more than seven (7) doctorate degrees which includes; Honorary Doctor of Management Science from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna; Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (DBA) from Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) by University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) among others.