Dr. Maju-Oyovwikowhe Appointed First Female, Youngest Geology HOD in UNIBEN

​BENIN CITY — The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has etched a historic chapter into its annals with the appointment of Dr. Efetobore Gladys Maju-Oyovwikowhe as the Head of the Department of Geology. The selection of the Associate Professor marks a significant institutional milestone, as she becomes the first woman and the youngest scholar to lead the department since its inception.

​Her appointment serves as a clarion call for transformative leadership within the Faculty of Physical Sciences. An accomplished geoscientist with a robust research portfolio, Dr. Maju-Oyovwikowhe has dedicated her career to the optimization of hydrocarbon exploration, reservoir characterization, and environmental sustainability. Her scholarly contributions, which include dozens of high-impact publications, have earned her significant respect within the international geological community.

​”This is not merely a change in administrative guard, but a testament to the university’s commitment to meritocracy and the empowerment of women in STEM,” remarked a senior faculty member.

​Dr. Maju-Oyovwikowhe brings extensive administrative experience to the role, having previously served as the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences. In that capacity, she was instrumental in streamlining academic planning and enhancing student-centered policies. Her reputation as a “students’ lecturer” precedes her; she is widely admired for her empathetic approach, mentorship, and ability to distill complex geological concepts into accessible, engaging lessons.

​Her research work—often focusing on the Niger Delta Basin—bridges the gap between theoretical geology and practical industrial application. By integrating advanced seismic and resistivity techniques for subsurface characterization, she has helped push the boundaries of how universities approach groundwater assessment and mineral exploration in Nigeria.

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​As she assumes the mantle of leadership, expectations are high for a tenure defined by innovation and institutional growth. The academic community anticipates that she will foster a more collaborative research environment, bridge the gap between industry and the classroom, and continue her legacy of nurturing the next generation of geoscientists.

​The university community has lauded the appointment as a forward-thinking decision that promises to usher in an era of progress and unity. For many young academics and students, Dr. Maju-Oyovwikowhe’s rise to the helm is more than just a career achievement—it is a beacon of what is possible when excellence is matched with unwavering dedication and an approachable spirit.