Prof. (Mrs.) Nkechi Betsy Izuogu

Professor Nkechi Betsy Izuogu is a seasoned scholar of Plant Nematology in the Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of agriculture, University of Ilorin.  She is the current Director of the University of Ilorin Sugar Research Institute (USRI). She holds a Ph.D. in Crop Protection (2009), an M.Sc. in Crop Production (1991), both, from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria and a B.Sc. in Botany (1986), from Abia State University, Okigwe, Nigeria. Bringing over two decades of expertise in nematology and sustainable agricultural practices, she is a dedicated academic leader, has risen through the ranks at the University of Ilorin, serving as Level Adviser, Postgraduate Coordinator,  Head of the Department of Crop Protection (2017–2019) among others, contributing immensely to faculty governance and research collaborations. She has served as Internal Examiner and External Examiner within and outside her University. As the 10^th Director of USRI, and the first female Director of the Institute, she is indeed printing an indelible mark. She employs a collaborative and transformational leadership approach, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and mentorship. She prioritizes and champions interdisciplinary research to enhance sugarcane productivity and resilience, while empowering team members by encouraging creativity and growth. Her strategic planning in setting clear goals and objectives, guiding and supporting students and colleagues are noteworthy. Her leadership underscores a vision for sustainable agriculture, blending academic activities with practical solutions to advance agriculture and rural development in Nigeria.

Prof. Izuogu’s  research activities focus on  the search for innovative, eco-friendly strategies as substitutes for synthetic pesticides for managing plant-parasitic nematodes of crops,  with bias on the use of bio-agents, effective-micro-organisms, organic amendments, and botanicals. With over 67 national and international peer-reviewed publications, her work connects laboratory insights with field applications, addressing challenges posed by pests and diseases of agricultural crops. She is a committed mentor who has supervised over 120 Undergraduate Projects, 14 Masters’ Dissertations, 4 Ph.D. Theses and more in progress, fostering the next generation of agricultural scientists. Professor Izuogu is an active member of the Nigerian Society of Nematologists, Nigerian Society of Plant Protectionists, Horticultural Society of Nigeria, and Pro Musa Society, among others. Through her research and community service, she contributes to sustainable agriculture and food security.  She has received scholarship and awards from some bodies, such as the Volkswagen Foundation and National Teaching Institute among others. She is driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to mentoring next generation of scholars.