Prof. Kingsley Owete

Name:                                            Prof. Kingsley Ifeanyi Owete 

Date of Birth:                                June 22, 1964

Place of Birth:                               Burutu, Delta State

Marital Status:                               Married

State of Origin:                              Delta State

Local Government Area:             Ndokwa West

Phone Number:                            0803 710 8620

E-mail Address:                            dvc.acad@uniport.edu.ng 

Office Address:                             Office of the DVC, Academic, Senate Building 

Area of Specialisation:               Professor of Religious & Cultural Studies

Present Position:                          DVC, Academic & Council Member, 16^th Governing Council

Professor Kingsley Ifeanyi Owete is a professor of Religious and Cultural Studies, University of Port Harcourt and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Port Harcourt

Born on June 23, 1964, in Burutu, Delta State, Professor Kingsley Owete is a distinguished academic in the field of Religious and Cultural Studies, with a wealth of experience in both teaching and administration. He began his educational journey at Pessu Primary School, Warri, and later attended Urhobo College, Warri, and Agbarho Grammar School, Agbarho, where he completed his secondary education. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Port Harcourt in 1988, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Jos in 1990, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Port Harcourt in 2004.

Professor Owete has made significant contributions to the University of Port Harcourt, holding several key leadership roles. As Acting Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, he provided visionary leadership, promoting academic excellence and fostering interdisciplinary research. His strategic leadership extended to his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), where he was instrumental in the successful implementation of the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Comprehensive Curriculum and Management Accreditation System (CCMAS). Through his efforts, the university enhanced its academic framework, aligning with national standards and improving educational outcomes.

As a scholar, Professor Owete’s research interests focus on the intersections of religion, culture, and society, particularly within African contexts. His work explores the role of cultural institutions in shaping social structures, as well as the complexities of traditional rituals, ethno-medicine, and social stratification. His academic contributions have been widely published, covering a range of topics such as political organization in West Africa, the age-grade system in Ukwuaniland, ritual symbols in the preparation of traditional medicine in Emu Clan, Delta State, widowhood practices in Igboland, and the indispensability of traditional medicine.

Among his significant publications are works that examine cultural institutions and their role in African societies, as well as the symbolic meanings behind rituals and practices in traditional medicine. His research on the age-grade system in Ukwuaniland and its socio-cultural significance has also garnered attention, contributing to a deeper understanding of the societal frameworks in various African communities. His insights into widowhood practices and ethno-medicines have also added valuable perspectives to the discourse on African traditions and their relevance in contemporary society.

Professor Owete’s contributions to academia are not only reflected in his research and publications but also in his mentorship and leadership. He has guided numerous students, helping them develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the rich cultural and religious diversity of the world. His commitment to academic excellence, cultural understanding, and the development of intellectual inquiry continues to influence both his students and the broader academic community.

Through his research, leadership, and dedication to education, Professor Kingsley Owete has left an indelible mark on the University of Port Harcourt and the field of Religious and Cultural Studies. His legacy is one of academic rigor, cultural insight, and a profound commitment to shaping the future of education in Nigeria and beyond.