Date of Birth: 21 June 1945
Place of Birth: Accra, Ghana
Nationality: Nigerian
State & LGA: Bayelsa State, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA
Educational Background
- Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Yenagoa
WASC (Division 1), 1960–1964 - University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Mechanical Engineering, 1965–1967 (Interrupted by Civil War) - Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
B.Sc. (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, 1967–1970 - Cranfield University, UK
M.Sc. Automotive Studies, 1971–1972 - University of Wales, Swansea, UK
Ph.D. in Tribology, 1973–1975
Professional Qualifications & Affiliations
- Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE)
- Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FNAE)
- Fellow, Institute of Diagnostic Engineers, UK
- Fellow, African Academy of Sciences
- Fellow, Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers
- Member, Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE), USA
- Foundation Member, Tribology Society of Nigeria
- Registered Engineer, COREN
Academic and Professional Career
Prof. Odi-Owei began his career as a Pupil Mechanical Engineer at the Ministry of Works and Transport in Port Harcourt in 1970. His academic journey led him through several prestigious institutions, culminating in his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) (now Rivers State University) from 1996 to 2000.
He also served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Faculty, Head of Department, and later became the Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at RSUST in 2015.
He has held visiting academic positions at the University of Wales (UK), University of Essex (UK), University of Port Harcourt, and Niger Delta University.
Academic Honours & Distinctions
- Federal Government Awards for academic excellence at Nsukka and ABU
- Rivers State Postgraduate Scholarships for studies in the UK
- Research Fellowships from UNESCO, NUFFIC, and the Royal Society–Nuffield Foundation
Administrative & Managerial Experience
Prof. Odi-Owei held numerous roles in university governance including:
- Chairman, Board of Directors, Century Exploration & Production Company, Lagos.
- Chairman, Committee of Deans
- Member, University Governing Councils (multiple terms)
- Director of Student Affairs
- Chairman of multiple panels, committees, and research boards
- Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, Anchor University, Ayobo (2021–Present)
He was named Best Vice-Chancellor (South-South Zone) by NANS in 2000.
Professional and National Contributions
- Chairman, Rivers State Tenders Board
- Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, PH Branch
- Vice-President, International Tribology Council (since 1995)
- Chairman, Education Blueprint Committee for Bayelsa State
- Represented Nigeria in ISO Sub-committee on Oil Condition Monitoring
- Chaired Federal Ministry of Environment EIA Review Panels
Professional Interests and Hobbies
Prof. Steven Odi-Owei is a globally respected mechanical engineer with a deep passion for Tribology, Automotive Studies, and Engineering Education Policy. Outside his technical pursuits, he is a dedicated evangelist with the Deeper Life Bible Church, actively involved in Christian outreach and mentorship.
