Ngozi Ifeoma Odiaka is a distinguished Professor of Crop Production at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), she possesses over 33 years of expertise in seed production, plant breeding, and horticulture. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Ibadan and has held pivotal leadership roles, including Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Federal University Wukari and Head of Crop Production at Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi.
Currently, she serves as Director of the Seed Technology Centre and Country Director Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria. In these capacities, she spearheads regional efforts to implement UN Sustainable Development Goals through institutional capacity building and global partnerships. Her research focuses on indigenous vegetable crop improvement to enhance food security across Sub-Saharan Africa.
A Fellow of the Horticultural Society of Nigeria, she has received prestigious international honors, including the Netherlands Government and Mashav Fellowships. Beyond academia, she is a polyglot and a dedicated mentor who serves on international councils and participated in USAID-funded post-harvest research. She remains a vital bridge between innovative agricultural technology and sustainable development policy, dedicated to empowering the next generation of African leaders through excellence and multi-disciplinary collaboration.