Nigeria’s First Female Mass‑Communication Professor, Chinyere Okunna, Receives AMTY Lifetime Achievement Award

The Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards committee has nominated Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna for the Lifetime Achievement Award, citing her extensive contributions to journalism, academia, media development, and public service.

Prof. Adaoma Igwedibia, Chair of the AMTY 5th edition Planning Committee, explained that the nomination honors Okunna’s decades of influence in communication scholarship, journalism education, governance, and mentorship.

“Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna represents excellence, leadership, and service. Her contributions to academia, journalism, and nation‑building make her deserving of this recognition,” Igwedibia said.

Okunna is Nigeria’s first female professor of Mass Communication and the first in Sub‑Saharan Africa. She currently serves as Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Academics) at Paul University, Awka.

Previously, she held several leadership roles at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), including Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, and Director of UNIZIK 94.1 FM.

Outside academia, Okunna worked in the administration of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, serving as Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief of Staff, and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.

Widely published and respected in both academic and professional circles, she has made significant contributions to media development, ethical journalism, and communication studies in Nigeria.

The nomination adds to a growing list of accolades earned by the scholar and media professional for her impact across academia, public service, and media practice.