Professor Mike Obi Onyekonwu was the former Director of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port-Harcourt (2010-2015), and also a former member of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Governing Council (2010-2016). He equally served as the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Gas Chair Professor of Petroleum and Gas Engineering (2004-2009). Presently, he is an active professor of oil and gas in the Department of Petroleum Engineering and Chairman of the Board of Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria.
Prof Onyekonwu is not only active in academia but also active in the oil and gas industry. He is the founder and first Managing Consultant of Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants Limited – an indigenous consultancy outfit specializing in Reservoir Management Studies, PVT Sampling and Analysis, and Slickline Services. Laser Engineering also runs a Geosciences School accredited by the National Board of Technical Education.
He obtained a BSc degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1978 from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Subsequently, he obtained an MSc and PhD degrees in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University, California, in 1981 and 1985 respectively. Prof Onyekonwu is a registered engineer and member of several professional organizations. He is a Fellow of Academy of Science, a Fellow of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, a Fellow of Oil and Gas Trainers’ Association of Nigeria, and a Distinguished Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He has published five books/monographs, more than 100 articles in reputable journals, and owns two patents. His interest is in oil and gas research and mentoring young professionals.
Prof Onyekonwu is a philanthropist and active in Community Volunteer work. He was the Chairman of the Education Committee in his Community, Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. He is equally a National Director of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International and in-charge of capacity building in the South-South Region.