Engr Dr Chika Oliver Ujah is an accomplished academic, researcher, and registered professional engineer with deep expertise in materials and metallurgical engineering. He currently serves as a Lecturer/Research Fellow in the Africa Center of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED), University of Nigeria Nsukka, and a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. With a strong foundation in teaching, research, and innovation, Dr Ujah has carved a niche for himself in advanced materials research, sustainable energy systems, and engineering education.
Dr Ujah obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng), in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. His doctoral research focused on the development and modeling of high-power transmission conductor material using spark plasma sintering and COMSOL Multiphysics.
Over the years, Dr Ujah has gained substantial experience in teaching core engineering courses such as Engineering Materials, Thermodynamics of Materials, Electrical Engineering Materials, and Energy Materials. He is committed to student mentorship, final year project supervision, and developing industry-relevant skills among future engineers.
His research interests include high entropy ceramics (such as borides, nitrides, and carbides), supercapacitor electrode materials, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, photovoltaic materials and composite materials. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in reputable outlets and has presented at conferences, showcasing his research in energy materials and nanotechnology.
Dr Ujah is proficient in applying engineering software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, ANSYS, and SolidWorks, and integrates computational simulation into his academic and research work. He has designed projects that explore energy harvesting, smart grid development, and lightweight materials technologies, particularly focusing on smart and sustainable materials.
Beyond academics, he has held administrative and academic roles including Research Coordinator, Examination Officer, and active member of departmental accreditation and curriculum development committees. His professional affiliations include the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and International Association of Engineers (IAENG).
Dr Ujah has demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning through his participation in capacity-building programs, technical workshops, and scholarly collaboration. His work bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application, and he has a special interest in cost-efficient, sustainable engineering solutions tailored to the needs of low- and middle-income countries. He is passionate about advancing engineering education, fostering innovation in materials development, and contributing to global discourse on sustainable technologies. His current research explores the development of sustainable material for solar panels, which aims to invent cost effective, sustainable and affordable solar energy to the rural dwellers, especially in the Global South. Through his academic, technical, and professional engagements, Engr. Dr Chika Oliver Ujah continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers, while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Africa and beyond.
