Israel Owijima Owate, Prof.

Professor Israel Owate (1956-2019)

Professor Israel Owijima Owate was a distinguished Nigerian academic, applied physicist, public intellectual, and statesman whose life combined scholarship, public service, and community leadership. Renowned for his contributions to solid-state physics, materials science, and environmental studies, he also served Rivers State with distinction as Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Housing.

Early Life and Family Background

Professor Israel Owijima Owate was born on 1 February 1956 to the family of Chief Joshua Chiichiya Owate and Mrs. Joshua Owate of Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He was raised in a disciplined and intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured excellence, public responsibility, and Christian values: principles that guided his academic and civic life.

Early Education

He attended Okrika Grammar School, Okrika, where he distinguished himself academically and obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) with First Division in 1974. He subsequently enrolled at the College of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, where he completed his London Advanced Level (A-Level) studies.

University Education and Academic Training

Professor Owate pursued higher education at the University of Port Harcourt, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree with Honours in Solid State Physics (Second Class Upper Division).

Driven by academic excellence, he proceeded to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), England, where he obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Instrumentation, Measurement, and Analytical Sciences, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Physics. His doctoral research focused on the fabrication of high-voltage insulating engineering materials, a field with direct relevance to power systems, industrial safety, and materials engineering.

Early Professional Experience

Professor Owate began his working career as a Teacher at Ascension High School, Ogale, Eleme, between 1974 and 1977, contributing to the academic formation of young students in his home area.

He later worked as an Experimental Officer at the Shell Petroleum Development Company/Port Harcourt Refinery from 1978 to 1979, gaining practical industrial experience. His academic career commenced with appointments as Graduate Assistant at the University of Ilorin (1981–1982) and later as a Research Fellow at UMIST, England (1988–1990).

Academic Career at the University of Port Harcourt

Professor Israel Owijima Owate rose to prominence at the University of Port Harcourt, where he served as a Professor of Applied Physics in the Department of Physics. His teaching and research spanned Solid State Physics, Materials Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Environmental Physics, and Corrosion Science.

He held several administrative and academic leadership positions, including:

Assistant Director, General Studies Unit, UNIPORT (1994–1996)

Acting Head of Department and Senate Member, UNIPORT (1995–1997)

Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Unit (2005–2007)

Member, Graduate Board, UNIPORT (2001–2008)

Member, Appointments and Promotions Committee (Non-Academic) (2005–2008)

He was also an External Examiner to numerous universities and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Research, Publications, and Scholarly Contributions

Professor Owate’s research interests centred on solid-state physics, materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and corrosion modelling, with particular emphasis on the environmental degradation of engineering materials.

He authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports. As of early 2026, his scholarly works had attracted over 800 citations, with an h-index of 15, reflecting sustained academic influence.

He also authored and co-authored several books, including:

Energy Resources and Management Crises

University of Port Harcourt Physics Manual I

Advanced Laboratory Physics Manual

Essentials of Research Methods and Technical Writing (co-authored)

Introduction to Energy and Industrial Environment (co-authored)

He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Corrosion Science and Technology and the Journal of the Nigerian Environmental Society, and as Editor of Scientia Africana.

Professional Bodies and Honours

Professor Owate was a Fellow and active member of numerous professional bodies, including:

Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP) – National Secretary (1991–1996)

Fellow, New York Academy of Sciences

Fellow, Nigerian Environmental Society – Editor-in-Chief

Fellow, Nigerian Corrosion Society – National Technical Secretary

Honorary Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)

Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Member, British Institute of Materials

Member, American Ceramic Society

Member, Nigeria Solar Society

He received numerous academic and professional awards, including scholarships from the Rivers State Government and Shell, and the Best M.Sc. Award in High Voltage Insulation Materials from WADES Ceramics, England.

Public Service and Community Leadership

Professor Owate served Rivers State at the highest level of governance as a Member of the Rivers State Executive Council from 2007 to 2009, first as Commissioner for Education and later as Commissioner for Housing.

He was also deeply involved in community development, serving as:

Chairman, Community Development Committee, Alesa, Eleme

Secretary, Advisory Committee to the Chairman, Eleme Local Government Area

Member, Committee on Privatization of Port Harcourt Refinery

Board Member, West African Glass Industry, Port Harcourt

He later served as Special Adviser on Environment and Pollution Matters to the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area and worked as an Environmental Consultant with a growing interest in crisis management.

Personal Life, Faith, and Interests

Professor Israel Owijima Owate was married to Mrs. C. N. Owate, and their marriage was blessed with eight children—four sons and four daughters.

A committed Christian, he actively practised his faith throughout his life. He enjoyed sports, especially football, and had a deep love for Christian music. He played the guitar and percussion instruments and showed keen interest in electronic sound effects.

Death and Legacy

Professor Israel Owijima Owate passed away on 25 December 2019, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, public service, and community development.

He is remembered as a brilliant scholar, dedicated teacher, principled administrator, and proud son of Eleme whose intellectual and civic contributions continue to inspire generations within and beyond Nigeria.

Edited by Nwafor Oji Awala 

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