Bio
Ibok Oduro is a professor of Postharvest Technology and a renowned food scientist at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana.
She had her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, Nigeria. She later pursued a Doctorate in Postharvest Technology at the University of Cranfield in the United Kingdom. Prof Oduro has also participated in several professional workshops and trainings. These include; Executive Programme in Entrepreneurial University Transformation at Maastricht University, Netherlands; African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Women’s Leadership and Management Course in Nairobi, Kenya; Association of African University Management Development Training in Gaborone, Botswana and Novartis Scientific Exchange Fellowship Program by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and Seeding Labs, USA.
Prof Oduro has over 20 years of practical and theoretical experiences in food processing, postharvest management, value addition, product development and sensory analysis. She has been lecturing and supervising both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Departments of Food Science & Technology as well as Biochemistry & Biotechnology, KNUST since June 1996.
Prof Oduro is the immediate past Provost of the College of Science and the first female Provost in the University. She has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences as well as the Head of Department for Food Science & Technology and Biochemistry & Biotechnology. She serves on the board of a number of educational and government institutions. She is a Council member for Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana. Prof Oduro is a remarkable leader and a science scholar recognized both locally and internationally. She is a member of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OSWD), the African Scientific Institute (ASI), and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM).
Her research experience at IITA-Nigeria and Forestry Research Institute of Ghana led to her career goal of improving food and nutrition security, particularly for the African population. She is dedicated to promoting indigenous and underutilized food crops in West Africa and her work aims at converting scientific findings into practical solutions. Her interest has not only been the development of competitive products for the Ghanaian but also empowering her students to commercialize research outputs into start-ups or spins-off which can be nurtured into full-fledged businesses.
She has authored and co-authored a plethora of published scientific research papers which have included studying the feasibility and development of novel food products with practical applications for the food industry. Over the course of her career, Prof Oduro has contributed through her research and education to the development and establishment of several SMEs in Ghana. These include former SMEGA winners; Quama Food Processing Co. Ltd (Overall Best SME in Ghana, 2016; Best Food Processing SME, 2015 and 2016) and Sweetpot yogurt (Winner of rising star category, SMEGA 2017). As part of a community development agenda, Prof Oduro supported a student generated idea to upgrade a small-scale gari processing business and improve the quality of their product. She recognizes the potential of young people to grow the business sector in Ghana and continues to assist in mentoring and nurturing young professionals to take up entrepreneurial roles.
Prof. Oduro has the passion of nurturing and empowering the younger generation in innovation and creativity with an entrepreneurial spirit. Thus, a strong advocate for problem-based learning and student-centered pedagogies. She is also passionate about values-based leadership development, and works with different leaders to effect transformation. In addition to her teaching and research duties, she doubles as a counsellor and mentor for her colleagues, women and the youth, imparting astute moral principles.
Grants and Funded Projects
International Research Projects
Co-supervisor for graduate students – Strengthening Root and Tuber Value Chains in Ghana. In partnership with DANIDA Fellowship Centre, Denmark, 2013 to 2017.
Co-Principal Investigator – “Improving quality, nutrition and health: Impacts of inclusion of cassava flours in bread formulations in West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria) - The Ghanaian focus.” McGill-IITA Project funded by IFAD 2014 to 2016.
Collaborating Scientist – Sweetpotato breeding program for West Africa in partnership with International Sweetpotato Centre 2010 to 2014.
Project Coordinator - New and Diverse Food Products Developed from alata. IITA Yam project funded IFAD 2006 to 2008.
Member of Proposal Development Team – Integrated Natural Resources Management INRM project. NPT/088 and NPT/278 Funded by Dutch Government and administered by NUFFIC. 2005 to 2008 (NPT/088), 2008 to 2012 (NPT/278).
Collaborating Scientist – Sweetpotato Harvest Plus Project with CIP, Uganda/CRI 2004 to 2007.
Collaborating Scientist – IFAD/WECARD/IITA project on Poverty Alleviation and Enhanced Food Availability in West Africa through Improved Yam technologies 2002 to 2006.
Collaborating Scientist – Multidisciplinary, collaborative and transnational research project on Treculia africana (African breadfruit) funded by African Academy of Sciences 2002 to 2005.
Collaborating Scientist – West Africa, United Nations University Project of Collaborative Research on People, Land Management and Environmental Change (WAPLEC) 1998 to 2001.
National Research Projects
Collaborating Scientist – KNUST– Local Government Service Project Project. “The District Assemblies Enabled Programme for Accelerated Economic and Social Development at the District Level” 2016 – 2017.
Collaborating Scientist – KNUST–Rural Enterprise Programme (REP) Technology Promotion and Dissemination Project
Project Coordinator, RTIP-Evaluation of Effect of Harvesting Time and Variety of Cassava on Quality of Starch, Gari and Flour 2000 to 2004.
Collaborating Scientist – Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP) – High Quality Cassava Flour production: Quality specifications and evaluation of varieties for flour production specific for bakery products 2000 to 2002.
Project coordinator, RTIP - Production of snack foods from cassava and sweetpotato flour 2000 to 2002.
Collaborating Scientist, RTIP-On-farm storage of Yam Tubers 2000 to 2002.
Collaborating Scientist, RTIP-Developing Methodology for the Minimal Processing of Yams 2000 to 2001.
Collaborating Scientist- Guinness/CRI/Department of Biochemistry Project on screening and selection of cassava varieties as materials for use as Brewing Adjunct 1999 to 2001.
Collaborating Scientist-Technoserve/NRI project on Shea butter Processing and Shelf life Studies, 1999 to 2000.
Collaborating Scientist-Prospects of Sweetpotato varieties for industrial starch production and animal feeds in Ghana. CASHPRO funded project 1998 to 1999.
Collaborating Scientist-National Agricultural Research Projects (NARP)-Roots and Tubers Programme (Characterization of Starch from different cultivars of Sweet Potatoes), 1997 to 1999.
Grants
Seeding labs Equipment Transfer grant for the Departments of Food Science and Technology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology and the school of Medical Sciences equipment and glassware (2013)
Awards and Fellowships
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Special Honour/Recognition of Prof Ibok Oduro for meritorious contributions to the Ghana Science Association - 2021
Special Honour/Recognition of Prof Ibok Oduro for being an exemplary member of the Ghana Science Association - 2021
2nd Best Author - 9th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentations, Kumasi, KNUST Kumasi, July, 2020
2nd Best Author - 8th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentations, Kumasi, KNUST Kumasi, July, 2019
Esther Award (2019) – Christian Women Recognition Award in recognition of the meritorious labour in His Kingdom.
SME Researchers’ Award at the 5th SME Ghana Awards (SMEGA) in honor of Prof Ibok Oduro (2018)
Excellence and Innovation in Sweetpotato Award: Communication for Change to Ibok Nsa Oduro in recognition of the Material for the promotion of sweetpotato yoghurt, a fortified yoghurt snack to help curb vitamin A deficiency syndrome at the Sweetpotato for Profit and Health Initiative Annual meeting (2018).
Professor Samuel Evans Adunyah and Madam Abena Nuamah Award for Outstanding Accomplishments, Dedicated Service and Teaching Excellence in Biochemistry 2013/2014 Academic year
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) to Ibok Nsa Oduro in recognition of your commitment to excellence in mentoring (2011-2012)
Faculty of Biosciences Best Senior Member Award of 2007/2008 Academic Year
The Production of Gari (Farinha) from Sweetpotato 12th Triennial Symposium of International Society for Tropical Root Crops, Japan, 2002. The best paper award.
TRAVEL GRANT
CTA Support to the 9th African Potato Association Conference, ‘Transforming potato & sweetpotato value chain for food and nutrition security,’ Kenya, 2013
Travel support for Mentoring workshops from African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), Nairobi, Kenya, 2011-2013
Travel support from Association of African Universities to attend Management Development Workshop (MADEV) University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana, 2010
Travel support from AFORNET to attend The African Forest Research Network “Bringing Together a vibrant forest community for Africa’s development” Hilton Hotel, Kenya, 2010
Travel support from IFAD/IITA to attend the 15th Triennial Symposium of the International Society of Tropical Root Crops, Peru, 2009
Travel Award for 13th International Conference of Women Scientists and Engineers, Seoul, Korea, 2005
CIDA - Travel Award for the 12th International Conference of Women Scientists and Engineers, Canada, 2003
SCHOLARSHIPS
British Chevening Scholarship administered by British Council (1992-1995) Silsoe College, Cranfield University, United Kingdom (Ph.D)
Education
PhD Postharvest Technology, Silsoe College, Cranfield University, United Kingdom (1993-1995)
M.Sc. Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (1986 -1987)
B.Sc. Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (1981-1985)
Positions held
A. UNIVERSITY RELATED ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE
i. Academic Positions Held
2016 – 2019 Provost – College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2015 – 2016 Dean – Faculty of Bioscience, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2014 – 2016 Head of Department – Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2014 – Date Academic Tutor – Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
2010 – 2014 Head of Department – Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology/Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2008 – 2010 Vice Dean – Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2007 – 2009 Faculty Board Member – Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, KNUST
2007 – 2009 Head of Department – Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology/Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2007, Jan-Jul Acting Head – Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
2005 – 2007 Programme coordinator – Food Science and Technology, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
2000 – 2003 Examination Officer – Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
1996 – 2014 Academic Tutor – Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
ii. Membership of Statutory Committees
2016 – 2019 Chairperson – College of Science Board, KNUST
2016 – 2019 Chairperson – Appointments and Promotions sub-committee, College of Science, KNUST
2016 - 2019 Member – Academic Board, KNUST
2016 – 2019 Member – Executive Committee of the University, KNUST
2016 – Date Member – Departmental Board, Food Science and Technology, KNUST
2015 – Date Member – University Appointments and Promotions Committee, KNUST
2014 – 2016 Member – Appointments and Promotions sub-committee, College of Health Sciences, KNUST
2014 – 2016 Chairperson – Departmental Board, Food Science and Technology, KNUST
2013 – 2016 Member – Appointments and Promotions sub-committee, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST
2010 – 2018 Member – University Books and Publications Committee, KNUST
2010 – 2016 Member – College of Science Board, KNUST
2010 – 2016 Member – Appointments and Promotions sub-committee, College of Science, KNUST
2010 - 2016 Member – College of Science (Representative), Research and Conferences Committee, KNUST
2010 – 2014 Chairperson – Departmental Board, Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Food Science and Technology, KNUST
2008 – 2010 Member – Academic Board Representative of the College of Science on KNUST Executive Committee
2007 – 2010 Member – Academic Board, KNUST
2007 – 2009 Member – College of Science Board, KNUST
2007 – 2009 Chairperson – Departmental Board, Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Food Science and Technology, KNUST
2005 – 2007 Member – College Board Representative on the Faculty Board of Biosciences
2000 – 2004 Member – Faculty of Science Representative, Library Committee, KNUST, Kumasi
iii. Membership of Non-Statutory/Ad hoc Committees
2016 Member – Affiliations Committee of the University, KNUST
2016 Member – Review Committee, Criteria for Appointment and Promotion of Senior Members (Non-Academic/Professionals), KNUST
2016 Chairperson – Proposal Review Panel - 3 programs for Institute of Local Government, KNUST
2015 – Date Member – Scientific review committee, KNUST Research Fund (KReF), KNUST
2015 – 2016 Head – Internal Accreditation Team, College of Agriculture & Renewable Natural Resources and College of Art & Built Environment, KNUST
2015 – 2018 Chairperson – Committee for KNUST Community Impact Programme, KNUST
2015 Member – Committee to investigate an examination lapse in the Department of Mathematics, KNUST
2014 Chairperson – Proposal Review Panel, Pharm D Top-Up Programme for Practicing Pharmacists, KNUST
2013 Chairperson – KNUST Proposal Review Panel, Presbyterian University College
2013 Member – Institute of Distance Learning (IDL) – The Way Forward, KNUST
2012 – 2016 Chairperson – Quality Assurance sub-committee, College of Science, KNUST
2012 Chairperson – Intellectual Property Policy Committee, KNUST
2012 Member – Ethics Committee, KNUST
2011 – 2016 KNUST Representative – Academic Board and Appointments and Promotions Committee, Garden City University College, Ghana
2011 – 2014 Member – Committee for KNUST Community Impact Programme, KNUST
2011 Member – Technology and Innovation Services subcommittee, KNUST Technology Park (KTP) KNUST
2011, Jan Chairperson – Committee to investigate the undue delay in the refurbishment of the Vice Chancellor’s residence
2010 – 2016 Chairperson – Research and Conference sub-committee, College of Science, KNUST
2008, 2010 Member – Scrutinizing Committee for election of Pro Vice Chancellor, KNUST
2008 Member – Sub-committee to review the Request for Affiliation and mounting of a Bachelor of Pharmacy program, Central University College, Ghana
2008 Member – Sub-committee to review the request to run a degree program in Dairy and Meat Technology, Department of Animal Science, KNUST
2006 – 2007 Hall Administrators’ Representative – Dean of Student’s Board, KNUST
2005 – 2007 Member – Recruitment Team of International Students from Nigeria
2005 Member – Committee to advice the Academic Board on the Modalities for the submission of Examination Results for approval
2004 Member – Monitoring Group for the KNUST-GTZ-ICRA Project. Transforming Cassava into a competitive agro-industrial Crop in Ghana
2004 Member – Joint Tropenbos–KNUST committee on Integrating NUFFIC Transdisciplinary Student Platform Approach (TSPA) into the curricula of KNUST
2003 Member – Library Committee Representative on the Committee for the Restructuring of the University Library System
2003 Member – Adhoc committee to draw up syllabus for B.Sc. Food Science and Technology, KNUST
2003 Member – Sub-committee to review the proposal for the establishment of BSc. Degree programme in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies
2003 Chairperson – Sub-committee to Review Bachelor of Dental Surgery Curriculum, KNUST Dental School
2003 Member – Interview panel for the position of Professional Counsellor for the Dean of Students’ Office
2003 Member – Academic Board Search committee for appointment of Provosts for 4 Colleges
2000 – 2004 Member – University Library Appointments and Promotions Committee, KNUST KNUST
iv. Other University Positions Held
2016 Moderator – 6th KNUST Summer School
2015 – 2018 Mentor – Female Staff Mentorship Programme, Department of Geography and Rural Development, KNUST
2015 Chairperson – Female Mentorship programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences, KNUST
2015 Chairperson – Vocational training program for women, College of Science Women Commission
2015 Moderator – 5th KNUST Summer School
2014 Panel member – 4th KNUST Summer School
2009 Member of Judges – Maiden Edition of KNUST SRC G-Race for the Genius Competition 2009
2006 – 2007 Hall Warden – Hall 7, KNUST
2002 – 2006 Vice-Dean – (International Students), Dean of Students Office, KNUST
2000 – Date Member – KNUST Orientation team for First year students
Support member – KNUST Counselling Unit
Patroness – College of Science Women Commission
Patroness – College of Science Christian Council
Patroness – Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Christian Medical Fellowship
B. APPOINTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY
i. National
2016, May Member – Interview Panel for the Appointment of Director for FRI-CSIR
2016, February Coordinator and Resource Person – Training of Trainers on everything you need to know about Sweetpotato
2016 Member – CSIR Council Sub-Committee on Lands
2015 – Date Member Editorial Advisory Board – E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies
2014 – Date Member – CSIR Council Sub-Committee on Commercialization
2014 – Date Council Member – Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
2014 Chairperson – Search Committee for Registrar, Christian Service University College
2013 – 2016 2nd Vice President – Bible Society of Ghana
2013 – 2014 Vice president – Ghana Biomedical Convention
2013 Chairperson – National Accreditation Panel to assess the Food Processing Technology Programme, University of Development Studies, Nyankpala
2013 Member – National Advisory Board, Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) initiative
2012 – 2018 Board Member and Vice Chairperson – College Council, Christian Service University College
Member – Search Committee for President, Garden City University College
2012 Member – KNUST Representative on Garden City University Academic Board
2011, 2005 Member – National Accreditation Panel to assess the Biochemistry Programmes of University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Development Studies (UDS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC)
2010 – Date Member – Editorial Board, Journal of Science and Technology (JUST)
2004, 2005 Coordinator – Training Course in Food Handling and Storage for stakeholders in the Food Industry
2004 Resource Person – Training of Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD), MOFA on Food Handling and Storage
2004 Resource Person – Training of Peer counsellors and students on HIV/AIDS, KNUST
2003 Member – Planning Committee for National Sweetpotato Fair
2002 - Date Resource Person – Mentoring of National and International Students, KNUST
2002 - Date Resource Person – Training of Student Representative Council, Peer counsellors and students on Leadership concepts; Training of Church Leaders on Biblical Leadership concepts
2002 – Date Resource Person – Training of Hotel and Canteen Staff on Food Hygiene
2002 Resource Person – Training and utilization of cassava and sweetpotato composite flour
2002, August Resource Person – Training of Agricultural Extension Officers and WIAD of MOFA (Brong-Ahafo and Ashanti Region) on the Processing and Quality Assurance of cassava into value-added products, Techiman and Mampong
2002, March Resource Person – Training on cassava flour processing for farmers, gari processors and bakers at New Edubiase organized by the Opportunities Industrialization Centre (OIC)
2000 – 2003 Member – Post Production and Marketing Component Team of RTIP, Ministry of Food and Agriculture
2000 – Date Resource person – Offer services to several small and medium scale food processors, NGOs and organized groups
2000 – Date External Examiner of Theses – School of Graduate Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast; School of Graduate Studies, University of Ghana, Legon; School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Development Studies, Tamale; Department of Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management, Kumasi Polytechnic, Kumasi; Department of Applied Sciences and Technology, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua
External Assessor - Promotions and Panel member for Appointments for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
External Assessor - Promotions for the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
External Assessor - Promotions for the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
External Assessor - Promotions for the Kumasi Polytechnic, Kumasi, Ghana
Assessor - Publication Board of University of Ghana, Public Affairs Directorate
Assessor - Ministry of Science and Technology - Beneficiaries of Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MASTESS)
Assessor - International Applied Research Conference - Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana
2000 Member – Exhibition Subcommittee-Root and Tuber Crops Utilisation Fair and Workshop. Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP), Ministry of Food and Agriculture
1998 – 2006 Treasurer – Ghana Science Association, Kumasi Branch
1998, Sept. Resource person – Workshop for JSS Science Teachers, Ejisu
1997 Member – Finance Subcommittee, 20th Biennial Conference, Ghana Science Association
Scientific Reviewer (National journals):
Agricultural and Food Science Journal of Ghana
Journal of Science and Technology (JUST)
Journal of the Ghana Science Association
ii. International
2016 External Assessor – Promotion, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
2015 – 2019 Member – Advisory Committee, Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa (SASHA) Phase 2 Project
2015 External Assessor – Promotion, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
2013 – 2014 Member – ANECVI International Scientific Committee
2013, Sept. Member – ECOWAS Jury of the 2013 African Union Scientific Award for Women
2011 Mentor to Dr. Faustina Dufie Wireko-Manu (Lecturer, CoS, KNUST), African Women in Agricultural Research & Development (AWARD) programme
2008 Member – Sweetpotato community of practice to develop proposal for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
2007 - Date Facilitator and member – International Leadership Foundation, Orlando, Florida – Transformational Leader Seminar series
2005, Oct. Reviewer – (Research Proposal) for the African Forest Research Network (AFORNET)
2005, Aug. Chairperson – 13th International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES) Congress in Seoul, Korea
2003 Member – Review Team on Activities (Post Production and Marketing Component) of the Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP) MOFA, Joint World Bank and Government of Ghana project
2002 Member – interview panel for TROPENBOS International, TROPENBOS Ghana Programme
Scientific Reviewer (International journals):
African Journal Biotechnology
African Journal of Food Science
African Journal of Food Science and Technology
Borlaug LEAP Fellows Book; Discovery and Innovation
International Journal of Consumer Science
International Journal of Food Science and Technology
International Food Research Journal
Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology
Sustainable Development; Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture