Unveiling The Journey Of Professor Tonukari: A life In Reflection

By Eyela Efe Kevin

Professor. Nyerhovwo John TONUKARI is an illustrious son of Urhobo Nation, from Otorho Agbon in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State. He is the first son in a family of ten children.

Prof. is a man of great intellect, and a renowned scholar, as he seldom proclaims this, saying that he has never paid for tuition fees throughout his educational endeavors.

He had his primary and secondary school education in Sapele, at Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, and thereafter got a University scholarship to study industrial chemistry at the University of Maiduguri.

Just a couple years into the program, at the inception of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime, the school was temporarily shutdown and he was transferred to complete his university education in Biochemistry at the prestigious university of Ibadan (U.I.). Despite these boat-rocking conditions he still graduated in/with First Class Honors in 1987.

Again, In 1990, he bagged his MSc in Biochemistry from the same U.I. while working at the international institute of tropical agriculture (I.I.T.A.).

ALSO READ: If Any Officer Asks You For Bail Money, Demand Receipt Or Invoice, Police Tells Nigerians

Prof. Tonukari obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry, in 2000 from the Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. He was also trained in protein analysis at the University di Napoli, Italy in 1992 and in DNA sequencing at the Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA in 1994.

He is a recipient of the Thoman Fellowship (USA) (1999 – 2000) and the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (USA) (May – October 1994).

Prof. Tonukari is the immediate past Dean of Faculty of Sciences (2020 to 2022), Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

Some of the numerous positions he has occupied includes: Head, Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Chief – Editor, African Journal of Biotechnology (2002 to present), Acting Director, ICT, Delta State University, Abraka (2010), Acting Director, Pre-Degree Programme, Delta State University, Abraka (2007 to 2010).

Associate Scientist (Molecular Biology), East Coast Fever Vaccine Project, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya (2002 to 2004), Fungal Molecular Biologist (Strain improvement), James R. Randle Research Center, Archer Daniels Midland Co, Decatur, IL 62521, USA (October 2000 – 2002), and Research Associate, Biotechnology Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria September 1991 to 1995.

Nyerhovwo Tonukari founded Academic Journals in 2002 to enable African scholars have access to high quality peer reviewed articles, and also to enable researchers across the globe have access to articles published by Africans researchers without any form of restriction.

Prof. Tonukari has been a strong proponent of scientific journals adopting the open access model especially as this model of publication is the most effective way to distribute research output, bridge the information gap between developing and advanced countries and help improve research productivity worldwide.

He has encouraged and assisted several African journals to adopt the open access publishing model. He is also Chairman of Tonukari Biotechnology Company, and has several publications and two patents to his credit.

Prof. Tonukari is a member of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, International Society of African Biotechnologists and Bioscientists, and the Sapele Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He owns the first company that specializes in production of livestock feed for pigs and supply the DELSU piggery. He owns Sapele times news paper. He was also the chairman of the DELSU senior staff Club.

In a world where leadership and fatherhood are often seen as separate roles, there are exceptional individuals like Professor Tonukari who seamlessly embody both. Prof. John Tonukari does not only excel in his academic, and professional endeavors but also serve as nurturing and inspiring figures in to many.

We must be reminded that Each of us is born with a unique purpose, a destiny waiting to be fulfilled. It is the journey of discovering & embracing this purpose that leads us to a life of fulfillment and greatness. No doubts, Prof. Nyerhovwo is a man of destiny and purpose.

Once we have a sense of our purpose, it is crucial to set goals that align with such a destiny. These goals act as guideposts, helping us stay focused and motivated along the way.

Just like Tonukari broke down his larger purpose into smaller, achievable milestones, we must have to consider, applaud and admire the roadmap that led him towards fulfilling these destinies. Setting goals that would allows us to measure our progress and make necessary adjustments as we move forward.

Today, I am glad to announce to you that same Prof. Nyerhovwo John Tonukari is the current Honorable Commissioner for Higher Education as following his outstanding landmarks, he has been deservedly appointed by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as H. Commissioner for higher education.