When Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced a fresh set of appointments to the governing councils of key institutions across the state on Friday, September 4, 2026, one name that stood out was that of Hon. Dr. Chinedu Onu.
Chinedu Onu was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, with the appointment taking immediate effect.
But who is Chinedu Onu, the man now entrusted with helping steer the affairs of one of Enugu State’s most prominent technical institutions?
From Entrepreneurship to Public Service
Born on January 4, 1970, in Ozalla Ezimo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Onu has built a career that cuts across entrepreneurship, politics, education and public administration.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of Ingrace Group, an indigenous business conglomerate with interests including the promotion of Nigerian-manufactured vehicles.
Beyond business, Onu has developed a strong interest in leadership and human-capital development. He is the Founder and President of the Michael Okpara Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (MOLEC), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an initiative focused on developing leadership and entrepreneurial capacity.
A Familiar Face in Education Governance
Onu’s latest appointment is not his first encounter with the governance of a tertiary institution.
He previously served as Chairman of the Governing Council of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, giving him experience in overseeing the affairs of a higher institution.
His interest in education also extends to the Adada Education Foundation, which he founded to support young people through educational and capacity-building initiatives, including assistance with tuition funding.
That background could prove significant as he assumes responsibility for the governing council of IMT, an institution with a long-standing reputation in technical and vocational education.
Academic Credentials
Onu’s career has also been backed by extensive academic training.
He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Development Studies from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he also obtained a degree in Political Science.
He further obtained a National Certificate in Education from Nwafor Orizu College of Education and attended St. Theresa’s College, Nsukka, for his secondary education.
His Interest in IMT and Technical Education
Interestingly, Onu’s appointment comes after he had publicly spoken about developments in Enugu’s technical and tertiary education sector.
During a media discussion in 2025, he commended Governor Mbah’s administration for what he described as efforts to revive technical education and reposition institutions such as IMT.
He particularly highlighted investments and reforms in technical education as part of the administration’s broader development agenda.
His new assignment therefore places him in a position to participate directly in the governance of an institution whose development he had previously commented on.
What Awaits Him at IMT?
As Chairman of the Governing Council, Onu is expected to work with other council members and the management of IMT to strengthen institutional governance and support the institution’s academic and technical development.
He is also expected to contribute to policies aimed at improving the quality, relevance and competitiveness of education at the institution.
For Governor Mbah’s administration, the appointment forms part of a broader reshuffle of leadership across tertiary institutions and key agencies in the state.
For Onu, however, it represents another significant chapter in a career that has moved between the worlds of business, education, leadership development and public service.
Now, at IMT, his experience will be put to another test: helping shape the future of one of Enugu State’s most important technical institutions.
