Prof. Lazarus Uzoechi
Federal University of Technology Owerri
Fall 2013
Prof. Lazarus Okechukwu Uzoechi is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). An MIT-ETT Fellow, he is a distinguished scholar in Power Systems Engineering and Energy Policy. He currently serves as the National President of the FUTO Alumni Association, providing strategic leadership to one of Nigeria’s most vibrant university networks. Previously, he served as the Head of the Department of Software Engineering and Deputy Director at the Center for Energy and Power Systems Research (FUTO). His research focuses on the stability and optimization of Electric Power Systems, with specific expertise in Smart Grids, Distributed Generation, and the deregulation of power markets. He is deeply involved in modeling transmission line parameters to attract effective investment into Nigeria’s power sector. His work often bridges the gap between technical engineering and public policy, advocating for regulatory frameworks that support sustainable energy access. Prof. Uzoechi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, USA, where he received the Best Student Research Award. During his fellowship at MIT, he also attended energy policy development seminars at Harvard University, experiences that he has since translated into curriculum reforms at FUTO. He is a strong proponent of “problem-solving education,” leveraging his international exposure to mentor students in building practical solutions for Nigeria’s energy crisis. He is a registered engineer with COREN and a member of the IEEE and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). As a leader in the university community, Prof. Uzoechi is actively involved in driving infrastructure development and alumni engagement, ensuring that the next generation of FUTO graduates—the “best brains”—are equipped to lead the nation’s technological advancement.
