Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna is a distinguished academic and a trailblazer in Mass Communication, boasting a series of pioneering achievements. Notably, she is the first female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the first female Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is presently, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Paul University, Awka.
With a career spanning over three decades, she has made profound contributions to academia, public service and women’s empowerment, earning her membership and fellowship in numerous professional organisations.
Professor Okunna’s research centers on communication for development, particularly focusing on women’s issues, positioning her as a vital advocate for gender equality in media representation. In addition to her academic accolades, she served as a commissioner in Anambra State, overseeing key ministries such as Information and Culture, and Economic Planning and Budget; and was also the Coordinating Commissioner for Development Partnership/Donor Agencies which she ran concurrently as Chief of Staff to then Governor, Mr Peter Obi.
Her public service roles included chairing committees dedicated to promoting good governance and sustainable development. As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Professor Okunna exemplifies exceptional leadership; and an emodiment of dedication and excellence in communication.
Her passion for communication and social change inspires countless individuals across Nigeria and beyond; and her commitment to nurturing future generations is evident through her mentorship of thousands of students and young professionals.