Maurice Iwu

Maurice Mmaduakolam Iwu (born 21 April 1950) is a Nigerian professor of pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical researcher, and public servant. He is best known for serving as the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from June 2005 to April 2010. Background and Education Maurice Iwu was born on 21 April 1950, in Umuezeala, Umukabia, Ehime Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at Saint Pius X College, Bodo-Ogoni. He pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom, attending the School of Pharmacy at the University of Bradford, England, where he earned both a Master of Pharmacy degree and a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy. His academic focus centered on the study of medicinal plants and their properties. Career Progression and Major Achievements Iwu’s professional career is divided primarily between academia, pharmaceutical research, and public service. He served as a professor of pharmacognosy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1984 to 1993. Beyond his academic work, he was the Executive Director of the Bioresources Development and Conservation Program and held a position as a Senior Research Associate at the Division of Experimental Therapeutics of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington D.C. He also attended the Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Course (Course 10) at the Harvard Business School. His tenure in public service began when he was appointed INEC commissioner for Imo State in August 2003 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. In June 2005, he succeeded Abel Guobadia as the Chairman of INEC, a position he held until April 2010 when he was succeeded by Attahiru Jega. His time leading INEC was marked by significant, and often controversial, electoral reforms and administration. Notable Works and Awards As a distinguished scientist, Iwu has authored several publications, including the widely referenced *Handbook of African Medicinal Plants* (1993) and *African Ethnomedicine* (1986). His contributions to the field of medicinal plant research earned him the US National Research International Prize for Ethnobiology in 1999. Current Status Following his exit from INEC, Professor Iwu returned to his pharmaceutical and research interests. He has been involved in international pharmaceutical ventures and continues his work in bioresources development. He remains a respected figure in the fields of pharmacognosy and ethnobotany.