Professor Idu joined the University of Benin as a staff in 1995 after obtaining his doctorate degree in Botany with Biosystermatics option, in 1995. From Lecturer I, a position he was appointed in 1995, He rose rapidly through the ranks to become a Professor in October 2002.
Professor Idu combined his academic and research duties with administrative and extra-curricular assignments. He is the current Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University. At other times he was the Dean of Students, Director ICT, University of Benin, Head of Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. He is a member of several Academic societies: Life Member, Botanical Society of Nigeria; Member, American Botanical Council; Member, American Society of Botany; Member, Society of Ethnobotany; Member, Society for Medicinal Plant Research, Germany; Life Member, Association for Plant Taxonomy; Member, Innovation and Technology Network; Member, Association for African Medicinal Plants Standards.
He is a fellow of several bodies: Fellow, Society of Ethnobotany, Fellow, Institute of Strategic Management; Fellow, Institute of Public Managers, Member, Nigerian Institute of Management. He is a proud recipient of - African Health Icons Award , 2009.
Administrative experience includes, Faculty of Science Representative: Consultancy Services Management Board, Member University of Benin Certificate Screening Committee, Senate Member- UNIBEN. Dean, Faculty of Basic and applied sciences- Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, among others.
He is a Member of the Presidential Initiative Committee on the commercialization of Medicinal Plants in Nigeria. Consultant to Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency. Technical consultant to Artemisinine Development Company Limited- Abuja and Technical Chairman Nigerian Medicinal Development Company , Federal Ministry of Agriculture , Abuja. Consultant to Delta State – Ministry of Science and Technology.
As a senior academic, professor and mentor, he supervised and directed a number of projects leading to the awards of First degree, masters and doctorate degrees to students in the Department. His research activities have taken him to several countries around the world, where he participated in international conferences, workshops, seminars and courses.
He served as external examiner, external assessor and in interview panels for appointments and promotions in various universities in Nigeria, South Africa and India. He has to his credit over 130 journal articles many of which are in international journals of repute. He is an International registered Alternative Medicine Practitioner. Currently, he is a Senior Pastor in Church of God Mission Int. Inc. Efomo Province. He is happily married to Dr.(Mrs.) Faustina K. Idu, Optometry Department of the University of Benin and is blessed with two wonderful children- Eseoghene and Efeoghene.
