Dr. George Chikwendu Ihenacho is a highly experienced mechanical engineer with over 30 years of expertise in industrial plant operations, maintenance, and engineering design. He specializes in internal combustion engines and has extensive experience in fabrication, testing, installation, and servicing of industrial equipment.

Dr. Ihenacho holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Automotive Engineering from the Moscow Central Automobile and Engine Research Institute, Russia (1986). He also earned an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Production and Maintenance of Internal Combustion Engines) from Peoples' Friendship University, Moscow (1982), graduating with First Class Honors. His academic journey began with outstanding performances in the West African School Certificate Examination and University of London General Certificate Examination.

Academic and Professional Contributions

Dr. Ihenacho has significant academic experience, having lectured for over 8 years at various institutions of higher learning. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria. His current research interests lie in thermofluids and engineering design.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Ihenacho is an accomplished professional with extensive industry experience. He served as Chief Engineer at Michelin Nigeria's Tyre Manufacturing Plant (2005–2007), where he led critical engineering operations and supervised multiple graduate projects. He also contributed to turnaround maintenance and preventive audit projects, ensuring compliance with international ISO standards.

Dr. Ihenacho is actively involved in engineering consultancy, serving as CEO of GO-FUNIX Engineering Services and Director at Ex-Carol Nigeria Limited. His roles have included the design, fabrication, and commissioning of modular cranes and gantries, as well as leading innovative adaptations for non-available spare parts in industrial plants.

Some Research and Publications

Dr. Ihenacho has authored several technical papers and innovative works, which  include:

• Low-Cost Multi-Sensing Fire-Fighting Robot with Obstacle Avoidance Mechanism. Adekunle Oyelami, Joshua Oyadokun, Olusola Akintunlaji, George Ihenacho. IAES International Journal of Robotics and Automation. (IJRA) Vol. 13, No. 4, December 2024, pp. 373~379 ISSN: 2722-2586, DOI: 10.11591/ijra. v13i4.pp373-379. (Scopus Indexed Paper) 

• Improvement of Student-centred Experiential Learning in Thermofluid Laboratory Practices. Christian A. Bolu, Fernando Jiménez Villarejo Díaz, George Ihenacho, Darlington Agholor. 28th November to First December 2022, Cape town- South Africa. 2022 IEEE IFEES World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and Global Engineering Deans Council GEDC)- DOI 10.1109/WEEF- GEDC54384.2022.   ORCID ID 0009-0003-6833-4189  

• Commissioning and Reception of machines. Ihenacho George Chikwendu, Conference/Workshop-April ,2018-Technical Paper presented at the Workshop of the Nigerian Society of Engineer Apapa Lagos. 

• Procedure for Installation of Machines & Equipment- Quality Conformity Process- Ihenacho George Chikwendu, Conference/Workshop-April, 2018-Technical Paper presented at the Workshop of the Nigerian Society of Engineer Apapa, Lagos.

Certifications and Professional Memberships

• Registered Engineer, COREN (Cert No. 5266)
• Corporate Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers (Cert No. 16097)
• Corporate Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (Cert No. 2/1700759)
• Registered with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN)

Industry Leadership and Projects

Dr. Ihenacho holds strategic leadership roles, including:

• Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors, Michelin Tyre Services Company Limited, Nigeria.
• CEO, GO-FUNIX Engineering Services, Lagos.
• Director Ex-Carol Engineering Company Nigeria Limited.

His industrial projects focus on the optimization of machine layouts, modification of conveyor systems, and integration of advanced hydraulic and pneumatic components.

Languages

Dr. Ihenacho is proficient in English (native or bilingual), French (full professional proficiency), and Russian (full professional proficiency).