Kenneth Nnamdi Opara obtained his B.Sc. Zoology (1985); M.Sc. Molecular Parasitology (1991) and Ph.D Veterinary Parasitology (2005), from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His M.Sc. Molecular Parasitology research, focused on the inhibition of proteases released by trypanosomes. These proteases are the potent inducers of blood coagulation and platelet aggregation in infected patients. This study implicated some lysosomotropic agent as great inhibitors. His Ph.D research was on the Epidemiology of Human Onchocerciasis along Nigeria –Cameroon border. A study that has elucidated the cross-border transmission of onchocerciasis in Nigeria.
Presently, he is a Research Professor in Public Health Parasitology and Entomology in the University of Uyo, Nigeria. His career as a University lecturer and researcher span over 26 years. He has supervised over 31 postgraduate students’ theses and several undergraduates’ projects. He was appointed Head, Department of Public Health Technology, Federal university of Technology, Owerri (2008 – 2010) while on Sabbatical and Head, Department of Zoology, University of Uyo (2010 – 2012). He is the Chairman, Faculty of Science Research Committee.
He has received national and international funding to support his research in the control and elimination of some neglected tropical disease. He has participated in many operational researches involving the use of current and up-to-date diagnostic tools for some neglected tropical diseases. He has published more than 75 peer-reviewed articles on parasites and vectors of human and animal diseases in National and International Journals. He has attended a lot of conferences, seminars and workshops where papers were presented on neglected tropical diseases, within and outside the country. He is on the editorial board of 3 scientific international journals and has acted as a reviewer for over 21 National and International Journals.
He was a Member of WHO/APOC Expert Committee on the Elimination of Onchocerciasis in Africa (2009); Member WHO/APOC adviser on Entomological Assessment of Interruption of Onchocerciasis in Africa, currently member Nigeria Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee. He is a Research Consultant to Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Helen Keller, Sight Savers and RTI/Envision among other NGDOs in Nigeria. His Research interest is focused on Molecular, Parasitological and Entomological Studies on Neglected Tropical diseases (Schistomomiasis, STHs, Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis and Trypanosomiasis) and their vectors.