About | Uche Nwankwo for Waverley West

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2026

Winnipeg Election

MEET THE CANDIDATE

A Vision for Waverley West

Hello, and thank you for visiting my page.
My name is Uche Nwankwo, and I am asking for your support to serve as your next City Councillor.

Since 2015, my family and I have lived in the Bridgwater neighbourhood and have become deeply connected to the Waverley West community. My children have attended local schools, and through community involvement, volunteering, and building relationships across Waverley West, I have gained a deep appreciation for our neighbourhoods.

I hold a PhD and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, as well as a Master of Natural Resources Management (MNRM) from the University of Manitoba. I also hold a Certificate in Public Relations, Marketing, and Management from the University of Winnipeg.

I am fondly called "Focus" by family and friends. To learn more about the origin of the name, please watch this interview: The Power of Community

Read Full Background

My Approach

Collaboration & Results

My approach to public service is based on collaboration, consultation, diplomacy, dialogue, active listening, networking, and mutual respect.

Rather than promising to "fight for" residents, I focus on building relationships, trust, finding common ground, and delivering results. I will engage regularly and ask bold questions. Example:

Vibrant neighbourhoods, healthy lakes, and recreational spaces or deteriorating infrastructure and neglected public assets?
A Winnipeg with a proactive long-term plan or a city driven by reactive short-term decisions?
A Winnipeg that diversifies its revenue sources or one that remains heavily dependent on property taxes?

"I respect the contributions of those who came before. But it's time for fresh ideas and a renewed vision for our community."

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Education & Background

Dr. Uche Nwankwo's academic journey reflects resilience, academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and lifelong learning with a focus on serving humanity and solving problems. From overcoming early educational challenges to becoming a scholar, community leader, and philanthropist, Dr. Nwankwo has consistently demonstrated perseverance, compassion, and dedication to creating opportunities for others. Dr. Nwankwo completed his primary education and subsequently enrolled into high school. However, family financial challenges forced him to drop out of school in Grade 9. Determined to pursue his education, he later resumed high school education in Lagos, Nigeria, after a two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship in a chemist shop (pharmacy). Despite returning to school during the examination period, he was among the top 20 students in a science class. To support his education and livelihood, he worked various jobs, including vending, janitorial, and restaurant service work, while pursuing his studies. Balancing work and education helped shape the resilience, discipline, and determination that continue to define his personal and professional journey. Dr. Nwankwo eventually gained admission to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension. During his undergraduate studies, he transformed his passion for photography into a small business known by customers as Focus Plc, in his second year. The venture earned him the nickname “Brother Focus or Focus Plc” and became widely recognized within the university community. Beyond supporting his education, this entrepreneurial experience reflected his creativity, innovation, and ability to develop solutions through initiative and determination. Dr. Nwankwo further advanced his academic career by completing a Master's degree and later a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Science, specializing in Agricultural Economics, at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, graduating with Magna Cum Laude distinction. He also holds a second Master of Natural Resources Management (MNRM) from the University of Manitoba. His additional qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria), a Certificate in Public Relations, Marketing, and Management from the University of Winnipeg, and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate (University of Winnipeg). Dr. Nwankwo is currently working on a second Doctoral Degree in Biosystems Engineering, focusing his research on engineering-based solutions to flooding constraints on Manoomin (wild rice) cultivation in First Nations communities. His research is a need-based approach to restoring Indigenous food sovereignty and local economy improvement through Indigenous food system knowledge.

Leadership & Motivation

My approach to public service is based on collaboration, consultation, diplomacy, dialogue, active listening, networking, and mutual respect. Rather than promising to 'fight for' residents, I focus on building relationships, trust, finding common ground, and delivering results.

Dr. Nwankwo's passion for community service and giving back to society inspired him to seek public office. In 2023, he contested the Manitoba provincial election as a candidate for the Legislative Assembly in the Waverley constituency, motivated by a desire to expand his service to the community through public leadership. This passion continues to inspire him, and he is currently running as a candidate in the 2026 City Council election in the Waverley West Ward.

He remains deeply committed to advancing opportunities for marginalized and underserved populations, particularly women, children, and seniors. He believes that meaningful success is measured by the positive impact one creates in the lives of others.

Community Service, Philanthropy and Advocacy

Dr. Nwankwo continues to engage in many community services, playing leadership and mentorship roles. He has served as president, secretary, board member, and in other roles in community and not-for-profit organizations (NGOs). He is currently the president of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Canada (FGBMF), Winnipeg South Chapter, and he is the Sunday School Coordinator in his local church.

In collaboration with International HOPE Canada, Dr. Nwankwo has coordinated the donation of container loads of medical supplies to five states in Nigeria, donated over 1,300 units of computers to universities and high schools, and donated over 10,000 copies of books to universities and high schools.

Beyond his humanitarian and community initiatives, Dr. Nwankwo has contributed to public advocacy efforts strengthening relationships between Nigeria and Canada. He played an active role in advocating for the Nigeria–Canada Bilateral Air Service Agreement and efforts toward establishing direct air connectivity between both countries. He also advocated, lobbied, and realized the renaming of a park in Bridgwater neighbourhoods to Emeka Nnadi Park in recognition of his excellence in urban design and landscape architecture.

He has consistently advocated for justice, equity, and fair representation for international students facing significant challenges, including the cases of Afolabi Opaso, Gad Iradikunda, and Tevin Obiga, among others. His advocacy and public engagement have been covered by several Winnipeg media outlets.

Practicality – How the Free Seedlings Giveaway Initiative Started

Many people ask how the Free Seedlings Giveaway Initiative started.

During my first term as Senator of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students Association (UMGSA), which has transformed to University of Manitoba Graduate and Postdoc Society (UMGPS), I became concerned about the rising cost of food for students at the University of Manitoba. After raising the issue with the Executive, we met with the University's leadership. The President encouraged us to support our concerns with evidence, consistent with the University's commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

The Executive subsequently commissioned a food insecurity survey in 2023. The findings revealed that many graduate students were experiencing food insecurity and relying on various coping strategies.

As a member of the committee established to review the survey results, I believed we needed practical solutions alongside research. Rather than waiting, I explored ways to make a direct contribution.

I first approached the Degree Restaurant Manager and the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU) about using green space around the UMSU building to grow vegetables. Although that proposal was not feasible, I continued exploring alternatives.

I then met with the Greenhouse Manager in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and proposed growing vegetable seedlings for free distribution to students and community members. Following consultation with the Head of the Department of Plant Science, approval was granted.

In 2024, I organized more than 80 student volunteers to plant a variety of vegetable seeds in the university greenhouse. The seedlings were later distributed free of charge, helping students and community members start their own gardens while promoting food security, healthy living, and community engagement.

Since then, the initiative has continued each year, providing thousands of free vegetable seedlings to residents and demonstrating how collaboration and practical action can help address real community challenges. The initiative has also expanded to include a graduate gardening plot established at St. Paul’s College.

Global Philanthropy & Public Advocacy

As a philanthropist, Dr. Nwankwo has coordinated the donation of five 40-foot containers of medical supplies to five states in Nigeria, and educational resources—including high-quality textbooks—to seven higher institutions, secondary schools, and primary schools to support academic development. He has also facilitated the donation of over 500 desktop computers, 30 laptops, and multimedia equipment to educational institutions and communities. His recent humanitarian initiatives include shipments of medical supplies and educational materials to five states in Nigeria.

Dr. Nwankwo’s dedication to community service has earned him numerous recognition and honours. In 2019, five traditional rulers and the Mayor of his community in Nigeria recognized his philanthropic contributions with a Merit Award. In 2022, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Merit Award for community service and philanthropy. In 2023, he was named one of the 100 Most Outstanding Nigerians in the Diaspora by EXEMPLARS.

Other recognitions include the University of Manitoba 2026 Graduate Sustainability Award; the 2025 Umunna Igbo Cultural Association of Manitoba Inc. Honour for Excellence Service Award; the 2024 National Association for Nonprofit and Social Economy Research Master Thesis Award; the 2024 Nigerian Professionals in Manitoba Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals Award for Community, Collaboration and Cooperation; and the 2022 Mbutu Mbaise Peoples Assembly Hall of Excellence Gold Merit Award, among others. He is also a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow.

Dr. Nwankwo remains deeply committed to advancing opportunities for marginalized and underserved populations, particularly women, children, and seniors. He believes that meaningful success is measured by the positive impact one creates in the lives of others. Through continued community engagement, advocacy, and service, he strives to strengthen communities and empower individuals to achieve their potential.

Beyond his humanitarian and community initiatives, Dr. Nwankwo has contributed to public advocacy efforts strengthening relationships between Nigeria and Canada. He played an active role in advocating for the Nigeria–Canada Bilateral Air Service Agreement and efforts toward establishing direct air connectivity between both countries. He also advocated, lobbied, and realized the renaming of a park in Bridgwater neighbourhoods to Emeka Nnadi Park in recognition of his excellence in urban design and landscape architecture.

Dr. Nwankwo’s passion for community service and giving back to society inspired him to seek public office. In 2023, he contested the Manitoba provincial election as a candidate for the Legislative Assembly in the Waverley constituency, motivated by a desire to expand his service to the community through public leadership. This passion continues to inspire him, and he is currently running as a candidate in the 2026 City Council election in the Waverley West Ward.

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