Samuel Nii Odai is a  professor of Hydraulics and Water Resources at the Department of Civil Engineering KNUST, and currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University. He is a Commonwealth Academic Fellow, and a recipient of the National Best Research Scientist Gold Award for water, environment and sanitation. He has served the University in various capacities including Pro-Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Head of the Quality Assurance and Planning Unit, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Geo-Engineering, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Director of the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK), Director of WASCAL Climate Change and Land Use Centre, KNUST, Kumasi, International Director, Scientists Networked for Outcomes in Water and Sanitation (SNOWS), Consortium and the Hostel Master/Hostel Senior Tutor of the Stephen Paris Hostel.

He is a distinguished Professor with demonstrated experience in higher education senior management. Loyal and considerate person who actively listens to friends and colleagues, providing appropriate help and support and hence ensuring an excellent working environment for all. He is an energetic leader skilled in motivating future leaders, effective delegation, goal-setting, decision-making, conflict resolution, public speaking and board room skills.