Lotanna Ohazuruike

Home Country: Nigeria

Home State: Imo

Undergraduate Institution: Rivers State University, Nigeria

Undergraduate Degree and Major (and minor, if applicable): BTech Petroleum Engineering

Pre-MBA Industry: Management Consulting, Energy

Pre-MBA Company: Bain & Company, Shell, SotaOG

Pre-MBA Title: Consultant, Senior Petroleum Engineer

Desired industry post-MBA: Energy

Desired job function post-MBA: Corporate Strategy

Summer Internship Company: ExxonMobil

Summer Internship Position: Low Carbon Solutions Intern

Degree Concentrations: Energy, Strategic Management

Student Organization Membership: Black Business Student Association, CleanTech Association, Energy Association, Finance Association, Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, Rice Energy Finance Summit

Officer: Energy & Cleantech Association

What has been the most surprising part of your Rice MBA? The most surprising part of my Rice MBA experience has honestly been how demanding it is. It has pushed me to limits I did not fully expect, in how I think, how I make hard trade-offs, how I prioritize, and even in learning to say no.

It has also taught me to be more intentional: with my time, with my relationships, and with how I show up as a leader. I have come to better understand leadership not just as directing people, but as empowering and coaching them. That depth of growth is what has surprised me most.

What has been your favorite thing about your MBA experience? My favorite thing about my MBA experience so far has been the culture. The tight-knit culture at Rice is real, and I have felt it in so many parts of the experience.
A big part of that has been the amount of teamwork. Between working closely with my core team and collaborating with so many other teams across classes, clubs, and activities, you naturally build strong relationships. Over time, those stop feeling like just group assignments and start feeling like real community.

I have also loved the little rhythms that bring people together, whether it is Thursday evening patios, Monday lunch colloquiums, or simply the many informal moments in between. Those touchpoints make the experience feel warm, connected, and personal.
Even things like the upcoming trip to Brazil reflect that spirit. There is a strong sense that this is not just an academic program, but a shared journey with people who genuinely enjoy learning, growing, and experiencing life together. My class, our preceding class of 2027, the staff and a super-engaged alumni community all reflect this truly.
For me, that, more than anything, has been the best part.

What do you love most about Houston? I have been in Houston since 2018, and I chose to stay because it feels like home in many ways. One big reason is the diversity of the city, both in the people and in the food (in no particular order). Houston is one of those places where you can genuinely experience so many parts of the world in one city. I love that on different days I can enjoy Nigerian restaurants, Thai food, Indian, Pakistani food, or even something quick and familiar like Chick-fil-A. That mix gives the city a lot of life and character.

Another important reason is the weather. Coming from Nigeria, Houston’s warm climate felt familiar to me, and that made the transition easier. There is something comforting about being in a place where the weather does not feel too far removed from what I grew up with.

Houston also has a large Nigerian community, which has meant a lot to me. There is a sense of familiarity, belonging, and connection that comes from being around people who understand your culture, food, humor, and way of life. Add to that the fact that I am close to friends and family, and Houston became more than just a place to live. It became a place where I could build community and feel grounded.

What is one piece of advice you would share with a prospective? Come to Rice ready to be fully engaged - the people, the teamwork, the clubs, and the community - and you'll realize you truly do belong here