By Ikenna Nwokedi
Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday, 6th February 2024 officially inaugurated the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
The event which took place at the Council Chambers of the UNIZIK Administrative Block witnessed the administering of the oath of office on the committee members led by Engr. Dr. Stephen Ufoaroh and unveiling of terms of reference of the unit in the presence of the members of the University management led by UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone.
Part of the terms of reference of the committee is to ensure transparency and accountability in line with global best practices in the daily administrative affairs of every department, faculties, units and directorates in the institution as well as sensitization of staff members of the institution on best practices.
In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, emphasized that the essence of the ACTU is to ensure a seamless and smooth operational services by members of staff of the institution in their respective directorates, units, departments and faculties in line with the pillars of the present administration which is hinged of administrative reforms, academic excellence, innovation, research and community service. Prof. Esimone informed that the members were carefully selected based on their previous record in administration and track record in servitude, he congratulated them and urged them to put in their best towards service delivery to the institution and the education sector at large.
On his part and in a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Unit and former Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade Stephen Uchenna Ufoaroh thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for setting up the ACTU and the official inauguration. Ufoaroh averred that the advent of ACTU will aid in sanitizing the University in its daily operation by sensitization of staff members and students on operations of ACTU and why they should observe relevant rules in the university system.
The scholar promised that the committee members will work together harmoniously to get the system to work on higher level of corruption free system. He urged members of the University Community to endeavour to speak up and report actions and practices that negate the growth and development of the institution.
High points of the occasion was the administering of oath of allegiance to ACTU members by the Head of Legal of ICPC, Barr. Mrs Ogochukwu Iwoba and lecture on the Essence, Structure and Function of ACTU delivered by the Principal Superintendent of ICPC, Japhet Udeani as well as question and answer session bothering on the activities and operation of ACTU in the institution.
ACTU UNIZIK is led by Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, other members of the committee are Prof. Uche Eunice Ekpunobi (Dept. Of Pure and Industrial Chemistry), Dr. Chinyere Esimone (Music Department), Rev. Fr. Dr. I. Onwuatuegwu (Philosophy Department), Dr. Godwin Obasikene (Medicine and Surgery Department), Prof. Machebe Victor Ozioko (Faculty of Law), Mr. Paul Ifezue (Director, Internal Audit), Dr. Jude Okoye (Faculty of Law), Rev. Sr. Patricia Oranefo (Accountancy Department) while Mr. Edward Kalu Okereke of the Personnel Unit is acting as the Secretary of the committee.
Also present during the inauguration were Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Prof. Frederick Odibo, SAVC on Academic Matters; Barr. Philomena Okoye, UNIZIK Registrar; Dr. Mrs. Roseline Obiozor-Ekeze, Ag. University Librarian and Mrs Gladys Chika Ene, Director of Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer.
