By Njide Ezeonyejiaku
As the Vice-Chancellor , Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, gradually winds up his tenure as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor, UNIZIK, the Faculty of Social Sciences, led by its Dean Prof Frank-Collins Okafor organised a valedictory session in his honour.
The valedictory Board meeting held at the new Faculty Conference Hall attracted eminent professors, past Deans of the Faculty, Lecturers and non-teaching staff of the Faculty.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esimone who was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, the wife of the VC, Associate Professor Chinyere Esimone, some Council Members, the transition committee members and some Principal Officers of the university seized the opportunity to commission the Faculty Security Gates and Protectors as well as the Faculty Solar Energy Project.
In an opening remark, the DVC Admin. Prof. Ikechebelu commended the outgoing VC, Prof. Esimone for the various projects he attracted to the university especially through TETFund sponsorship, and philanthropists which he said has transformed the face of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, pointing out that it takes grace to get someone to part with his money for institutional projects.
Addressing the Faculty members, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esimone enumerated the projects he attracted and accomplished during his tenure as well as those that have just been sealed to commence as soon as possible, including two students hostels to be built by Dangote Group within six months.
He took time to explain the challenge his administration is facing with her unpaid staff due to IPPIS non capturing, and assured them to be patient and prayerful as the matter is receiving positive attention.
On his part, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for supporting the Faculty to make progress in infrastructural development, especially the gift of the new Faculty building, while highlighting other areas needing urgent attention which the VC can still facilitate before leaving office.
In a vote of thanks, the immediate past Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Uche Nwogwugwu prayed God to bless the VC in his future endeavours.
Presentation of gifts by the Faculty Board, and the Heads of the five Departments in the Faculty, including Psychology, Political Science, Mass Communication, Economics and Sociology, and Dependable Leadership Award to the VC formed the highpoints of the event.
