By Ikenna Nwokedi
Various Directorates and Units on Monday, 20th May 2024 at the Conference Hall of the COCES honoured the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone as he winds down on his tenure.
A valedictory meeting was held by six of the Directorates comprising of the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (COCES), Centre for Art, Culture and Humanities (CACH), Public Private Partnership (PPP), Quality Assurance Centre, Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilization (IVACAC), UNIZIK Medical Centre and Centre for Counselling and Career Development (CCCD).
In his opening remarks, the Chief Legal Officer of the University, Prof. Meschach Umenweke appraised the Vice-Chancellor for his administrative acumen and vision during his five years reign as the Chief Executive, the Professor of Laws described Prof. Esimone as a man of grace whose leadership attributes has contributed to tremendous growth of the institution.
In her remarks, the COCES Director, Prof. Ada Sam Omenyi remarked that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, there were new infrastructure, new teaching and learning techniques as well as increased number of publications from research recorded under Prof. Esimone’s tenure. Prof. Omenyi pointed out that Prof. Esimone has a good leadership qualities and listening ears, the scholar enumerated the various achievements of the VC through the COCES while appreciating him for his approvals.
On his part, the Director of IVACAC, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu while presenting an award ‘Okaa Obulu Uzo’ to the Vice-Chancellor described the day as remarkable owing to the leadership role and administrative acumen during his five years on the saddle. Umeogu described Prof. Esimone as a gift to the institution who ensured that there was peace and tranquility during his term while praying God for blessings upon him in his future endeavours.
In her note of appreciation, the CACH Director, Prof. Nkechinyere Nwokoye informed that the Centre experienced tremendous growth through the support and approvals by Prof. Esimone. The scholar affirmed that the Centre experienced remarkable turn around in facilities and infrastructure which is in line with her vision of making it a tourist centre.
Also speaking the Director of UNIZIK Medical Centre, Prof. Lasbery Asomugha remarked that the occasion was a special moment to celebrate a leader per excellence and a worthy administrator for his numerous achievements despite the challenges faced during his time in the mould of the TSA, COVID-19 and ASUU’s industrial actions.
The Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Uche Ekpunobi highlighted that the Centre’s goal was on inculcating the right values and best practices in academic and university administration. The former Head of the Department of Industrial Chemistry thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his immense support in ensuring the Centre lived up to their assigned goals and social responsibilities
Re-echoing the views of other Directors, the CCCD Director, Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu emphasized that Prof. Esimone’s administration provided administrative flexibility and huge infrastructural development which are signs of the full actualization of his vision of ‘Project 200’, he prayed God to reward Prof. Esimone by elevating him to higher heights in his future engagements.
Contributing also, the Director of the PPP, Prof. Ezinma Nnabuife lauded Prof. Esimone for his dedication, commitment and vision in the face of the challenges during his tenure. The scholar described Prof. Esimone as a leader with many positive attributes and a man marked with the symbol of greatness.
Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo who spoke on behalf of the Parents Teachers Council (PTC) of the UNIZIK High School thanked the VC for his numerous support to the group while also eulogizing him for his selfless service and uncommon leadership attributes in taking the University to the next level. Highpoints of the occasion was presentation of various gift items to the Vice-Chancellor and photo sessions with the members of staff of the various units and directorates.
