By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Joint Campus Council (JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the JCC NANS, Matthew Okpala Okoye felicitated with the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu on his recent appointment as the University’s Chief Executive Officer. Comrade Okoye appreciated the number one citizen of the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a capable and prominent academic figure to man the affairs of the institution while praying that his appointment will be made substantive in due course.
Comrade Okoye thanked Prof. Ikechebelu for his approval for the upcoming SUG elections to hold in no distant time while promising that in his capacity he will ensure that there will be no form of protest whatsoever by the students during his term as the VC but instead to employ dialogue as the appropriate way should there be a matter between the students and the University management. He prayed God to imbue Prof. Ikechebelu with wisdom, energy and good health to be able to effectively carry out the duties of his office as the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu welcomed the team of the JCC NANS to the University applauding their move for the courtesy visit and their show of solidarity which no doubt is a demonstration of their resolve to work with his administration.
The Acting VC affirmed that the primary reason of having a University is for the students and if not the Ivory Tower will be a mere Research Centre. Prof. Ikechebelu revealed his hedgehog concept of HPS Squared which translates to ‘Happy Productive Staff’ and ‘Happy Progressive Students’.
The institution’s numero uno stated that he is poised in ensuring that the students are happy always right from the point of gaining admission to graduation and even the point of collection of their certificates and transcripts. He also informed that the University now have a digital portal in ensuring that students can now access their results online right from their cell phones in the comfort of their rooms and on record time.
He also promised that his administration will transform the students’ hostel with facilities for recreational activities while assuring them that he is open to addressing issues regarding the student’s welfare to foster peace and ensure that their academic sojourn is not in any way truncated.
The JCC NANS team thereafter had a photo session with the UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu.
