By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Sandwich Unit of the University led by the Director, Professor Constance Okoli on Monday, 29th July 2024 paid a courtesy visit to UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi
The visit according to the Director of the Unit was to felicitate with the institution’s Numero Uno on her recent appointment, identify with her administration as well as to intimate her about the program of the unit, academic activities for the current session and to officially invite her for the upcoming Orientation programme of the Unit.
Prof. Okoli in her remarks stated that the sandwich unit is a symbolic programme which provides a platform for those in the teaching profession at both primary and post-primary levels who are mainly adults to obtain their degree certification by being in tune with the latest development regarding the teaching profession, educational models and acquiring a degree certificate to enrich their academic record and resume.
Prof. Okoli informed that the unit have adopted measures to enhance the Unit’s activities through a blended hybrid programme accommodating both online and physical contact for both teaching and other academic activities. The scholar also informed that the Unit is currently collaborating with the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and other similar organizations as a way of strengthening her programme.
Prof. Okoli also disclosed that the Unit has kickstarted a two-year Associate Certification programme which will lead to an award of an Associate Certificate in Education with candidates who have the certification eligible for enrollment into the institution’s degree programme through Direct Entry to study for degree awarding programme of four years instead of the usual gestation period of five years. She congratulated Prof. Arinze-Umobi for her appointment while pledging the unit’s support to her administration.
Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi thanked the Unit for the visit and the support to her administration. The Ag. VC stated that her administration is poised towards ensuring that the institution stands out in all her academic programmes.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi advised the unit to always think of new ways in ensuring the institution retains her current status for the programme as it is competing with sister institutions such as COOU Igbariam and FCE(Tech) Umunze.
The Ag. VC assured of her support towards the growth of the unit while also giving the approval nod to the requests of the unit.
Also present during the visit was the Deputy Director of the Unit, Dr. Juliana Akuezeilo and other members of staff of the institution attached to the Unit.