The outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu today (Monday, 19th May, 2025) handed over to the new Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Carol Arinze-Umeobi.
Prof Ikechebelu in the handover notes described the story of the two professors regarding the university administration as one that will set a Guinness World Record for the most handovers between two people and counting.
The handover notes read:
FULL TEXT OF PROF. JOSEPH I. IKECHEBELU’s SPEECH AT THE HANDOVER CEREMONY TO PROF. CAROL ARINZE-UMOBI AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF UNIZIK ON MONDAY, 19TH MAY, 2025.
1. This is a special moment for me and the New Acting Vice Chancellor – Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, as God in His wisdom has allowed us to repeat this handover in a different setting. Our story regarding this university administration will set a Guinness World Record for the most handovers between two people and counting.
2. Today, I am stepping aside as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, a day before the end of my tenure, and I do so with every sense of fulfilment and gratitude to God for his mercies, for good health, for a sound mind and wisdom to steer this ship of UNIZIK in the right direction. I give God all the glory.
3. Let me profusely thank Mr. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his intervention in this University that restored us to the path of peace and harmony. I also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for his special affection for this University. Besides the intervention in UNIZIK on his assumption of office, he has ensured that we receive all that is due to us, including our nomination for special high-impact projects (SHIP) for Colleges of Medicine and others. The rest of the Ministry – HMSE, PS, Director of University Education, and others are appreciated for their contribution to our growth as a University.
4. I especially thank our Pro-Chancellor, Barr Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi, for piloting the affairs of the Council and the university with vigour and focus for excellence. The Council Members are highly appreciated for their contribution to the progress of our university.
5. I thank the Principal officers – Ag Registrar, Bursar and University Librarian for the cordial relationship we enjoyed. My Special Advisers (general duties & academics) who held my two hands and supported me strongly with sound advice for the good of our university, my other SAVCS (ICT, DM and Security) and Directors/Deans/HODS are fully appreciated for their contributions to the success of my administration.
6. The members of the University Senate are specially appreciated for the robust, democratic and all-inclusive approach. We held regular senate meetings and deliberated extensively and maturely on university matters for our growth and development. May we continue in this positive spirit?
7. Today, I am privileged to transmit the powers conferred on me to our new Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, and to assure her of my availability and support for her administration. This is to ensure the continued growth and development of UNIZIK. The handover note will contain the details of the projects and activities we have embarked on under the BLESSeD UNIZIK vision. There is more to do, and I request the Management, Staff and Students to support her for the greater good of our university.
8. Finally, I encourage our new Acting Vice-Chancellor to be all-inclusive in her Administration and remember that God has given her another opportunity to make an indelible mark in the lives of Staff and Students of our university.
9. I thank all the Staff and Students of our great university. Great Zikites
God Bless UNIZIK
God Bless You
Signed
Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu
Outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor
