By Ikenna Nwokedi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State Command on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi.
In his remarks during the visit held at the VC’s Conference Room, The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Daniel Onyishi congratulated Prof. Arinze-Umobi on her re-appointment as the acting Vice-Chancellor stating that her administrative prowess and expertise informed the decision of the Governing Council.
Mr. Onyishi emphasized the need for continued partnership between the command and the ivory tower in a bid to stem the tide of illicit drug use among the youths in the university and surrounding environment. The Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA emphasized that there is need for a mandatory drug tests as one of the criteria for gaining admission into the University which is already a practice adopted by some tertiary institutions in the land.
Mr. Onyishi also informed that the Anambra chapter of the command is leaving no stones untouched as they prepare to commemorate the World Drug Day scheduled for June 26th, 2025.
In her reaction, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Arinze-Umobi, while welcoming the NDLEA team, commended their efforts in tackling the menace of drug abuse, checkmating the movement of illicit drug as well as rehabilitating individuals who are victims of illicit drug use.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi disclosed that under her watch, she intends to set up a Directorate of Drug Control and Isolation centre hopefully before the end of her tenure. The acting VC assured the NDLEA of the university’s support through the institution’s WADA club, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in addressing drug-related issues.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of UNIZIK WADA Club, Dr. Alexander Orji informed that the University before now has collaborated with the NDLEA Anambra State Command and the courtesy visit by the NDLEA team is to harmonize the already existing relation by streamlining the partnership and strengthening the collaboration.
Also present during the courtesy visit from the NDLEA team were DCN Chukwunyare Nwanenanya (Deputy State Commander); ACN Christopher Adabo (Assistant State Commander) ACN Fidelis Erhi (Assistant State Commander, O&T); ACN Mannan Umar Kombani (Area Commander, Awka); ACN Auta Dissa Tanko (Area Commander, Fegge); Oraedu Catherine Ojiugo (PSO Admin); ACN Barbar Ebeleakpo (Area Commander, Nnewi); Priscilla Onyema (PSO Admin) and Anosike Chibuike Anosike (ASN II).
Also part of the delegation during the courtesy visit from UNIZIK were Mrs Urenna Okamgba, Secretary of UNIZIK NDLEA Committee; Dr. Alexander Orji, Chairman UNIZIK WADA Club; Prof. Michael Ezenwa, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and member of the UNIZIK NDLEA Committee and Engr. Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi, member, UNIZIK NDLEA Committee.
