...Seeks Support of Staff Members For An Ambient Environment
By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, has solicited the cooperation of all staff members of the University towards enthronement of an ambient environment that would lead to a hitch-free, rancour-free appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and a Registrar by the incoming Governing Council.
Prof. Ikechebelu made the request on Monday, 25th November 2024 during a maiden press conference held at the University’s Council Chambers.
Prof. Ikechebelu described the recent challenges faced by the institution stemming from the untoward actions taken by the now dissolved Governing Council of the University in the process of appointing a Vice-Chancellor and a Registrar for the University as shocking and most regrettable but assured the University community and the general public that the institution is now firmly back on track.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely intervention in the crisis. Prof. Ikechebelu said: “President Tinubu’s intervention has shown that he has a listening ear, which is a sticker for due diligence and is committed to his Renewed Hope Agenda, which has indeed renewed our hope in Nnamdi Azikiwe University that there will be respect of the University Act and due process.
Prof. Ikechebelu disclosed that his immediate task as Acting Vice-Chancellor is to douse the tension arising from this opprobrious malfeasance and return the University to normalcy with a mind frame that the entire saga has ended. He also assured of a return to his vision of BLESSED UNIZIK meaning Beautify UNIZIK, Light Up UNIZIK, Excellent UNIZIK, Digitalize UNIZIK and Secure UNIZIK.
Prof. Ikechebelu also commended the new Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad; the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, and other stakeholders for their various roles in resolving the impasse while also appreciating the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK chapter and the National body for their dogged fight that succeeded in arresting the ugly episode.
Present during the maiden press conference were principal officers of the Univeristy, including the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor Modebelu; the Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu; the Librarian, Prof. Stella Anasi; the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Engr. Prof. Philomena Igbokwe; the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, Prof. Gerald Udigwe; the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor (SAVC) on Academic Matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo and the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Angela Ufele.
Others are the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu; Chief Legal Officer of the University, Prof. Meschach Umenweke; Chief Safety Officer, Mr. Ken Chukwurah; Director of Works, Engr. Iyke Onwuemene; Director of Medical Services, Prof. Lasbery Asomugha and the Director of Procurement, Arch. Damian Oduche.
