The Anambra State Government has inaugurated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, as the Chairperson of the Governing Council of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Government House, Awka, followed her recent appointment by Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who sworn in Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, along with other council members, on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
The newly inaugurated members of the Governing Council include Professor Cele Aguruo, Chief Fidelis Nweke, Reverend Sister Professor Uju Dibua, and Venerable Dr. Rex Kanu.
Additionally, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu continues in her role as Provost, while Mrs. Edith Nwoye serves as the Acting Registrar and Mr. Anthony Aniebo as the Acting Bursar.
Other key officials include Dr. Chioma Azubike, Acting Librarian; Engineer Nnamdi Onyili, Director of Works; Dr. Urewuchi Udolisa, Staff Representative; and Mr. Benny Egbunonu, Public Relations Officer.
It’s noteworthy that Nwafor Orizu College of Education, a state-owned institution, was established in 1976 and officially became a College of Education in 1981, contributing significantly to the state’s higher education sector.
In his address, Governor Charles Soludo CFR expressed full confidence in Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s ability to lead the institution, underscoring the strategic importance of her appointment while emphasizing that the selection of highly skilled professionals for the Governing Council was deliberate, reflecting the State’s commitment to the advancement of the college.
Governor Soludo further assured that under Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s leadership, the Council is expected to implement significant reforms aimed at enhancing the college’s operational and educational standards.
The Governor pointed out that, after 41 years of existence, Nwafor Orizu College now faces formidable challenges in a rapidly evolving global educational environment, stressing the exigent need for the institution to reinvent itself to remain competitive.
Governor Soludo charged the Governing Council with introducing innovative, “disruptive” changes and fostering value-driven strategies.
The terms of reference for the Governing Council were explained by the Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, who noted that its responsibilities are by Section 7 of the law establishing the institution while highlighting the critical role the Council will play in steering the college toward achieving its strategic objectives.
In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson of the Governing Council, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her leadership and affirmed her readiness to work diligently toward improving the institution’s educational and infrastructural framework.
She pledged her commitment to supporting the vision and mission of the college.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje; Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Affairs, Barrister Tochukwu Nweke, SAN, among others.
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