By Franklin Onwubiko
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to peace, unity, and academic excellence. Speaking during a press conference held today at the University Council Chamber, Prof. Ikechebelu described the recent challenges faced by the institution as “traumatic” but assured the University community, the Nigerian public and the global academic community that Unizik is now firmly back on track.
Expressing profound gratitude, Prof. Ikechebelu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt intervention in the crisis. “President Tinubu gave us a listening ear, conducted due diligence, and ensured that justice prevailed. His intervention was not only timely but also reawakened our confidence in his leadership.
He 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 crucial roles in resolving the impasse. Their collective efforts, he noted, reflect a commitment to sustaining the stability of Nigeria’s university system.
Prof. Ikechebelu emphasized that his immediate task is to douse tensions and foster unity within the University. “We are bringing everyone together to work as one family. The management has already met and taken resolutions aimed at achieving lasting peace. Our mantra remains: Happy Productive Staff and Happy Progressive students. Unizik is re-energized and ready to excel,” he assured.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to maintaining and improving its global rankings while addressing lingering issues, including unpaid staff salaries. “We will not relent in ensuring that all outstanding salaries are paid. By God’s grace, this set of staff will be absorbed and paid,” he promised.
Prof. Ikechebelu reiterated his commitment to his administration’s BLESSeD mantra, emphasizing its core principles of Beautifying and Lighting Up Unizik, fostering an environment of Excellence, ensuring Safe and Secure campuses, and embracing innovation to Digitize Unizik. “These guiding values form the bedrock of our vision to create a thriving, world-class institution,” he stated. “The University you once knew and believed in is back, and set to retake its pride of place”.
The Vice-Chancellor also extended heartfelt appreciation to 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 resilience in the issues.
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor was flanked by principal officers, including the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor Modebelu, the Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu, and the Librarian, Prof. Stella Anasi, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Philomena Igbokwe; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, Prof. Gerald Udigwe; the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Academic Matters, Prof. F.J.C. Odibo; the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Angela Ufelle; 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, Arc Damian Oduche.
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