By Franklin Onwubiko
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Professor Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu has delivered an inspiring New Year message to the University community. Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, he emphasized the institution’s resilience and charted a path for collective progress in 2025.
Acknowledging the trials that marked the third and final quarters of 2024, particularly the contentious “pseudo-appointments” that tested the University’s stability, Professor Ikechebelu lauded the decisive interventions of key stakeholders. Among those acknowledged were His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister of Education Dr. Olatunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad. In his words, “Among many others, we acknowledge and appreciate the interventions of the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of
State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, whose efforts were crucial in securing the
President’s annulment of these devious appointments. Notably, we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely intervention”.
“We cannot allow 2024 to pass without remembering, with trepidation, the tumultuous events that shook the University. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the generous commitments of kind-hearted individuals who thwarted this unprecedented strategy in the Nigerian University System,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Professor Ikechebelu expressed optimism about the new year, emphasizing the need for dedication, unity, and a renewed focus on excellence. He reiterated his commitment to steering the institution towards stability and growth under the “BLESSeD UNIZIK Mandate.”
“Our ongoing blessings arise from fulfilling our assigned tasks. Together, as a community, we will elevate UNIZIK to the necessary and desired great heights. Our successes will stem from our cultivated strengths and the weaknesses we have managed over time,” he stated.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor called on members of the University community to join him in this collective endeavor, urging them to pair hard work with prayer as they strive to achieve greatness in the year ahead.
He concluded his message with a heartfelt prayer for the University, the nation, and all stakeholders, expressing faith in God’s guidance and blessings for a prosperous 2025.
With renewed commitment and a clear vision, Nnamdi Azikiwe University stands poised to achieve greater heights in the new year.
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