The newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Benard Odoh, officially assumes office on Tuesday, pledging an ambitious transformation agenda aimed at raising the institution’s profile.
Odoh, addressing the university community after a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph’s The Worker Chaplaincy, outlined key priorities, including revenue generation, digitisation, enhanced welfare for staff and students, improved security, and infrastructure upgrades.
Odoh disclosed plans to mobilize over N70 billion for the university within five years, aiming to position UNIZIK among Africa’s top 50 universities and within the top 500 globally.
Funding, he said, would come from tuition fees, partnerships, and grants, with a focus on Public-Private Partnerships expected to raise over N10 billion by co-financing critical infrastructure projects and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“As part of our commitment, we’ve distributed a ‘social contract’ booklet outlining our five-year vision for UNIZIK,”
“The era of politics over the VC selection is behind us; let’s focus on moving UNIZIK forward,” Odoh stated.
The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning against disloyalty and indiscipline, emphasizing his intent to foster unity and commitment across the university.
“The law of the university is clear, and I was appointed through due process. I won’t entertain divided loyalties. I’ll approach my role with humility but will be strict in enforcing policies. From day one, discipline is non-negotiable. UNIZIK has been on a decline, and we must all work together to revive it.”
Odoh, an alumnus of the university, underscored his dedication by announcing plans to reside on campus.
“I want to experience what students and staff experience. If there’s a power outage, I’ll feel it too. My goal is to live and work here closely with the community,” he said.
Outlining his vision, the VC highlighted his experience as both an academic and a businessman, expressing confidence in his ability to attract substantial funding and drive reforms.
“We aim to raise N70 billion over five years, utilizing PPPs and other funding channels.
“Currently, UNIZIK ranks 22nd among Nigerian universities—a position I find unacceptable. My goal is to elevate our university into Africa’s top 50 and to compete globally among the top 500 institutions,” Odoh stated
The Vice-Chancellor’s strategic plan includes eleven core initiatives, spanning role model development, a strengthened university culture, and enhanced community engagement to drive academic excellence and competitiveness on a global scale.
Ikenna Obianeri @ThePUNCH
