The academic journey which began five years ago (June 3rd 2019) came to an end on the 3rd of June, 2024. Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, emerged as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, having been elected and announced VC on 14th May, 2019 by the 8th Governing Council of the University. Prof. Charles Esimone’s administration brought conspicuous growth, development and global visibility to the University within the five years of his tenure.
With his project 200 mantra which he summarized into five letter acronym called ACADA, A-Academics Excellence, C-Community Service, A-Administrative reform, D-Discipline and A-Advancement which formed the sailing compass of his administration, he was able to position the school to compete with other highly rated university in the world.
While making his handing over speech, Professor Charles Okechuku expressed deep appreciation to the academic, non-academic and the different unions in the University for their support and doggedness within the five years of his tenure. He reiterated that his success and achievement in the five years was as a result of their cooperation and commitment to his vision. He admonished the incoming Vice Chancellor on the need to be focused, dedicated, principled as well as being flexible in some areas in dealing with staff of the university. He revealed that his major winning secret was God, It was God from the beginning and it is God that has seen him through this five years, he said. He expressed optimism over the incoming vice Chancellor, in his word he said. “I have no doubt that the incoming Vice Chancellor will deliver even more than he has done”. He went further to commend the media unit for their steadfast and readiness at all time and told the incoming VC to remain media friendly through which his administration and the image of the university can be well projected.
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu thanked the almighty God for making it a reality. He noted that it was made possible by God without which, it wouldn’t have been possible. He expressed his appreciation to the federal republic of Nigeria especially to the seating president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity. He thanked the Governing Council who found him worthy to be appointed in this acting position as Vice Chancellor. He went further to assure the staff and management of the University of Robust working experience predicated on improved staff welfare package. He also assured the outgoing Vice Chancellor of his readiness to take the university from this point to a more glorious future. He acknowledged his acceptance to the task and revealed his readiness to hit the ground running as he out lined his short term advancement plan for the university as follows:
- HPS (square) Happy Performing Staff and Happy Progressive Students, introducing certain indices that will make the staff to perform better and indices that will make the students to progress better.
- Light up UNIZIK- this is to undertake an advance power project to improve on the power system of the university
- Moving from Academic Excellence to Excellence UNIZIK
- Digitize UNIZIK- A project that was instituted by the outgoing administration but will be giving more attention in other to actualize it. Students will not have to come to the university in person to process admission, admission can be processed from any part of the world when fully achieved.
- Secure UNIZIK- Improving on the university security system so that where ever you are in the campus you are sure of safety.
He concluded by admonishing all staff and student of the university to give their cooperation. He also promised that no staff promotion or rights will be denied or stampeded. Everyone will get what is due to them.
Our Reporter
