From Chuks Collins, Awka
Amidst widespread controversy between the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka and the Federal Ministry of Education, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof Bernard Odoh has fully assumed office.
He was this afternoon, Tuesday, 5 November, 2024, received by a huge crowd of enthusiastic academia, university community, stakeholders, friends, well-wishers and associates welcomed him on his first day in office.
The reception activities commenced with a concelebrated high mass at the St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy of the University. The church service was attended by about 100 priests, Professors, Deans and Heads of Departments and others.
From the church, the crowd moved over to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The priests prayed and blessed the office and workers before the Vice Chancellor proceeded to the university auditorium where he addressed the university community.
Prof Odoh used the occasion of the interactive session to unveil his administration’s blueprint.
It was titled “Disruptive Model”, and reminded them that politics of the selection process of the new Vice-Chancellor was now over while there is no controversy over the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University over the appointment of a new VC.
He called on the university community to cue-in immediately into the lofty programmes of his administration geared towards establishing Nnamdi Azikiwe University among the top 50 universities in Africa while reshaping and repositioning the University to contest for a position in the first 500 universities in global ranking of universities through the Disruptive Development Model ( 2024-2029).
Prof Odoh said the university under his administration would reward excellence and hard work and at the same time be harsh to indiscipline and indolence.
He said his vision was “to transform UNIZIK into a leading beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Africa ” while the mission is to “cultivate graduates who are not only market-ready but also poised to excel in the global economy “.
According to the new VC his administrative blueprint include “Development of Industry- Ready Graduates, Enhance Research and Development, Integrate Disruptive Technologies, Strengthen Industry- Academia Partnerships and Achieve Sustainable Growth”.
“Together we will face the challenges and opportunities ahead with a commitment to excellence. We stand at a pivotal threshold of history beckoning us to chart a course that aligns with the Zikist vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in the arts, humanities, and allied sciences.
“As we embark on this journey, let our guide be the principles and ideals Nnamdi Azikiwe championed- a relentless pursuit of excellence, a steadfast commitment to innovation and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
“Together, we will build upon the foundation laid by our esteemed namesake and strive to make Nnamdi Azikiwe University a beacon of progress, a hub of knowledge and a catalyst for the advancement of Africa”.
On his vision of shaping the university for the future, Odoh said through the Disruptive Development Model , there would be a strategic framework to boost academic quality, innovation and global competitiveness .
He outlined eleven goals he would pursue to include the establishment of Centre for Raw Materials Development and Beneficiation, Enhancing Academic Excellence, Strengthening Academic Excellence , Improving Infrastructure , Promoting Research and Innovation, Establishment of International Collaborations and Enhancement of Community Engagement, among others.
He identified key projects and strategic initiatives comprising another 11 core projects including the completion of a Vice Chancellor’s residence by 2026 which he noted would enhance administrative functions, foster role model presence , strengthen university culture and community engagement.
The Vice Chancellor also said immediate commitment to on-campus leadership of his administration has commenced immediately as he had decided to convert the university kitchen to his residence which will undergo renovation within one month,
“I will be on a permanent residence on campus within six weeks of my assumption of office. Establishing a continuous 24/7 leadership presence on campus is not just a symbolic gesture but a strategic decision to remain closely connected to the day –to- day pulse of the university.
“Being on the locus allows me to engage with students, faculty, and staff more directly, understand their concerns and aspiration firsthand, and respond quickly to any challenges. This closely-knitted leadership approach will foster a culture of transparency, accessibility and mutual respect-key values for any thriving academic community.
“With a constant leadership presence, I am committed to bridging the gaps between administration and the university community, enhancing communication, trust, and accountability, which are critical to our collective growth and success” the Vice chancellor stated.
In the sermon, the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy UNIZIK, Rev. Fr Religious Ezeokonkwo, the homilist, Rev. Fr Evaristus Iheanacho in a sermon titled “Call to Serve” urged every member of the university community to work hard in upholding the motto of the institution in character and learning.
“I urge all members of this great citadel of learning to work together and in unity to restore the glory of this University. Only change is constant and positive change is what this University needs”.
He prayed God to give Professor Odoh the grace, strength and ability to do things right, fix things in their proper place and ensure progress of teaching, learning and especially, character formation.
The priest charged the Vice-Chancellor to discharge his duties with all diligence and do good to all men without bias, fear or favour.
