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Tag: Nnamdi Azikiwe University

  • Don seeks reduction of breast cancer in women

    Don seeks reduction of breast cancer in women

    •Says it’s not death sentence

    A Professor of Medicine (Surgical Oncology), Stanley Anyanwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, says early check-up by women can help to avert risks of breast cancer

    The university don, therefore, called on women especially in Africa to present themselves early enough for breast cancer examination, which, according to him, is the surest way to survive it.   

    He made the call in a paper presentation during the Second Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) of UNIZIK, under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Stanley Bond Anyaehie.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Niger agree on terms to eradicate regional insurgency

    JAL is an academic lecture presented by academics who have been Professors for over 25 years and still in active service.                            

    The theme of the paper was: “Silver Reflections, Golden Horizons: One Surgeon’s Lifesaving Legacy in Pioneering Breast Cancer Research and Care in Nigeria.”

    According to Prof Anyanwu, “If you present yourself early, we will treat you because it reduces the risk, but if you present late, there is nothing we can do about it.”

  • NAU gets new registrar

    NAU gets new registrar

    A new Registrar has been appointed for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She is Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke.

    Announcing her appointment on Friday at the end of the 18th Emergency Meeting of the Governing Council of the University, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi said Dr. Okeke’s appointment as the substantive Registrar for a five-year single term is with effect from Monday, 18th August, 2025.

    Read Also: Nigeria Festival 2025 brings Nigerian culture to life in Canada

    Until her appointment, Dr. Okeke was a Deputy Registrar 1 (Senate) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.

    Born on the 31st of May, 1978, Dr. Okeke bagged a B.Sc in Government/Public Administration from the Abia State University, Uturu, in 1999. In 2006, she obtained an M.Sc in Public Administration from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and a Ph.D in Public Administration (Public Policy Analysis) from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2018.

  • Varsity student dies after jumping from 3-storey building

    Varsity student dies after jumping from 3-storey building

    • Victim allegedly consumed hard drugs before incident

    A male student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has been confirmed dead after he jumped from a three-storey building and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

    The incident occurred at a lodge close to the university’s gate.

    Residents of the area said the student apparently consumed hard drugs before jumping from the building.

    According to the neighbours, there was a loud noise, following which they rushed to the scene only to find the victim’s body lying in a pool of blood.

    Read Also: OAU denies arrest of two protesting students during Wike’s visit

    It was discovered that the student’s roommate was also under the influence of the same substance, as he was found in an incoherent state in their room.

    It was gathered that the roommate was kept in police custody and would be questioned once he stabilised.

    The identity of the deceased had not been disclosed at press time yesterday, and the police were said to be working to reach the family while investigation into the incident continued.

  • Ringing in distractions: Impact of phone use on academic performance in Nigerian universities

    Ringing in distractions: Impact of phone use on academic performance in Nigerian universities

    By Nafisa Umoru

    A recent incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has raised concerns about the impact of phone use on academic performance in Nigerian universities.

    The incident involved a student, Precious Chimamaka Goddy-Mbakwe, who was expelled for allegedly assaulting a lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, over a TikTok video.

    The proliferation of smartphones among students has transformed the way they learn, interact, and navigate campus life.

    However, the constant ring of notifications, the allure of social media, and the ease of online distractions have created a culture of divided attention, eroding academic discipline and responsibility.

    The UNIZIK incident is a stark reminder of the consequences of excessive phone use on campus.

    According to reports, the student’s obsession with recording a TikTok video led to a confrontation with the lecturer, resulting in a physical altercation and eventual expulsion.

    This incident is not isolated. Across Nigerian universities, students are struggling to balance their academic responsibilities with the constant temptation of their phones. The resulting distractions have significant implications for academic performance, mental health, and social relationships.

    Read Also: What is going on in Nigerian universities?

    Research has shown that excessive phone use can lead to decreased attention span, reduced productivity, and lower grades. Moreover, the constant stream of notifications can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals that can lead to addiction.

    To mitigate the impact of phone use on academic performance, universities can establish phone-free zones, such as lecture halls and libraries, to promote focused learning. Institutions can also develop responsible phone use policies, outlining clear guidelines for phone use on campus.

    Ultimately, the solution lies with the students themselves. By developing healthy phone use habits, prioritising academic responsibilities, and recognising the value of face-to-face interactions, students can reclaim their academic experience and foster a culture of responsibility and respect on campus.

    As Nigerian universities navigate the challenges of the digital age, we must address the issue of phone use and its impact on academic life. By working together, we can create a learning environment that promotes focus, discipline, and responsibility – one that truly supports the academic and personal growth of our students.

    -Written by Nafisa Umoru, Department of Mass Communication, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State.

  • NAU VC pledges N70b investment

    NAU VC pledges N70b investment

    The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka, Anambra State, Prof Benard Odoh, has announced N70 billion investment plan for the institution within his first five years in office.

    Odoh, who resumed on Tuesday, said he would convert the university’s kitchen to his official residence pending the completion of the permanent Vice Chancellor’s residence.

    He said he would not be a VC and live off campus.

    He said N10 billion would be generated through public-private partnerships for co-funding critical infrastructure and Corporate Social Responsibility.

    Read Also: Alumni demand withdrawal, review of requirements for Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

    Odoh said: “We shall build a 150-room hotel with events and meeting rooms.  

    “We will also embark on the implementation of Coordinated Renewable Energy Solutions by instituting N100million quasi- endowment fund to support research in renewable energy.’’

    Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes, Social Cultural in the Diaspora (AESISCD), has called on ‘detractors’ to give Odoh a chance to achieve his objectives for the institution.

    In a statement by its President (Worldwide), Pascal Oluchukwu, AESISCD described the detractors as “fifth columnists desperately working for some Ebonyi politicians.”

    The group referred to Odoh’s N70 billion investment plan as bold and encouraging.

  • Alumni demand withdrawal, review of requirements for Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

    Alumni demand withdrawal, review of requirements for Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

    The UniZik Medics Alumni Association (UMAA) representing graduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Medical School, has strongly condemned the recently published requirements for the institution’s Vice-Chancellor position.

    The association described the criteria as skewed and damaging to the university’s global reputation.

    During a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, UMAA called for the immediate withdrawal of the selection criteria, citing concerns over its legality and fairness.

    Led by the National President, Prof. Evaristus Afiadigwe, and other key members, including Chinenye Ekpeh, the representative of the International Alumni UNIZIK Medics Alumni Association Worldwide and Prof. Chukwudi Okani, Chairman of the Committee on the NAU VC Advert, UMAA expressed alarm over the discriminatory nature of the requirements, which they argue violate the NAU Act of 1992 and its amendments.

    The advertisement, which was published on September 12, 2024, sparked immediate backlash, including a strike by lecturers at the Medical School and an official complaint to the Federal Ministry of Education.

    UMAA contends that the Governing Council’s modification of the selection criteria without proper statutory approval contradicts the university’s legal framework.

    The alumni were particularly disturbed by the focus on minimum qualifications and personal achievements, especially the mandatory requirement for a PhD and evidence of securing specific research funding.

    They argued that this effectively excludes clinical lecturers and other qualified candidates, undermining diversity in the institution’s leadership.

    Prof. Afiadigwe said: “This approach risks disenfranchising competent candidates, particularly from clinical fields, whose professional pathways differ.

    “There is no evidence to show that the Visitor to the School approved these requirements,” UMAA stated, warning that the university could become a laughing stock if these discrepancies are not corrected.

    Read Also: Alumni celebrate reunion, hail school impact

    “The council did not, in the advert, specify the qualities of the persons who may apply for the post of Vice-Chancellor.

    “Instead of specifying the qualities as statutorily required, the Council made a U-turn and listed the minimum skills and personal achievements of prospective candidates.

    “Neither the NAU Act nor any NAU Statute provides for personal achievements as requirements to be included in the advert for Vice-Chancellor.

    “Neither the NAU Act and its three Schedules, nor any NAU Statute, empowered the Council to add achievements, Master’s or PhD as compulsory requirements in the advert for Vice-Chancellor.

    “The advert stipulated first degree, Master’s degree, and PhD as a mandatory requirement for candidates who want to apply for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of NAU when there is no such mandatory and limiting requirement in the NAU Act or NAU Statute jointly made by the Council and Senate.

    “This advert ignores the fact that the clinical science lecturers of the University do not run PhD pathway stated above but follow the pathway of MBBS/BDS through Postgraduate Medical Fellowship. 

    “The requirements are more like a particular set of prospective candidates are being discriminated against when we look at the criteria that the candidate must have attached a grant of N400m.

    “This has never happened in any University before because the ability to attract grants to the school is one the areas considered desirable but putting a specific amount to it makes it look like it’s somebody’s CV that was pasted as the advertisement”.

    Given these, and while addressing the Visitor to the school and Pro-Chancellor specifically, the Prod. Afiadigwe listed the demands of the association following the emergency meeting convened on September 23, 2024, saying, “We reject the advert in its entirety and call for its withdrawal. Any new advert should only include the qualities required and nothing else.

    “Even if Professorship will be added as a requirement, which we vehemently contend that such a requirement is not part of NAU laws and thus ultra vires the Council, such requirement will just be because all the persons interested in applying for the post are professors. 

    “A new, simple, lawful, non-discriminatory advert that is intra vires the powers conferred on the Council should be released. For us as a body, the new advertisement should delete a PhD as a requirement once the person has attained the rank of a Professor; otherwise Medical Fellowship should be mentioned immediately after a PhD as an alternative.

    “The new advert should factor in the academic pathway of clinical lecturers, by inserting Medical Fellowship wherever PhD is mentioned as its equivalent.

    “The requirement of any specific amount of money in a grant should not appear again in the next advertisement. Specific amounts should not also feature at the selection stage unless as evidence of a needed quality, as it is embarrassing to us, all the alumni, our revered institution, and to the name of the great Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    “Premium should be placed on administrative experience alongside academic excellence in any discipline, but this will have to come up only at the selection stage, not at the advertising stage.

    “If nothing is done to expunge this anomaly, we may be forced to escalate the matter.

    “The Council and Senate are free to commence a modification of the Statute of NAU in the Third Schedule to the NAU Act on advert for the post of Vice Chancellor for future Vice Chancellorship if they wish, but any attempt to exclude medical professionals will be heavily resisted at the Council and Senate levels, as well as at the level of the Presidency.

    “Pending when such modifications are done to the NAU Statutes, about the contents of an advert for the post of Vice Chancellor, the law remains that the Master, PhD or personal achievements of prospective candidates, are not requirements for applying for the post of Vice Chancellor of NAU in the advert.

    “The requirements are the Council’s specified personal qualities needed in the prospective candidates or persons.”

    The national President however emphasized that as a body, the UNIZIK Medics Alumni Association is not as interested in who eventually emerges as the next Vice-Chancellor, “As we are in a transparent and equitable selection process.

    “Hence, we will support and work with anyone legitimately appointed”.  

  • UNIZIK students celebrate Oji Ofor festival

    The Students Union (SU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with Spine Communications Limited, has held its  yearly cultural festival amid pomp and pageantry.

    The festival tagged: ‘UNIZIK Oji Ofor cultural festival 2019, held at Library field, was part of the institution’s SU Week.

    Speaking during the event, Managing Director, Spine Communications, Dr. Emeka Okeke, said the festival was organised in local communities to harness citizens towards stimulating and driving local economic growth while promoting cultural values.

    Said Okeke: “At the festival, multiple micro and small businesses get the opportunities to showcase their products and services to a large crowd of potential customers in one location.

    ‘’Oji Ofor festival offers the university community opportunity to come together to celebrate one another while being encouraged to be the primary brand ambassadors of UNIZIK.’’

    According to him, a lot of quality research as well as infrastructural development is required to achieve the management’s vision of making UNIZIK among the 200 outstanding universities in the world via its Vision 200 mandate.

    He added: “We plan to amplify publicity of the UNIZIK brand and attract the right strategic partners and resources to make Vision 200 a reality.

    “Previous festivals have been organised in local communities like Adazi-Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “This is our first time in a university community. Once we deliver the anticipated level of academic, research and economic growth, we will begin expanding to other university communities.”

    The SUG President of the institution, Comrade Joseph Okafor said the festival was meant to promote cultural heritage of Ndigbo and inculcate same in the lives of the youths.

    He said the occasion aimed to emphasisse among the youths, their cultural source and keep in touch with same.

    He explained that SU extended hands of partnership to Spine Communications as they could not achieve the desired result alone.

    Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah, Director of UNIZIK Confuscius Institute, Prof. Prof Yu Zhangbao, UNIZIK Public Relations Officer, Dr. Emma Ojukwu and Dean Students Affairs, Prof Stanley Udedi.

    Highlight of the event was the conferment of titles on some distinguished son of the land as well as the raffle draw that drew winners from the students in attendance.

    The event also featured cultural and masquerade displays, wrestling contest, native food sampling, eating of new yam and a friendly football match.

    Among the winners were Shedrack Chinedu, Chiamaka Okafor, Stella, Anthony Chidi, who won plasma TV, rechargeable fans, generators, among other items.

    Other prizes given to winners of different raffle draw were free transport tickets.

    Photo: Students pose in their traditional attires

  • Fake beggars arrested in Anambra

    A middle-aged woman, Mrs. Uju Obiekwe has been arrested by officials of the Anambra State Government for allegedly using persons with fake ailment to beg for alms.

    The suspect and her accomplices were apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University junction, Awka, where they used a young girl with a bandaged stomach to beg for alms from unsuspecting members of the public.

    The widow, operating under a group called, the Rescue Helpers People Foundation Incorporation, located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, confessed to joining the group following the demise of her husband.

    “I joined the syndicate after the death of my husband. They pay me N1,500 daily,” she said.

    Read Also: Anambra rids Nnewi of beggars

    Parading the suspects in her office in Awka, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue reiterated the ministry’s readiness to rid the state of mentally challenged people and beggars.

    She regretted that most of the beggars were from neighbouring states, warning that nobody had any reason to beg.

    Mezue further revealed that her Ministry had empowered several persons in collaboration with the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative of the Wife of the Governor.

    “We have trained people who are unemployed at the various  Skill Acquisition Centres, after which they were empowered,” she added.

  • Suicide: ESUT medical school brainstorms the scourge

    Irked by the ravaging epidemic of suicide in the society, the College of Medicine, University of Science and Technology (ESUT) packaged a lecture where the issue was discussed and dissected by an expert.

    With the theme: “Alarming Rate of Suicide: the underlying factors and issues”, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Luke Anike in his opening remarks said suicide, basically has to do with the individual’s self-perception and ability to withstand stresses of any kind.

    Stressing that the lecture not only addressed a problem of the society but that it should be noted that it most importantly addressed “the problems of university communities as a greater percentage of those that were recently involved were undergraduates.”

    “Now that it is ravaging our youths especially in the university communities, it is important that we take a very close look at it from all ramifications with a view to stemming the tide”, Anike said.

    Professor Richard Uwakwe who teaches Neuropsychiatry at  the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus was the guest lecturer.

    He told the audience at the auditorium of the College of Medicine that a number of factors were found to be associated with either suicidal attempt or ideas which he listed as young age and traumatic experience.

    He said explaining the cause of suicide could be quite complex, involving philosophical, sociological and neurobiological issues.

    “Although, primarily, suicide in itself is not a mental disorder, however, most (90%) people who committed suicide have been found  to have had a mental disorder.

    “Incidentally the majority of mental disorders that are associated with suicide are treatable. But there is no treatment for suicide because it is the end of life. Rather what is available is the prevention of suicide,” the lecturer hinted.

    He asserted that the most important point in prevention of suicide is the recognition of at risk individuals. “While psychiatrists are trained to do formal risk assessment, there is a collective responsibility for suicide prevention, without necessarily medicalising a complex problem.

    “People who have mental disorders and those who are single, separated, widowed, divorced usually have higher risk.

    “Suicidal threats are not to be taken lightly and once an individual shows signs of possible suicide in the context of risk estimation, there is need for active intervention. Sometimes simple measures such as listening, showing concern and empathy can be very helpful.”

    Uwakwe posited that a number of factors constitute barriers in fighting against suicide in the Nigerian society.

    He gave for example, that psychiatry has a very low profile in most medical school curriculum, coming as a mere appendix to the more glamorous areas of medical specialties.

    He explained: “Consequently, many medical graduates have only a faint idea of psychiatry, where it is taught at all. Coupled with stigma, this is complicated by the fact that as today, Nigeria has no Mental Health Law.

    “Nigerian psychiatrists still operate with the outdated 1916 Lunacy Act and this has sometimes led to inability to prevent extended suicide.

    Uwakwe called on government at all levels to resolve the challenges of unemployment, job losses, poverty and insecurity as a necessary step towards tackling the problem of increasing rate of suicide in the country.

    He told the audience that Nigeria was under siege by suicide with 42 cases in six months.

    He recommended that in addition to addressing economic downturn in the country with the pressure it is putting on individuals, African values which enhance social integration should also be encouraged to help prevent suicide and suicide tendencies.

  • Lecturer lights up community, 37 years after

    It was celebration galore in Isiokwe community of Akama-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State following the commissioning of an electricity project in the area.

    The joy of the residents of the community who had lived for 37 years without experiencing electricity amidst several appeals to the government knew no bound.

    It however took proactive measures of Prof. Stan Udedi, a professor of Bio-Chemistry from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and member of the community to put an end to the 37-year old blackout.

    Commissioning the project, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku described the gesture as worthy of emulation.

    He described Udedi as a goal-getter who had completed the 3 basic ideals the University system stands for which include, “Lecturing, Research and Community service”.

    Expressing optimism that the electricity project would birth more goodies for the community, Ahaneku called on well-meaning individuals to embrace community service in their various communities.

    He further urged the locals to guard the project with all sense of ownership to forestall vandalism.

    In his remark, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Imo state, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu noted that the capital project was worthy of commendation.

    Describing the benefactor as a mobilizer, Ezeonu commended all who partnered with him to put smiles on the faces of the locals.

    On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu who was represented by his SA Political, Ozo Okey Ozoani extolled the selfless service of the sponsor of the project, wishing him success in his endeavors.

    The benefactor and Dean, Students Affairs in UNIZIK, Prof. Udedi regretted that the challenge of darkness had brought untold hardship to the community for over 37 years.

    In his words, “Ugwu Isiokwe community situates on hills and in valleys and this negatively affect the living conditions of the people. The lack of power until now made matters worse.

    “The event of today renews hope for greater output and productivity by the people. We are committed to continued community development and we will effectively put our resources for greater exploit in the future.”

    He expressed deep gratitude to his partners for their prompt financial and technical support towards achieving the project.

    “I am highly indebted to Sen. Ike Ekweremmadu, the Deputy Senate President, Hon. Fred Chukwudi Ezinwa, Executive Chairman Ezeagu LGA, Prof. Ahaneku and Prof. Ezeonu.

    “I equally appreciate the contributions of Engr. Nkedilim Chigbata, Dr. E.C Okoli, Engr. Geoffery Okongwu, the Onowu of Akama-Oghe & his cabinet, Rev Fr. Jacob Ugwuoke, among numerous others.”

    Highpoints of the occasion included conferment of Chieftaincy title to the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for his great contribution to the project, presentation of gift items by various groups to the sponsor.