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Tag: UNIZIK

  • UNIZIK remembers Iyayi

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State has held a ceremony to remember the late leader of the union, Prof Festus Iyayi, who died last year.

    The late Iyayi died in an auto crash involving the union’s vehicle and a vehicle in Kogi State governor’s convoy on Abuja-Lokoja highway. The deceased was in company of other members of the union on their way to Kano State for ASUU meeting when the accident occurred.

    One year after, the UNIZIK chapter of the ASUU said it was yet to see the fruition of the agreement the Federal Government reached with lecturers.

    Briefing reporters about the memorial in honour of the late Iyayi, Comrade Dennis Aribodor, ASUU leader in UNIZIK, said the poor condition of the academic system, which Iyayi fought against was still prevalent in universities.

    Aribodor said education was still being inadequately funded by the government, adding that problems of infrastructural decay, poor learning condition and service were yet to be solved.

    He said ASUU rejected the ongoing “privatisation of education” and the selling of public educational institutions, calling on Nigerians to urge the government to honour the agreement that led to the suspension of the last industrial action by lecturers.

    He hailed the national leadership of ASUU, which immortalised the late Iyayi by naming its national secretariat complex after him, and also compiled his works.

    The ASUU Zonal Co-ordinator, Comrade Ike Odumegwu, stressed that justice was yet to be done over the circumstances surrounding the death of Prof Iyayi.

    Odumegwu said the union still expected a thorough investigation into the matter.

  • Mixed feelings trail ban on ‘baptism’ at UNIZIK

    Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, have expressed mixed feelings on the management’s decision to ban splashing of water on graduating students by their junior colleagues. The decision is causing dissatisfaction among students, who see the act as a memorable parting shot for their senior colleagues.  But others welcomed it.

    This practice is known as “baptism” and it is common on all campuses. At the end of every session, students splash water and other liquids on graduating students to mark their outing from school. In the excitement, students ‘punish’ their colleagues, with some resulting to fight.

    But the Prof Joseph Ahaneku-led administration issued a state to frown at the act, warning that severe punishment would be meted out to any student, who engaged in it.

    In a statement, last week, the Vice-Chancellor described the ‘baptism’ as unwholesome jubilation, which defeated the essence of graduation. He said the practice was could cause injury to their health.

    “It has been reported that some groups of graduating students after writing their final degree examinations often indulge in the practice of pouring of water and other liquid substances on themselves in jubilation over their assumed graduation from the university. In consequence, the Vice-Chancellor has placed a total ban on all acts of this nature within the university community and warned that henceforth that offenders will be severely punished,” the statement said.

    Reacting, students praised the management for the step taken to avert violent celebration on campus. Ifeanyi Okafor, a graduating student of Engineering, said: “This is a welcome development. I have never been in support of this because of students are fond of splashing impure liquids on the graduating students. This can lead to serious health issues.”

    “I witnessed a girl being poured water taken from the drainage. It is too bad. Even in my hostel, a friend was poured a mixture of red oil, engine oil, hypo powdered soap and muddy water after he wrote his final exam. What is the reason for this?”

    Ifeanyi said the directive may be flout by students, who live off-campus, where the practice is mostly carried out.

    Lilian Obikwe, a 300-Level English Language and Literature student said the directive was needless, since students never complained. “The management is trying to take away fun of graduation from students. Since the students are not complaining, so why should the management ban the practice?” she asked.

    Another student said: “Looking at it from another point of view, the management is trying to avoid violent incident where students may pour dangerous liquids such as acid on their colleagues instead of water. So in a way the VC is right.”

     

     

  • UNIZIK student is Mr. Anambra Universe

    Just in its second season, Mr Universe Anambra pageant is gradually becoming the biggest and most anticipated social event in Anambra State.

    A student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Ifeanyi Slami, has won this year’s edition of the pageant, which has the objective of supporting the youth in the state to become independent and development partner. The winner was presented with a new car.

    Ifeanyi beat 16 others at the event held at the Marble Arc Events Center.

    At the event were celebrities from the Nigerian entertainment industry, including Beverly Osu of Big Brother Africa fame, Chris Okagbue, Guilder Ultimate Man; Ken Erics, a Nollywood actor and Santiago Roberts, president of Mr Universe Nigeria Organisation.

    Others were Alex Akharume, pageant manager, Mr Universe Nigeria Organisation; Francis Egwuatu, winner of Mr Universe Anambra 2013; Divine Ezike, Mr Tourism Nigeria 2013 and Smith Asonye, Mr Universe Abia, among others.

    There were also government officials, businessmen and fashion designers.

    An artiste on the Mavin Record Label, Korede Bello, thrilled the guests and participants with the performance of the hit track, Dorobucci.

    By the feat, Ifeanyi will represent the state as a celebrity model at the Soweto Fashion Show in South Africa in November.

    Ifeanyi said winning the Mr Universe Anambra was a great achievement for him. “It was not easy for me despite my experience. I had great challenges from fellow contestants because it was a race that has the tag ‘survival of the fittest’,” he said.

    As a student of social science, Ifeanyi said he was able to accept and relate with other contestants peacefully. He said some contestants tried to pick offenses in everything he did in camp, but he kept them confused about his conduct.

    He said he knew he would win the pageant on the day he bought the form, adding that he never settled for less. When his name was announced as the winner, Ifeanyi jumped up and ran toward the stage to claim the prize.

  • My plans for UNIZIK, by VC

    My plans for UNIZIK, by VC

    Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka Vice Chancellor Prof Joseph Ahaneku has unveiled his plans for the institution, which he will administer for five years. OBY OKEKE (400-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    Prof Joseph Ahaneku’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, is being applauded by many. He is seen as a round peg in a round hole. But they did not know his plans for the institution on assumption of office last month.

    Last week, the VC faced members of the university community, including academic and non-academic staff, students and members of the Governing Council to unveil his plans for the institution.

    The ceremony was held at the university auditorium. Members of the audience included his wife, Dr Gladys, former Vice-Chancellors of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, and Anambra State University in Uli (ANSU), Prof Ikenna Onyido, and Prof Paul Orajiaka, and former Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Stella Okunna.

    Prof Ahaneku promised to ensure that the university got a global rating as one of the best in research and academics.

    He said admission procedure would be reviewed to enforce academic discipline, pointing out that learners must not only be educated, but should be also prepared to be change agents and inventors. This, he said, would be done in consonance with the goals and legacies of the institution’s founding fathers.

    He said: “This is the time and the period to focus our ideas and desire on the culture and tradition the university is known for. We must make a statement that we have an ivory tower where students will get the best.”

    Prof Ahaneku pledged to run an open administration, saying he would welcome good ideas from any good-minded individual, who shares the vision of developing the university with him.

    The university, he said, was rated the most preferred institution, noting that there was a need to introduce a research-based learning process in its Science, Engineering, Arts and Humanities disciplines.

    Unveiling his infrastructural plans for the institution, Prof Ahaneku proposed construction of a staff club, guest house, post-graduate residential quarters, Pro-chancellor’s and VC’s lodge within five years, adding that his administration would embark on beautification of the campus, including administrative block and the university’s main entrance, among others.

    He promised green environment and beautiful architecture, which he said were necessary to engender a conductive place for learning.

    On staff welfare, the VC promised to revive the institution’s transportation scheme, saying there would be buses to move workers to the campus at 8am. He said the scheme would not stop overtime allowances for deserving staff.

    He reiterated that the university admission process would only be for deserving students. He urged the public to stop from making unrealistic demands from the university on admission exercise, which he said would be strictly on merit.

    On the promotion and advancement of workers, Prof Ahaneku said his administration would not give room for delays or short-circuiting, noting that staff would be promoted on merits.

    He added that that there would be Internet connection on both campuses of the university to connect over 30,000 users to aid learning and research.

    The university would pursue empowerment of youths, he said, through agriculture and establishment  of research institute. The VC said the existing entrepreneurship centre would be strengthened to serve its purpose of skill acquisition and technology provision centre, with a view to solving  unemployment riddle.

    Prof. Ahaneku urged staff to re-dedicate themselves towards making the university the best in the country. To realise his vision, the VC said there must be co-operation among staff.

    In their separate responses, Prof Onyido, Prof Orajiaka and Prof Okunna pledged support to the new administration, praising the VC for his vision.

    In his remarks, the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Austin Nnonyelu, described the VC as a game changer, saying the programmes reeled out showed Prof Ahaneku prepared for the task of leading the university.

    Prof Ahaneku is the fifth substantive VC of the institution. He was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of academics during the administration of Prof Boniface Egboka whose tenure ended last month.

  • Ahaneku elected UNIZIK VC

    Ahaneku elected UNIZIK VC

    1. Prof Joe Ahaneku from Imo State was yesterday elected as the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

    There was tension in the institution at the weekend, following the inconclusive election of a Vice Chancellor by the Governing Council.

    The Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Larry Koiyan, left everybody stranded last Saturday when he claimed that he had been summoned by the Presidency. He did not announce the result of the exercise before leaving.

    Before then, it was obvious that Prof. Greg Nwakoby, who came first during the exercise with 89.65 per cent, was to be announced as the successor to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Boniface Egboka.

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the institution has said the Federal Government should reconsider the appointment of a pro-chancellor to the council of the university.

    The union led by Prof. Ike Odimegwu, briefing reporters yesterday, described the action of the council led by AVM Koiyan as a dramatic conspiracy.

    “It is unfortunate to say that the council chairman has shown a frustrating penchant for not replying to letters, not even acknowledging receipt.

    “This is a most uncivilised behaviour to say the least, especially from a pro-chancellor. However, the council members met again on May 8 and 20 and reaffirmed their resolution to stick to the template they had adopted,” they said.

     

     

    “The last part of this massacre drama played out last week when the two senate members in the selection committee refused to accept the template/guidelines issued by the council, insisting on inventing their format.

    “Quite curiously, the council chairman, who is also the chairman of the selection committee, agreed with them to throw away the council guidelines, throw away the shortlist report and begin a fresh process.

    “But they did not stop there. By the time they emerged from their night meeting and one of the candidates was projected as the vice chancellor, even before the report was presented to the council, the purpose of this nightmare became clear,” they said.

    A member representing Congregation-in- Governing Council, Dr. Godson Okafor, said yesterday in Awka that the days ahead might be rough, but they needed to stop what he called the impunity, which had been entrenched in the institution.

     

     

  • Contest for my seat competitive, says UNIZIK VC

    The contest for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has been described as competitive as no fewer than 32 persons have indicated interest in occupying the position.

    The disclosure was made known by the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof Boniface Egboka, at the send-off ceremony organised by the Continuing Education Programme (CEP) unit in his honour.

    Prof Egboka whose tenure expires next month said the position was a sensitive one.

    He urged the candidates to have the interest of the students at heart, saying his administration was be committed to its objectives.

    He promised that staff who were due for promotion would be considered and all untreated files would be attended to before leaving office.

    He thanked the CEP unit for organising the ceremony, stressing that the CEP programme in the school was an opportunity for traders and craftsmen who could not meet up with higher academic learning owing to lack of finance, the opportunity to acquire education.

    In his address, Director of CEP unit, Prof Emmanuel Akuezilo, who described the achievements of Prof Egboka as enormous, said the Vice-Chancellor had been of immense assistance to the unit.

    “The CEP is undoubtedly the cash cow of the university. We at the CEP unit have resolutely committed our energies to ensuring that the expected revenue accruable from the centre to the university is maximally harvested,” he stated.

    Prof Akuezilo said meetings with departmental CEP coordinators and course representatives which were introduced by the management have increased cross pollination of ideas among stakeholders in the CEP business, saying “Semester results are now released on time because departmental coordinators have taken full responsibility for this function”.

    The Deputy Vice-chancellor (Administration), Prof Greg Nwakoby, described the university head as a great man who, through thick and thin, has moved the institution to enviable heights.

    During the ceremony,  gift items were presented to Prof Egboka by members of the CEP unit.

  • UNIZIK elects union leaders

    Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) have gone to the polls to elect new executives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    Ibe Chukwunonso, a student of Chemical Engineering, emerged president after polling a total of 193 votes to defeat Humphry Onyemsri who had 154.

    Others included Agulefo Queen, Vice-president; Onyebuchi Kelvin, Secretary General; Onumaguru Jane, Assistant Secretary General; Chisom Chinwuko, Treasurer; Chukwu Kelechi, Financial Secretary; Chukwu Clinton, Public Relations Officer and Divine Ezike, Director of Socials.

    The electoral process was managed by Prof Chris Ayamene,Head of Committee on Students’ Election and the Dean of Students Affairs.

    The inauguration ceremony took place penultimate Thursday at the Council Chambers.

    Ibe promised to promote the welfare of students, saying he would cooperate with the university management to deliver his campaign promises to the students.

  • ‘Youths are forces of change’

    ‘Youths are forces of change’

    The Rotaract Club at the NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) has installed its 26th President, Nonyelu Ifeanyi.

    The ceremony featured a lecture titled: “Youth, peace and conflict resolution: lessons and way forward.”

    The guest lecturer, Dr Bakky Adirika, described the youth as a vital force for positive change because they possess the energies that could lead to national rebirth.

    “The youths are like a reservoir of energy. They are strong, brave and they can also extend peace and help to resolve conflicts. Youths are great assets wherever they are found,” Dr Adirika said.

    She lamented the condition of the youth in many African countries where they are not recognised as agents of peace, saying: “The reasons for the continued negligence of the African youth in the quest for peace are not farfetched. They easily constitute themselves into gangs that unleash destruction and instability at the slightest provocation. Youth militia exist in Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, Liberia and in many other African nations. The African adult would generally misconstrue youths as incapable of leading or even participating in peace development and conflict resolution initiatives.”

    She said economic empowerment, political participation, youth – community connections as some of the measures to make the youth a valuable resource in peace initiatives. Dr Adirika urged youth to resolve to be the change they need in their daily pursuits.

    In his valedictory speech, the outgoing president, Frank Ekweozor, thanked members for the opportunity given to him to serve the body.

    Highlights of the event included a fitness check, presentation of awards to deserving persons, and the inauguration of the new board of directors.

    Nonyelu expressed satisfaction at the turn out of people at the event, saying it showed the support and belief people have in the club.

    He said the club was the best place to be and a family that works hard to contribute largely to society. He said the club had executed various projects at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK) including the renovation of the security post at the permanent site gate.

    He called on students and staff of the university to expect more projects from the club.

    Some of the awardees included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, who was honoured for his contribution to vocational excellence.

    Others included the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Awka, which was recognised for corporate service excellence and the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcating Servive (ABS) Rev Ginikanwa Alphonsus with a leadership excellence service award.

     

     

  • UNIZIK alumni sue alma mater

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State Alumni Association has dragged its alma mater, and its Vice Chancellor, Prof Boniface Egboka, to the Federal High Court, Awka for denying it access to the fees paid by graduating students of the institution to the association.

    In the Suit No FHC/CS/AWK/300/2013 its lawyer, Chike Okafor, sought a declaration that the alumni registration fees received by the university from students, belong to the association.

    It prayed the court to order the university to render account of the funds in its custody.

    The association is seeking an order of the court restraining the varsity and its agents from accessing or withdrawing from the bank accounts where the fees are kept except by the association’s permission.

    It is claiming N2 million as general damages for stress and stagnation inflicted on the association’s officials, saying that they were constrained by the university’s actions to operate without the benefit of their fund.

    It is also seeking another N2million for breach of contract.

     

  • ‘I feel older than my age’

    ‘I feel older than my age’

    If you call her Nigeria’s youngest lecturer, she tells you to play it safe by referring to her as the youngest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) where she was appointed to teach sophomore year students Principles of Advertising at the Mass Communication department earlier this year. Young, vibrant and respectful, Ngozi who handles a radio show on UNIZIKFM and also coordinates SLAM, an acronym for Smart Leaders Are Made, which recognises noble efforts of young people in the south eastern part of Nigeria. Hannah Ojo chronicles her .

    IF you wonder how she feels lecturing students, some her mates and others older, she politely tells you it feels great and humbling at the same time. “A great responsibility has been thrust upon my shoulders. People look up to me and there is so much work to be done. You are in the midst of so many great, reputed intellectuals and you are only 22. Sometimes, you could feel older than your real age.”

    Talking about breaking the norm and rewriting conventions, Ngozi’s story fits into the picture. Not many people would be called after their youth service to take up teaching while also pursuing post graduate studies. Far from the norm where one is expected to walk through the rank as a graduate assistant without the responsibility of directly teaching, here she is jumping that line, teaching sophomore students, some older than her ‘principles of advertising’ in a federal university at that.

    Aside divine intervention which success stories are alluded to, ‘NG sparkle’, as she is fondly referred to by old friends, asserted to being proactive and outstanding as a student in the same school where she now teaches. “I was everywhere chasing after my passion for the media,” she explained with a warm smile. “I was a correspondent for the Campus Life pages of The Nation newspaper, representing my school adequately in all I do. I was also the first female president of my department and my then HOD, Prof. Kate Omenugha, was everywhere with me. I dare say that my lecturers and even the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Boniface Egboka, were proud of me. But most importantly, the God factor worked.”

    Verve and vitality

    True to her assertion of being everywhere, those who knew her while growing up in Lagos with her parents and siblings could testify to the fact that she had always had a ‘restless zeal’ geared in a positive direction. She was a mouthpiece for her secondary school, winning her teachers’ hearts by winning representations in debate competitions. She also dazzled in the drama team and ran the tracks as well aside the duty of being a prefect. All these activities motivated her interest in Mass Communication. She made mention of a foretelling when she got to the university. “As I rode through the city of Awka after my post-UME, I knew I would rule this town, and so I said that to myself.” That is the power of positive affirmation at work. Did it work?

    Progressing in school, she sought opportunities on how she could channel her energy into positive actions. “I joined a youth programme airing on the Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS) then. I was happy. After a while, when the UNIZIKFM radio got licensed by the NBC, I joined them, becoming one of the pioneer members of the campus radio station. In my second year, I ventured into journalism on the platform of Campus Life, The Nation newspaper. I was a voracious writer, exploring, researching, interviewing, writing. I endeared myself to friends I met at Campus Life, all of them lovely people and my editor then, the late Mrs Ngozi Agbo, nee Nwozor.”

    Although she did not attest to being an Oliver Twist, one could sense she was not satisfied. She wanted more. “Towards the end of my third year in school, I was made the first female president of the department, after serving as the vice-president. Then, I won the most outstanding student in UNIZIK award.” Urged on by the encouragement she got from both students and staff of the university community, she decided to venture into youth empowerment by registering a media outfit called Slam Media Initiative. With this platform, she was engaged in producing the SLAM Magazine and hosting the SLAM YOUTH HEROES AWARDS which is proudly sponsored by the DBC associates in Awka.

    Talking about SLAM (Smart Leaders Are Made) charges her up and she expresses the vision with utmost enthusiasm. “I’m so happy doing SLAM. In 2011, it was the top nominee for LEAP Africa Nigerian youth leadership awards. The award seeks to celebrate and drive young enterprising passion. We have come a long way. It has awarded so far more than 15 youths from across the south-east. I’m happy when people look at SLAM and say, ‘thank you so much for this!’ It fulfills me.”

    Beauty and brain

    There is a contrast to her personality. A part of her loves fashion and football while the academic part reflects in her natural inclination to research and writing. Blessed with a slim and trim figure which she explored by venturing into modelling at a time, she tries to be modest, denying the fact that she is not big on fashion but likes to be comfortable in her outfit. On how she is perceived by her dress sense in a setting where one is expected to be conservative, she said, “My colleagues love how I dress and my students are drawn to my style.”

    Hard work? Yes it pays!

    What good thing comes without a cost? Nothing! Her achievement illustrates this better.

    In 2011, she was a top nominee for the LEAP AFRICA Nigerian youth leadership awards. The following year, she was a nominee for the Nigerian Youth Merit Awards. She was a joint winner for the Cocacola/NBC award as best culture reporter in 2012. In 2013, she started to teach at UNIZIK. For her, these things did not just happen by chance, she admitted to having to pay the price of sacrifice. “I knew that in school, I dressed poorly then, not that I couldn’t take care of myself as a girl but because I would give all I had to my projects. It was the most important thing to me. I also remember how I would trek long distances sometimes in the scorching sun. How I would miss some classes in school for ‘work’ and all. I remember now the sleepless nights, but God was by my side all along. He gave me a good reward at the end of it all.”

    Lean on me, learn from me

    If there is one lesson people can learn from her, it is the ageless principle that hardwork pays. As someone who is free spirited, she confessed to having to work for everything she has, even as a child. What can other young people learn from her?

    “I like to think that life is too short and there is no time to waste. Young people should follow their passion and never forget to dream. Nobody charges you for dreaming. And yes, be original, nobody deserves you faking it for them. Do good each day, a day will come that it will count.” That, for her, is the essence of living.