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Tag: UNN

  • UNN graduates 63 physiotherapists

    No fewer than 63 physiotherapists have graduated from the University of Nigeria, with new Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Enugu campus (UNEC) Prof Smart Uchegbu urging them to stick to the ethics of the profession and work with the fear of God.

    Uchegbu, who represented Vice Chancellor Prof Chukwuma Ozumba, at the induction of the graduates at UNEC, expressed the hope that with the quality training they received during their study, they would excel. He said that although the global economy was in bad shape, the graduates should not cut corners or enrich themselves at the expense of patients.

    Presenting the physiotherapists to the Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria (MRTB) for induction, the Head of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Dr. Anthonius Ezeukwu stated that despite the numerous achievements recorded by the department in its 24-year history, there were still some teething problems needing to be addressed by the university administration to enable it to consolidate on the gains made so far.

    Ezeukwu described as the youngest head of the department since its inception, submitted that the overwhelming and increasing quest for admission into their programme put enormous pressure on their facilities and personnel.

    Speaking further, he said, “Clinical students are finding it difficult to secure the minimum clinical 2000 hours required to acquire sound clinical training, as they have to go in batches in order to access limited clinical facilities in the various hospitals within our catchment area and this has affected the capacity of our classrooms, library, laboratory and personnel demands”.

    The lecturer identified the non-appointment of specialist physiotherapists in the department as consultants to the teaching hospitals in their areas of expertise as one of their greatest problems.

    He said, “This appointment is critical considering that the department has been operating for the past 24 years and should have all necessary staff complement in place by now.”

    Explaining further, Ezeukwu said, “In fact recently, this challenge attracted the attention of the visiting National Universities Commission, NUC Accreditation team and our external examiners who heavily criticised the programme, and the main reason for their displeasure is that there is lack of recognised clinical training programme for students, since staff of the department are not authorised to teach their students, using, the teaching hospital patients”.

    He also disclosed that a proposal has been sent to the university administration to expand the department to accommodate other aspects of the profession, adding that the department had secured a large space for laboratory and needed equipment in the Electrotherapy Unit, Gymnasium, Occupational Therapy equipment and other facilities.

    The head of department expressed joy that after passing through a very turbulent period in the history of the department, since assuming office August last year, they still produced one of the few first-class students of UNN at its last 45th convocation ceremony at Nsukka recently, even as he noted that 106 students of the department were inducted in 2015 against this year’s 63, despite challenges.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, UNN, Prof. Kalu Agwu, traditional rulers, the clergy and the academia were in attendance.

     

  • UNN workers protest over unpaid allowance

    UNN workers protest over unpaid allowance

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) workers have protested non-payment of their Christmas allowance. They have given the management a 21-day ultimatun to pay. The ultimatum expires next week, reports JAMES OJO (300-Level Mass Communication).

    WORKERS of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) are agitating for the payment of their Christmas allowance. Last week, members of the institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff of Nigeria Universities (NASU) protested over the matter.

    They gave the management 21 days to pay the allowance and threatened to close the school, if they are not paid. The ultimatum was issued at an emergency “joint congress” at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena, after which they embarked on the protest.

    During the meeting, which lasted for an hour, the workers complained about the non-payment of their 2015 Christmas allowance. It was gathered that the school has a tradition of paying senior staff N20,000 and their junior counterparts N10,000 allowance.

    But, the school failed to pay the allowance last Christmas. In compensation, it was learnt that the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, directed that live chickens be given to the workers last Easter.

    This did not go down well with the unions, which queried the management decision, arguing that the cost of chickens was not commensurate with their allowance.

    Speaking at the congress,  SSANU chairman Comrade Paul Arua said  giving chickens to workers was laudable, but noted that it would be better if their allowances are added to the gifts. He implored management to pay the Christmas allowance together with their March salaries.

    The workers threatened to go on strike if the issue was not addressed.

    Addressing the protesters at the VC’s office, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Prof Edwin Igbokwe, said management was sensitive to their plight. He said management has not received the memo said to have been sent to the VC on the issue. He said a committee had been set up to look into the matter.

    On the distribution of live chickens, Prof Igbokwe said: “The live chickens were merely the VC’s gesture to all workers of the university during Easter. It will not prevent the payment of Christmas allowance to all staff.”

    He urged the workers to shelve their planned strike and support the management in its effort to maintain peace in the school.

    The workers returned to the Margret Ekpo Convocation Arena to deliberate on Prof Igbokwe’s pledge.

    The workers hope management would pay the allowance with their salaries. One of them, Mr Egwuagu Ejike, said the congress achieved its objective. He said: “I think the congress is a good one. This is the first time all unions in the university came together to take a decision. So, I think it is a positive one and I am hopeful that the outcome would be positive, too.”

  • Surveyors celebrate department’s anniversary at UNN

    Surveyors celebrate department’s anniversary at UNN

    The Geoinformatics and Survey Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has celebrated its 55th anniversary amid great fanfare. The occasion brought together those who graduated from the department decades ago.

    Why were they in such joyous mood? Almost all the participants were returning to their alma mater several years after they graduated, some now addressed as professors, doctors and chiefs, many holding key positions in government. Some were also meeting for the first time since they graduated more than 50 years ago.

    Although, the award gala took place at the Institute of Surveyors’ Secretariat, Surveyors House, Enugu, the opening ceremony was held inside the main hall of the University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus.

    Declaring the event open, the new Deputy Vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof. Smart Uchegbu challenged surveyors and estate managers to help government find a solution to the frequent cases of building collapse in the country.

    He said that this collaboration and advice from experts had become necessary to save further loss of lives arising from collapsed buildings.

    Uchegbu, who took over from former DVC, Prof. Ifeoma Enemo, called on the alumni and corporate bodies in the country to support the institution, as government allocation was no longer sufficient to meet its needs and maintain its leading role in the nation’s education industry.

    He expressed with joy and sense of fulfilment that the surveying department that started in 1961 with only 12 students, now enjoys students’ enrolment of over 200.

    Uchegbu, who represented the VC UNN, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba on the occasion, noted that since inception, the department had made great strides in teaching, learning and research, which he said were the bedrock of the existence of the University, even as he re-assured that the university must continue to ensure that the young receive the best training in this highly competitive world.

    He said, “This is a reflection of the importance of this profession in national development, your products are today occupying prominent positions in many areas of human endeavour, both scientific and environmental spheres, in fact, I am informed that one of your products, Emeritus Professor Francis Fajemirokun, former deputy vice chancellor, University of Lagos, would deliver the keynote lecture on this occasion.

    “While rejoicing with you on this great gathering, and celebration of 55th anniversary of your alma mater, I invite you to savour the cool scenery of this campus, which I am sure, will bring back old memories of the time you were here as students”.

    The head of department of Geoinformatics and surveying, University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, restated the determination of the institution to continue to maintain its pride of place in the comity of modern surveying training in the country, adding that being the first among the first generation universities to offer surveying, they had strived to main that position.

    Moka explained that in order to keep abreast with the global changing trend in the profession; the name of the department had been changed from department of surveying to department of surveying, Geodesy and Photogrammetry and now to the department of Geoinformatics and Surveying.

    “For us to remain relevant as a force, “he said, “we have tried to embrace every emerging technology in the field of study within the available resources; the university authority has been supportive, notwithstanding the dwindling allocations from the federal government”.

    The HOD disclosed that the Education Trust Fund (ETF)had come to their assistance at a point when the federal government attempted to designate the University of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in the study of surveying in the country.

    Moka, who graduated from UNN in 1982, also praised the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Nigerian Institution of Surveying, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state branches and some alumni for supporting the department at different times.

    He said that due to the capital intensive nature of the programme, all the supports had not been able to meet the financial demands of running the department, pointing out that the National University Commission, NUC and SURCON accreditation exercises last year, had complained of some of the areas of deficiencies, even as the programme was not threatened by being de-accredited in any way whatsoever.

    At the award gala nite, some eminent surveyors, who have contributed to the growth of the profession were honoured, prominent among them were – Professor Emeritus Francis Fajemirokun, Prof. Francis Okeke, the dean, faculty of environmental studies UNEC, Mr. John Okoye, Quarshie-Doku from Ghana, Prof. Okpala Okaka, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, the HOD Geoinformatics and Surveying UNEC, Dr. Ndukwe Emmanuel Chiemelu, Mrs. Mary Bassey Okofu and Dr. Vitus Uzodinma of the University of Nigeria. he Geoinformatics and Survey Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has celebrated its 55th anniversary amid great fanfare. The occasion brought together those who graduated from the department decades ago.

    Why were they in such joyous mood? Almost all the participants were returning to their alma mater several years after they graduated, some now addressed as professors, doctors and chiefs, many holding key positions in government. Some were also meeting for the first time since they graduated more than 50 years ago.

    Although, the award gala took place at the Institute of Surveyors’ Secretariat, Surveyors House, Enugu, the opening ceremony was held inside the main hall of the University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus.

    Declaring the event open, the new Deputy Vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof. Smart Uchegbu challenged surveyors and estate managers to help government find a solution to the frequent cases of building collapse in the country.

    He said that this collaboration and advice from experts had become necessary to save further loss of lives arising from collapsed buildings.

    Uchegbu, who took over from former DVC, Prof. Ifeoma Enemo, called on the alumni and corporate bodies in the country to support the institution, as government allocation was no longer sufficient to meet its needs and maintain its leading role in the nation’s education industry.

    He expressed with joy and sense of fulfilment that the surveying department that started in 1961 with only 12 students, now enjoys students’ enrolment of over 200.

    Uchegbu, who represented the VC UNN, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba on the occasion, noted that since inception, the department had made great strides in teaching, learning and research, which he said were the bedrock of the existence of the University, even as he re-assured that the university must continue to ensure that the young receive the best training in this highly competitive world.

    He said, “This is a reflection of the importance of this profession in national development, your products are today occupying prominent positions in many areas of human endeavour, both scientific and environmental spheres, in fact, I am informed that one of your products, Emeritus Professor Francis Fajemirokun, former deputy vice chancellor, University of Lagos, would deliver the keynote lecture on this occasion.

    “While rejoicing with you on this great gathering, and celebration of 55th anniversary of your alma mater, I invite you to savour the cool scenery of this campus, which I am sure, will bring back old memories of the time you were here as students”.

    The head of department of Geoinformatics and surveying, University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, restated the determination of the institution to continue to maintain its pride of place in the comity of modern surveying training in the country, adding that being the first among the first generation universities to offer surveying, they had strived to main that position.

    Moka explained that in order to keep abreast with the global changing trend in the profession; the name of the department had been changed from department of surveying to department of surveying, Geodesy and Photogrammetry and now to the department of Geoinformatics and Surveying.

    “For us to remain relevant as a force, “he said, “we have tried to embrace every emerging technology in the field of study within the available resources; the university authority has been supportive, notwithstanding the dwindling allocations from the federal government”.

    The HOD disclosed that the Education Trust Fund (ETF)had come to their assistance at a point when the federal government attempted to designate the University of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in the study of surveying in the country.

    Moka, who graduated from UNN in 1982, also praised the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Nigerian Institution of Surveying, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state branches and some alumni for supporting the department at different times.

    He said that due to the capital intensive nature of the programme, all the supports had not been able to meet the financial demands of running the department, pointing out that the National University Commission, NUC and SURCON accreditation exercises last year, had complained of some of the areas of deficiencies, even as the programme was not threatened by being de-accredited in any way whatsoever.

    At the award gala nite, some eminent surveyors, who have contributed to the growth of the profession were honoured, prominent among them were – Professor Emeritus Francis Fajemirokun, Prof. Francis Okeke, the dean, faculty of environmental studies UNEC, Mr. John Okoye, Quarshie-Doku from Ghana, Prof. Okpala Okaka, Dr. Elochukwu Moka, the HOD Geoinformatics and Surveying UNEC, Dr. Ndukwe Emmanuel Chiemelu, Mrs. Mary Bassey Okofu and Dr. Vitus Uzodinma of the University of Nigeria.

  • UNN, UniAbuja, YabaTech, others under probe

    UNN, UniAbuja, YabaTech, others under probe

    Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu yesterday inaugurated ad hoc committees to investigate petitions on 10 tertiary institutions.

    Inaugurating the 10 ad hoc committees in Abuja, Adamu said the move was in response to allegations of abuse of due process, mismanagement, immorality, fraud and corruption, among others.

    The institutions are Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Kastina State; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State; University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.

    Others are University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Calabar; Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State.

    The minister said panels were set up in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting due process, fairness, accountability and transparency in the control and management of public resources.

    Adamu said allegations and counter-claims made against governing councils and managements of the institutions had created mistrust and hostility and hindered the smooth conduct of academic activities.

    The terms of reference of the panels are “to carefully study and investigate allegations in the petitions on the institutions or individuals.

    “To seek to determine the veracity of claims and counter-claims by considering the circumstances and talking to as many witnesses as possible.

    “To meet and interview the writers of the petitions and establish the basis of their claims.

    “To ensure fair hearing by meeting with, and listening to explanations from all those against whom petitions have been written.”

    Adamu told the committees that the exercise was not meant to judge or witch-hunt anybody, adding that members were selected based on their track records of integrity.

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, urged members to be courageous in carrying out their findings and making their recommendations.

    Responding on behalf of the chairmen and members of the ad hoc committees, Malam Salihu Abubukar thanked the ministry for the confidence reposed in them.

    He said their assignments was a heavy responsibility, which must be carried out with a sense of duty.

  • NIPOST marks UNN’s anniversary with stamps

    NIPOST marks UNN’s anniversary with stamps

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has clocked 55 but a memorable feature of the event is the printing of commemorative stamps by the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST).

    NIPOST is itself making spirited efforts to expand and upgrade its services by equipping its offices with ICT infrastructure and internet connection.

    Speaking at the launching of the 55th Anniversary Commemorative Stamps for the University of Nigeria, the acting Postmaster General of the Federation, Arch. Enoch Ade Ogun said the move would make post offices ICT compliant and widen financial services to Nigerians especially those who live in the rural areas and have no access to financial banks.

    Ogun said, “The significance of today’s occasion cannot be over-emphasised. This is because fifty-five years in the life of an institution is not only a landmark but also a watershed that signifies consistency, growth and progress of this great university despite the challenges being faced by the education sector in Nigeria.

    “The fact that the University of Nigeria has surpassed the ‘golden’ and is still waxing strong calls for celebration and we in NIPOST are proud to be associated with the institution in celebrating this anniversary with the launching of the commemorative postage stamps.

    “Many people may be wondering why the university authorities have chosen postage stamps as part of activities to mark this important anniversary. All over the world, postage stamps are regarded as one of the most effective means of supplying information about a country’s history, culture and people. Postage stamps are often described as miniature encyclopedia and living reminders of events.”

    He pointed out that the challenges posed by globalization required governments, institutions and even individuals to showcase not just their uniqueness but also their achievements and contributions in a manner that would be acceptable to the global community.

    The Postmaster General assured Nigerians of NIPOST’s readiness to consistently ensure that major events in Nigeria’s national life were documented for posterity via the issuance of commemorative postage stamps, adding that postal services were still essential to every country’s economic and social structure.

    He said University of Nigeria was eminently qualified to feature on Nigeria stamps given its importance in the country’s socio-economic development, adding that the university would become the third among the first generation of Nigerian universities to use the postage stamps to showcase their acomplishments and potentials.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Benjamin Ozumba said: “It is our belief that these commemorative stamps will carry the visions and missions of UNN not only to other parts of Nigeria but the world over.”

    Ozumba emphasised that it was remarkable that the launching came at a time when the university secured the hosting right of the West African University Game (football and hockey campionships), saying that he hopes the launching of the stamps would showcase the university and the entire West Africa sub-region through the 4th West African University Game currently going on in the Nsukka campus of the institution.

    The stamps which were launched at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Nsukka campus comprised four denominations of N120, N100 and two sets of N50 stamps. Portraits of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Dr. George Johnson, first Vice-chacellor of the university;  a mascot of the university with the motto “To Restore the Dignity of Man” and that of Prof. Ozumba were embossed on the stamps.

     

  • UNN immortalises founding fathers with postage stamps

    UNN immortalises founding fathers with postage stamps

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in partnership with the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) has unveiled new postage stamps with the image of former Premier of Eastern Region, the late Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    The stamps also bear the images of first UNN Vice-Chancellor (VC), Dr George Johnson, and the current VC, Prof Benjamin Ozumba. The stamps, which were unveiled at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, also have the logo of the just-concluded West Africa University Games (WAUG) hosted by the UNN.

    Prof Ozumba said the stamps were commemorative icons to mark the 55th anniversary of the university.

    He said that stamps would serve as instruments to honour the institution’s founding fathers and export the nation’s cultural identities to the world.

    He said: “It is our belief that these commemorative stamps would carry the visions and missions of the UNN not only to other parts of Nigeria, but to the world over.”

    Ozumba hailed the university alumni association and NIPOST for supporting the initiative, which he said would be a testimony of the institution’s successful hosting of the WAUG.

    National president of the alumni association, Chief Andrew Oru, said the initiative was a major step towards projecting the high academic standard of the university to the world. According to him, the stamps are made to honour the people whose vision and hard work led to the establishment of the university.

    Oru said the alumni association had a responsibility to provide the needed support to the institution to position it as the best in Africa.

    The Acting Post Master General of the Federation, Arch Enoch Ade-Ogun, praised the university management and the alumni association for recognising the value of postage stamps as powerful medium of communication that could stand the test of time.

    He said: “NIPOST management is proud to partner with the UNN in the period of its 55th anniversary, which led to the launching of the commemorative postage stamps. The university made wise decision by choosing postage stamps to immortalise its heroes, because stamps are seen as mini encyclopedia and living reminders of past events and people.”

    Ade-Ogun said UNN was qualified to feature in Nigeria’s postage stamps, because of its honour to be the first indigenous university in the country. According to him, the stamps would be circulated throughout the 200 members of the Universal Postal Union.

     

  • ‘UNN SUG is a disappointment’

    Chris Agu, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has expressed reservations about the union under the leadership of his successor, Peter Oji. He spoke to KINGSLEY AMATANWEZE.

     

    The crisis that rocked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) may have been resolved but some say the union has lost its vibrancy. One of them is its immediate past president, Chris Agu, who declared that the current leadership has no clear-cut plan for the union.

    •Chris
    •Chris

    Chris said no sooner had he handed over to his successor than the union started to lose steam on its activities. He said his critical position was informed by torrents of complaints he got from students daily, saying: “I have to speak out.”

    With a few months to the end of their tenure, Chris said the present crop of SUG leaders led by Peter Oji had no meaningful programmes for the students. “They have been busy playing subordinate role to the management,” he said.

    Comparing his tenure with that of his successor, Chris stressed that Peter was privileged because he got resources to run the union.

    Chris said: “When I took over as the SUG president, I faced a lot of challenges. No single document was handed over to me, neither was there any readily available fund to run the union. This is not the case with the current union leaders. The atmosphere is stabilised but they have refused to work for the interest of the students.

    He alleged that projects started by his administration had been neglected by his successor. He said: “Personally, I saw my achievements as not enough. I was relieved when I remembered that governance is a continuum. I expected my successor to start from where I stopped. Regrettably, the reverse has been the case; the current union leaders have not been able to consolidate on the gains we recorded, let alone bringing in new ideas.”

    Chris said he led a crisis-free union, adding that he drastically reduced transport fares and prices of food on campus. He said he organised a free medical programme, where over 2,000 students and workers benefitted.

    “Towards the end of my tenure, the commercial cab operators hiked the fare again, because of fuel scarcity. One expected the current leadership to liaise with the commercial drivers and revert back to the approved fare. Many have expressed disappointment that the Peter Oji-led union leadership has been unable to do so,” he said.

    •Peter
    •Peter

    He decried a situation where the SUG president plays double roles as leader of another high-profiled organisation on the campus, describing it as a dereliction. Peter is also the president of the Rotaract Club in the school.

    He said: “When I was elected as the union president, I was still serving as the president of my cultural organisation. Because of the enormous tasks that came with my union leadership, I resigned my position in the cultural club before I took the SUG oath. During my days in office, I could count the number of classes I attended.”

    Saying leadership of union and Rotaract Club came with high demands, Chris advised Peter to resign from one of the positions and focus on the other.

    Chris lamented that the union had not proven itself to be independent, adding that there had not been any proactive step to address challenges facing the students. He maintained that the union stopped playing its role as pressure group against management’s anti-students’ policies.

    He added: “The unionism in UNN presently is the type, which sees itself as a subordinate to the school management. We now have a union leadership that willfully announces management’s plans and actions to students, whether or not the effect is harsh on students. It should be the responsibility of Students’ Union leaders to convince the management on any action that is perceived to have great effect on the students. In reaching agreement, the union is expected to show some level of force until the matter is resolved in a manner that will not affect students’ welfare. But, the current leader has not been doing this. This is a big disappointment and henceforth, students must find out the pedigree of the people, who aspire to lead them.”

    Peter described Chris’ criticism as misplaced, saying all projects he inherited from his predecessor had been completed. He said: “Chris never had a project. The price of food he claimed to have brought down has remained what it was during his administration. We made sure it was never altered with.”

    On his membership of another club campus club, Peter said his activities as the president of Rotaract Club did not affect his function as SUG president.

  • UNN matriculates sandwich students

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has matriculated over 800 students for its sandwich programme. The event held on Saturday on the main campus.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, represented by the Director of Sandwich Programme, Prof Julia Kogu, urged the students to aim for excellence, saying the event marked the beginning of their academic journey in the school.

    Prof Kogu urged the students to be resilient and take pragmatic approach to their studies, saying the management had put measures in place to ensure smooth running of the programme. She advised the sandwich students to compete with their counterpart running regular academic programme, noting that the school maintained the same syllabus for all students.

    A senior administrator in Students’ Affairs Unit, Mrs Uloma Anosike, said the sandwich programme would not be run concurrently with the regular programme, saying: “We have arranged the school programmes in a way that, the regular students will vacate the hostels before their counterparts in sandwich resume session.”

    A member of teaching staff of the Faculty of Education, Mr E. Eleke, advised the freshers to use the occasion of their matriculation to maximise their academic strength.

    Eleke said: “People must understand that sandwich is not for the elderly only but also for people who could not get admission to into regular programme.”

    A matriculating student in Guardian and Counselling Department, Sunday Emmanuel, said:” “I am happy being admitted into UNN. I will study hard to ensure that I finish the programme with good grade.”

     

     

  • Priest to present 19th UNN inaugural lecture

    Priest to present 19th UNN inaugural lecture

    A Catholic priest has been scheduled to deliver the 19th inaugural lecture of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

    The lecture series were introduced 39 years ago by the institution’s Governing Council to stimulate robust research and academic excellence.

    The lecture, which only involves academic staff who have attained the status of professor, provides them the platform to showcase their intellectual prowess in their fields before the university community.

    A statement from the senate ceremonials committee of the University of Nigeria, said a famous economist and catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku, will deliver the historic 99th inaugural lecture series on Thursday, next week, September 17.

    The lecture entitled “Health and Economic Development in Reverse Causality”, will attempt to x-ray the relationship between health and economic outcomes, as conventional wisdom and scientific evidence produced in the 1980s suggested that improved income leads to improved health of the population.

    The release said, “As the standard of living of the people improves, people tend to live healthier and longer lives, thus, it is said that the wealthier the healthier, implying that richer individuals tend to be healthier and richer nations tend on average to live healthier and have longer life expectancy. However, there are new scientific evidence suggesting that improved health leads to improved productivity, therefore, that improved health is a major determinant and contributor to economic growth and development.

    The Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba will chair the occasion, scheduled for the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, on the Nsukka campus on Thursday, September 17th.

    The UNN 99th inaugural lecturer, Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku who was ordained catholic priest in 1988, joined the university in 2001 as a lecturer and rose rapidly to the status of professor in 2012, after securing a doctorate degree in economics at the university of Cape Town South Africa in 2006.

     

  • UNN hosts young astronomers programme

    UNN hosts young astronomers programme

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is hosting the international Special Astronomy Summer School (SASS) for young astronomers. The programme is an initiative of the institution’s Centre for Basic Space Science.

    The workshop is designed to train young astronomers among engineering and science students. Interested lecturers and post-graduate students are also free to participate in the programmes.

    According to a statement by the Head, Public Relations Unit, Mr Chigozie Wali, the workshop would hold between July 13 and 18. It is being organised in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Canada and Astronomy for Development in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Wali said the motive behind the programmes was to promote brilliancy among young astronomers and researchers in the area of space research.

    He said: “The astronomers and space scientists experts, such as Prof Fidelix Opara and Emeritus Prof Pius Okeke are among the set of instructors to receive the international participants on behalf of the centre.

    “Other participants include the representatives of the federal and state ministries of Science and Technology and Director General of NASRDA, Prof Sheidu Mohammed.”