NEXT  BULLETIN 21

    

ISSN 1595 – 1685                   JUNE 23, 2008                      Vol. I. No. 20

The suspects Israel Stanley of the department of Sociology/Anthropology (Reg. No. 2006154938) and Igboke Stephen of the department of Philosophy (Reg. No. 2006084250) in their separate statements made at the University Security department admitted committing the crime of defrauding the duo of Okoye, Ebele and Okoli Chioma Christiana, both students of St. Pauls University.

According the Chief Security Officer of the University Cmdr J.N.Orakwelu rtd, the unwary female students fell into their trap sometime in June last year in their desperate bid to gain admission into the degree programme of the University – Accountancy and Banking/Finance respectively after completing their diploma programmes.  However, it was the inability of the suspects to pay back the sum of N100, 000 which they had collected from them to handle the admission that led to their arrest and detention by the Security department on receipt of the complaints from the victims.

Answering reporters’ questions at the scene, the Head, Public Relations, Communication and Marketing (PRCM), Mr. Emma C. Ojukwu said that the Students will face the students’ disciplinary panel and if found guilty, they will face appropriate disciplinary action.  The University Spokesman however stated that the University Post UME screening exercise would soon take place, thus calling on the public to be wary of admission racketeers.  He also stressed the fact that no sale of form is made by the University for the Post UME examination.

Prof. Egboka made the call recently in his office during an interaction with Deputy Registrars of the University.  The Ag. Vice-Chancellor called on them to work hard in order to consolidate the gains of good governance in UNIZIK.  He charged them to present cases fairly since they are accustomed to the rules of the system.  Prof. Egboka called on those who have virile ideas on the way forward to submit them, pledging to consult widely on matters always before decisions are finally taken.

The Ag. Vice-Chancellor who assured of an open administration reiterated his resolve to ensure regular attendance to conferences by all staff.

Earlier in their reactions, the Deputy Registrars resolved to co-operate with the Ag. Vice-Chancellor to improve on the system.  They acknowledged the fact that as the first indigenous staff to become the Vice-Chancellor, he has all it takes to consolidate on the massive achievements already recorded in the University.

In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Thomson Ezema said that they deemed it fit to congratulate the Ag. Vice-Chancellor on his recent elevation.  Comrade Ezema thus observed that though a lot has been achieved in the University, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor is expected to rekindle the wave of accelerated development in his tenure.  He expressed the belief of the Union that the Ag. Vice-Chancellor is the right caliber to assume the mantle of leadership.  The Chairman called on the Ag. Vice-Chancellor to listen patiently to the general welfare of the University Staff; to right the wrongs, to ameliorate all grievances with humility, and fair play; all to the glory to God.

In his own remarks, The Secretary of the Association, Comrade Akan Edet stressed that USSA is not a trade union but a Welfare Association. He said that their visit was of two pronged – dimension, firstly, to congratulate him on his appointment and secondly to express their delight for his administration.  He noted that this administration was the very first that sponsored their members to a conference, at least twice in the record. 
Responding to the various remarks, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor thanked them for coming. The Ag. Vice-Chancellor regarded the Union as a very cool headed and quiet one.  He promised to grant them more sponsorship opportunities.  Prof. Egboka also noted that Secretaries should be well educated and should be seen to be on the move in terms of acquisition of knowledge.  He charged them to search the internet for outlets to see how Secretaries around the globe fare.  Prof. Egboka however noted that Secretaries overseas are highly rated citing the case of his alma mater in Waterloo, Canada where the Secretaries were accorded high regard.   Stressing on the need for unity of purpose in the system, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor reiterated his belief in the entity of staff.  According to him, “everybody in the University is one”.  He frowned at all forms of injustice thus stating that life is very easy if we understand ourselves the more.
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor concluded by calling on all to assiduously work in unity for the system to thrive harmoniously.
Comrade David Enweremadu gave the vote of thanks.  He called on the Ag. Vice-Chancellor to always open his door to them as they will always come around with their problems.  As a father, he enthused they are pledging their loyalty.  Meanwhile, Comrade Enweremadu promised to carry the message of their fruitful interaction to their members at the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi.

The climax of the occasion was the presentation of a congratulatory card to the Ag. Vice-Chancellor.

Other members of the executive present were Comrade Dike Blessing, Okonkwo Chinyere (Treasurer) and Ngozi Oliver-Mbonu (Welfare Officer); and Mr. Gab Ezema.

In a letter handed over to the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, dated 18th June, 2008, the Co-ordinator, Dr Lucy Nwuba said that “the European Union Vanguard for Good Governance, Aguata Local Government wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.  She went further to say, “we pray that the Almighty God will give you the wisdom and grace in performing your official duty and also in facing the challenges of transforming the University to an enviable citadel of learning”.
In his response, the Ag. VC thanked them for the visit and pledged to redouble his efforts for the growth of the University. He also thanked the EU for its interest in Nigeria.

In a letter to the Ag. Vice-Chancellor dated 17/06/08, the Chairman of the Laity Council, Awka Diocese, Aghamelu Fidelis Chuka said that “We use this medium to congratulate you and to give you assurance of our solidarity and prayers”.  He concluded by praying God to guide his steps onto success and even onto greater elevation.

THE faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka is to hold the Inaugural Pharmacy Week on Monday, 23rd June, 2008 at the Utility building, Science Villa.

In a release by the Co-0rdinator of the faculty, Pharm Dr. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna, the theme of the lecture is “Pharmacy Education in Nigeria; challenges and prospect”.  The sub – themes of the lectures include: “who is a Pharmacist?; the place of Drug Abuse, misuse and trafficking as well as the dangers of fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.

Other side attractions of the Pharmacy week will include the induction of new students, tree/flower planting, Parents’ Teachers’ Forum and visit to Pharmaceutical Companies.

THE Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nursery and Primary School, Awka is to produce its year 2008 year book.
To this end, the Headmistress, Nkoli S. Ejesi (Mrs) and Members of the Organizing Committee on behalf of the Management, Teachers and Pupils of the school have been appealing for support to actualize the project.  The Graduation and prize giving day of the school is scheduled to hold on 17th July, 2008.  For advertisement (products/goodwill messages), the prices for the spaces/position in the year book are as stated below:
(1)      Back Page (coloured)                    -        Twelve thousand naira
(N12,000.00)
(2)      Inside Front & Back Page    
          (coloured)                                  -        Ten thousand naira
(N10,000.00)
(3)      Full Page (coloured)                      -        Seven thousand naira
(N7,000.00)
(4)      Full Page (Black & White)               -        Five thousand naira
(N5,000.00)
(5)      Half Page (Black & White)              -        Three thousand naira
(N3,000.00)
(6)      Quarter Page (Black & White)         -        Two thousand naira (N2,000.00)

Among the schools in attendance were almost all the Secondary Schools in Anambra State.  The exhibition arena was totally agog as the brilliant students showcased their talents in the following areas:  sculptural art, textiles, painting, drawing, collage, as well as cultural display and well packaged drama, all demystifying Cultism and conversely revealing the unquantifiable but enviable benefits of life devoid of occultic indulgence.

The main thrust of the exhibition featured using textile designs and sculptural works to depict the theme of this year’s event which is “Shun Cultism:  It is evil”.  Against this background, Cliff Nwanna, the guest lecturer x-rayed unequivocally the negative impact of cultism on our society.  He further substantiated his views using some heartrending experiences that befell some cultists and finally admonished the pupils and students to shun cultism completely and channel their time and energy on useful ventures. 
The exhibition galore was climaxed by prize cum award presentation to students with brilliant art works and splendid theatrical renditions of which our own Unizik High School was honoured for its beautifully artistic designs which fetched her the first position in textile design (batik) and Second in sculptural work respectively; the fact that we were represented by Junior students not withstanding.  In addition to the light entertainment, the students were offered some gift items which glaringly enthused them.

Penultimately, in an interactive session between the students and Mr. Okoye Peter I, the visual Art teacher of Unizik High School, the students without mincing words, gladly expressed their gratitude for the opportunity availed them and vowed to doubly rekindle their interest in visual art works.  They also condemned cultism in its entirety and promised to carry on the campaign against cultism wherever they go.  The principal Mrs. Bosah was filled with joy for this beautiful first outing performance.  She encouraged the students to endeavour to emerge first next time.

Management at its 190th meeting held on Saturday, 24th May, 2008 was informed of the plan by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to set up a sub-station at Agu Awka to serve the entire University community.  With this power supply will be more steady and regular, thus limiting the cost of gas used for generators.

Management at its 191st meeting held on Tuesday, 10th June, 2008 noted that some departments are yet to produce their class albums as earlier directed by the University Senate.

To this end, the Heads of departments who have not produced the class albums were given up to the  end of the on-going 20078/2008 2nd semester examinations to do so or have themselves blamed for whatever sanction that may be imposed by the Management.

It will be recalled that a directive had earlier been given to the departments to always use the class albums to check in students into examination halls on regular basis.

Dr S.O. Anigbogu leaves for Uniport: Management at its 191st meeting held on Tuesday, 10th June, 2008 considered and approved the request for sabbatical leave at University of Port Harcourt by Dr S.O. Anigbogu with effect from 1st October, 2008 to 30th September, 2009

Prof. B.U.O. Umeh offered contract appointment: Management at its 191st meeting held on Tuesday, 10th June, 2008 considered and approved the request for contract appointment by Prof. B.U.O. Umeh of the faculty of Medicine (Department of Anaesthesia) with effect from January, 4 2008.

LERCTURERSHIP:  Dr Loyce Onyali to await vacancy in the dept
Management at its 190th meeting held on Wednesday 4th June, 2008 considered the request for appointment as a Lecturer in the department of Educational Management and Policy by Dr Loyce C. Onyali and ratified the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier approval for her to be converted to Lecturer II.  She is to continue with her non-teaching job until a vacancy exists in the department of Educational Management and Policy.

1. Mrs. Theresa Oyilidiya Onuora (nee Ububa), mother of Okafor Rebecca O. of UNIZIK Nursery and Primary School.  She died on 23rd March, 2008 at the ripe age of 88 years and will be buried on 27th June, 2008 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Aguluizigbo.
2. Mrs. Virginia Chinweokwu Ezeani (Nee Okpalugo), mother of Mrs. G.N. Okeke Perm Sec. Ministry of Youths and Sports, Anambra State and the mother-in-law of Engr. J.A. Okeke of the Dept. of Chemical Engineering/SIWES Coordinator.  She died on 21st May, 2008 at the age of 79 years. She will be buried on 11th July, 2008 at Christ Church (Ang.), Achina.

This bulletin is printed and published by the Public Relations, Communication and Marketing Unit of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. You can read online edition at www.unizik.edu.ng

 Best wishes for the week.

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