ISSN 1595 – 1685 25 TH FEBRUARY, 2008 Vol. I. No. 3
EDUCATION MINISTER VISITS UNIZIK - COMMISSIONS SPGS
The multipurpose School of Postgraduate Studies of Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Awka built at the cost of over N70 million by Intercontinental Bank has been commissioned.
Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, 1 st February 2008, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN) commended the Chairman and Group Chief Executive of the bank Dr. Raymond Obieri and Dr. Erastus Akingbola for the confidence they reposed in the University. He chronicled the solid achievements of the University within his tenure despite the fact that the University has not received any take-off grant since its takeover by the Federal Government in 1992. The Vice-Chancellor went further to inform the visiting Minister that UNIZIK is the University of the Moment based on its litany of successes ranging from uninterrupted academic calendar since July 2003 to accreditation of all its academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC); vigorous pursuit of ICT programmes; infrastructural development as well as strong partnership with the Private Sector.
The Hon. Minister flanked by the VC Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor SAN, Chairman of Intercontinental Bank Dr. Raymond Obieri OON and Mr. Maduka Ezekwesili, Regional Executive of Intercontinental Bank
In his response, the obviously excited Minister, Dr. Aja-Nwachukwu expressed his love and support for the Vice-Chancellor for the able way he has been piloting the affairs of the University, thus leading to the epoch making ceremony. Dr. Aja-Nwachukwu however called on other banks to contribute meaningfully in the promotion of education in the country. He charged the Vice-chancellor to carry the entire University staff along with him as is practiced in the Ministry. The Minister promised to assist the University in every way possible in its continued march to excellence.
Earlier in his own speech, the Chairman of Intercontinental Bank, Dr. Raymond Obieri (OON) expressed the philosophy of the bank which anchors greatly on the promotion of healthcare and education services in the country. He gave a graphic picture of the bank’s support to the Universities across the country and its renewed goal in empowering the students. He assured the University of the bank’s support in other ways when called upon.
The highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of tape and inspection of the facilities at the building by the Honourable Minister accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of Intercontinental Bank and other guests.
Present during the occasion were representatives of the State Governor, representative of the Anglican Bishop of Awka, Pro-Chancellor of Anambra State University Uli, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, captains of industry, staff, students and members of the fourth estate of realm.
UNIZIK HOSTS 1 ST CHIKE OKOLI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) has been speaking of the benefits derived from Public –Private Partnership.
Prof. Okafor in his welcome address at the 1 st Chike Okoli International Conference held at the auditorium of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University called on wealthy individuals in the society to partner with the University in its drive to promote human capital. The Vice-Chancellor commended the Chairman of the Board of Chike Okoli Foundation, Chief Mrs. Stella Okoli (MON) for her passion for her late son. He expressed hope that the Guest of Honour, Mr. Peter Obi, the Executive Governor of Anambra State will in his lead paper enlighten the audience more on the untapped field of entrepreneurship.
Earlier in her opening speech, the Chairman of the Chike Okoli Foundation, Chief Mrs. Stella Okoli (MON) thanked God for making the day possible. She explained entrepreneurship to be all about creating wealth. She said that a forum of this nature will offer participants opportunity to rub minds on different aspects of entrepreneurship. Mrs. Okoli however affirmed the love of the foundation on African interests thus describing the continent as a land of opportunities.
In his lead paper, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi thanked the organizers of the conference for bringing it to Anambra State. He said that entrepreneurship is ability to take risk and pursuit of visionary goals. The Governor described entrepreneurship as the backbone of a virile and stable democracy, stating that corruption kills the spirit of entrepreneurship.
He categorized entrepreneurship into two worlds-political and religious entrepreneurs. The former he exemplified with the political sagacity of Nelson Mandela of South Africa and the latter with the selfless service of late Mother Theresa of Calculta.
In his remarks, the Director of the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Prof. B.C. Osisioma thanked the Governor for his wonderful lecture. He also commended the Chairman of the board and the Vice-Chancellor for their vision and support to the centre. The conference lasted for three days with day one being the plenary session.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of souvenirs by Chike Okoli Centre to the Executive Governor.
UNIZIK DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO TWO MOTHERLESS BABIES HOMES IN AWKA
Mr. Emmanuel C. Ojukwu flanked by the Administrative Manager and children of Tenderlove Orphanage during the presentation of food items to the Orphanage.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University has once again shown her humanitarian service by sending food items to two motherless babies’ home in Awka metropolis of Anambra State on the February 20, 2008.
Mr. Emma Ojukwu, the Head, Public Relations, Communications and Marketing, who represented the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ilochi Okafor SAN, delivered the items which include 4 bags of rice, 48 packets of juice, 200 tins of tomatoes paste and 30 gallons of vegetable oil.
Mr Ojukwu said that the visit to the two orphanages - Tenderlove Motherless Babies Home and Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Models Motherless Babies Home is to show the University Community’s love for the children. He also called on public spirited individuals to donate generously for the upkeep of the children.
Mrs Amogu Helen Ngozi, the Administrative Manager, Tenderlove Motherless Babies’ Home who received the gift on behalf of their management expressed her profound gratitude and prayed that Almighty God will reward the management and staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for putting smiles on the faces of the children.
Also, Uzoezie Chinyere, who equally received the gifts on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Ego Uzoezie and staff of the Models Motherless Babies Home also expressed her appreciation towards the representatives of the University and prayed that the institution, its management, staff and students will never lack good things for choosing to identify with the less privileged in the society.
DMGS OLD BOYS , AWKA HOLDS REDEDICATION SERVICE
Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN) was on February 17, 2008 praised again as a great achiever. It was at the rededication service of old boys association of DMGS, Awka Chapter at St Peters Anglican Church Abagana. The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Iheagwa (Bishop of Egbu Diocese) in his sermon – ‘Darkness runs away from light’ mentioned two old boys of DMGS that have shined forth in this country in the midst of Darkness of which our Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN) was lavishly praised. The clergy man commented that Prof. Ilochi Okafor has upheld the discipline, uprightness, sincerity and hardwork for which DMGS is known and this has helped him to transform UNIZIK to the height of being the best University in Nigeria. He further said that the institution cannot be compared with other institutions carved out the same time in terms of infrastructure. The clergyman urged the Dengramites to join politics, in order to turn Nigeria around with their imbibed qualities.
Present at the occasion were prominent Nigerians including the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN) and his wife Lady Egosonwa Okafor, and Prof. E.I.E. Ofodile
LUX FIAT.
2 ND ANNUAL INTER-HOUSE SPORTS COMPETITION OF UNIZIK NURSERY/PRIMARY SCHOOL HELD ON 8 TH FEBRUARY, 2008.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nursery/Primary School, Awka celebrated their 2 nd Annual Inter-House Sports Competition on 8 th February, 2008 under the distinguished Chairmanship of Pharmacist Gozie Anyachebelu (Director, Gauze Pharmaceutical Services) represented by Mr. Mike Okoye. Present at the Inter House Sports Competition was Lady Egosonwa Okafor (VC’s wife), Prof. Sam. Omenyi (DVC Academic), Prof. Boniface Egboka (DVC Admin.), Prof. Ada Sam Omenyi (Chairman, Board of Governors), Director of Sports, Dr. C. E. Alagbu, parents and students of Unizik High School, invited schools (Central School Awka, Infant Jesus Awka and Police Children School, Awka.)
The 4 Houses And their Sponsors,
HOUSE |
COLOUR |
HOUSE SPONSORS |
A |
Green |
Hon. Lilian Okosi |
B |
Red |
Hon. Tim Egboka |
C |
Pink |
Hon. Chinwe N. Claire |
D |
Blue |
Hon. Nicky Ugochukwu |
March past during the Inter-house Sports of the University Primary and Nursery School
Prof. Ada Omenyi in her address noted that the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) contributed immensely to this great event. Over 30 events were competed and Red House emerged overall 1 st position, Blue House 2 nd, Pink House 3 rd and Green House 4 th position.
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION AND SANITATION INAUGURATED.
Management at its 172 nd meeting held on Monday, 7 th of January, 2008 constituted the following persons as members of the Committee on Environmental Beautification and Sanitation
Mr. Junior Chukwura - chairman
Mr. Frank C. Okafor - member
Barr.(Mrs) Amaka Iguh - member
Engr Ohaneme Ogbonna - member
Mr. Kingsley Orji - member
Miss Nonye Obi - member
Director, Anti cult - member
Mrs Angela Anike - member
The committee has since been inaugurated on 21 st of January, 2008.
LADY EGOSONWA OKAFOR HOSTS XMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN
It was all fun for children when the Vice Chancellor’s wife Lady Egosonwa Okafor hosted children to a Christmas party at the VC’s Lodge. The children drawn from the University Primary and Nursery School and other staff children ate, drank and danced away the day filled with happiness. All the attending children received various gifts from their host, Lady Okafor.
Little Master Ikemefuna Onyiuke (Grandchild of VC) playing Father Xmas at the party
STUDY LEAVE
Mr. Okechukwu Charles Nwafor of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts has received approval by the management to undertake study leave at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa under Ford Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship is for a postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies. The approval takes effect from February 2008 to March 2008.
MOTOCYCLE LOAN
A total of forty-one NASU members are to receive motorcycle loan in the renewed bid by the Union to cater for the welfare of its members. The recent welfare packages received the University Management’s nod at its 175 th meeting held on Monday, 4 th February, 2008.
LECTURE
Nnamdi Azikiwe University is to host the third Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu Memorial Lecture on March 19 th , 2008. Venue: University Auditorium.
LABOUR MATTERS
One day emergency meeting of the Universities Trade Group Council of NASU held at the University Auditorium, Thursday 21 st Feb., 2008. Delegates from Federal and State Universities attended. Congratulations NASU, UNIZIK
ELECTION
Comrade Samuel Ngene of the Security Department has been elected as the State Council Chairman of NASU (Non-Academic Staff Union). The election was held on August 8, 2007. He holds office till August, 2011.
SUSPENSION
Mr. Anthony Odo of the Security Department has been suspended from duty for three months for absconding from his duty post.
TERMINATION
Management has approved termination of appointment of Mr. Emeka Okoye of MICTU for being absent from duty without permission since 7 th January, 2008
WITHDRAWAL OF CONVERSION
The earlier conversion of Mrs. Ngozi Oliver Mbonu of the Department of Statistics has been withdrawn by the University Management on grounds of bad records.
APPOINTMENT
- Dr. Sylvester Anigbogu of the Department of Computer Science has been appointed as chairman, accreditation team of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Port-Harcourt (4 th – 8 th February, 2008).
- Dr. C. Anyachebelu as a Deputy Director, Medical Services at the UNIZIK Medical Centre to take care of female students. She will continue to teach Anatomy and Physiology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences while working at the Medical Centre
- Prof. M.E. Dike of the Department of Economics has been appointed a member of the research team on the ECOWAS European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.
RENEWAL OF CONTRACT
S/N |
NAME |
DEPT. |
W.E.F |
1 |
Engr. Obiora eze |
Elect and Computer Engineering |
|
2 |
Prof. Sam I. Okwuanaso |
Vocational Education |
01/12/07 |
3 |
Dr. E.M. Katchy |
Met and Mat engineering |
08/12/07 |
4 |
Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. JPC Nzomiwu |
Religious and Human Relations |
01/02/08 |
5 |
Prof. I.O.C. Ekejiuba |
Pure and Industrial Chemistry |
01/02/08 |
6 |
Dr. A.F. Obi-Okoye |
English (Part-time) |
2006/2007 and 2007/2008 session |
7 |
Prof. Elo Amucheazi |
Political Science (Adjunct) |
30/11/07 |
HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST WEEK’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
- Management directed the Director of Physical Planning to submit a detailed report on the structural defects of one of the new buildings at the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
- Management approved the sum of N10, 000 for the redemption of Vice-Chancellor’s cup for the best House at the University Nursery and Primary School Inter House Sports Competition.
- Management considered the appeal letter for assistance on the hosting of a one-day emergency meeting of the Universities Trade Group Council of NASU holding on Thursday 21 st February, 2008 at the University and approved the sum of N100, 000.00, one coaster bus and a cocktail party.
- Management considered the list of staff who did not resume duty on 3 rd January, 2008 and approved that two days salaries be subtracted from their February 2008 salaries.
- Management considered the memorandum on absence from duty of Mr. Emeka Okoye of MICTU Unit by Mr. C. Umedum the system Administrator since 7 th January and directed that his appointment be terminated.
- Management noted the request to pay 2005/2006 teaching practice supervision honoraria (for regular students) to the concerned staff in the Faculty of Education by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. J.O. Okafor and approved that it be paid as soon as matching fund is received from Abuja.
- Management noted the letter of notification of Dr. O.O. Njoku’s intention to leave Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka at the end of April 2008 and directed that he be congratulated on his temporary appointment as a Professor at Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Management directed that the surplus items from the staff productivity bonus distributed in December 2007 be shared to motherless babies homes in Awka. The Head, Public Relations, Communication and Marketing Mr. Emmanuel C. Ojukwu should do the distribution.
- Management considered the letter of complaint against a security officer, Kevin Uzuke of the Security Department who gave false information to the police leading to the arrest and detention of Mrs. Ekene Nkole, a fellow security officer without first reporting to the Chief Security Officer. Though the matter was referred to Senior Staff disciplinary committee, management approved the immediate transfer of Mr. Kevin Uzuke to Nnewi Campus of the University.
- Management has decided that in the mop-up exams covering the re-scheduled exams, only students who did not take the exams are entitled to sit for them. Any student who took one course twice will be credited with the lower grade. HODs to emphasize the decision to the students.
- Management considered the list of graduands from various departments in Unizik who had made First Class Honours in their first degree examinations and approved the employment of the following:
- Okanume, Ogochukwu (Botany)
- Nwosa, Obinna B. (Physics)
- Mbanefo, Evaristus C.)Parasitology and entomology)
- Ilodinso, Vivian N. (Applied Microbiology and Brewing)
- Igwesi, David I. (Physics)
- Utazi, Chigozie (statistics)
- Obumsele, Onyeka Fabian(Pure and Industrial Chemistry)
The employment of these Graduate Assistants will take care of increased intake of students, as they are to be deployed to teach Science subjects in the Pre-Science programme, while undergoing their Masters programme.
- Management approved that second semester will begin on 25 th February, 2008
- 1 st Semester Examinations for fresh students will commence on 5 th March, 2008
- University wide quiz for all students both old and new to hold on 17 th March, 2008.
- Monitors to monitor the Deans and Lecturers to ensure that first year curriculum for 1 st semester will be covered by lecturers before the forthcoming exams.
- Management noted the letter of disengagement from service of Nnamdi Azikiwe University by Dr. Vincent Eze Onweh of the Department of Vocational Education and approved. His disengagement takes effect from 1 st March 2008. It was directed that he must grade his papers before his final exist.
- Management approved the termination of appointment of Mr. Chukwudi Egemba of the Language Laboratory of English Department for truancy, lack of seriousness and chronic late coming.
- Management considered the application for renewal of contract appointment of Prof. F.C. Nze of the Department of Public Administration and approved it with effect from 17 th February, 2008 for another one year.
- Management deliberated and approved that Okwor Linus S. and Ekwueme Nnanna C. be suspended for 3 years for forgery and their transfer to Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences withdrawn.
- Management deliberated on the request of Dr. I.N. Okoli of the Medical Centre, Nnewi that he be restored to his position at the Medical Centre, Awka and approved that he returns to the University Medical Centre, Awka.
- Management considered and approved the application for renewal of contract appointment of Engr. L.C. Ojukwu of the Department of Civil Engineering for another one year with effect from 31 st March, 2008.
- Management noted the letter of appointment of Bldr M.E. Obiegbu of the Department of Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a member of the reconstituted Board of Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria. (CORBON) and directed that a congratulatory letter be dispatched to him on behalf of Management.
- Management deliberated on the application for permission to travel and request for financial assistance to enable Prof. Ifeoma B. Enweani attend Medical Mycology course in the Netherlands. The sum of N200,000 was approved.
- Management approved the renewal of study leave with pay in favour of Ezejiofor, Augustine Obinna.
- Management considered the request of Nwabude, Ebele Stella of the Department of Economics that she be upgraded to the rank of Lecturer II having served the mandatory one year period as an Assistance Lecturer and approved it.
- Management was informed that the Federal Minister for Education has decided to set up Expanded Management Team for Universities to act in place of Governing Council in the interim until Governing Council is inaugurated.
THIRD BATCH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS DEPART FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON CLINICAL ROTATION
The third batch of the UNIZIK medical school students has left Nigeria for the USA for their clinical rotation. They departed on February 14, 2008 and are expected to return on completion of their studies on May 25, 2008. The students who emerged through balloting are in two categories.
- At New York Methodist Hospital
- Oranefo, Uchenna Chioma
- Onwurah, Charles Uchenna
- Nwafor, Ifeoma Ogonna
- Ikeotuonye, Arinze Chidiebele
- Nwakobi Ebele Nneka
- At Afam Medical Multi Specialty Group
- Enumah, Adaeze Pricilla
- Uwajeh, Ikechukwu Anthony
- Okwuosa, Ayodele Obianuju
ADMISSION INTO UNIZIK JUNIOUR HIGH SCHOOL
This is to inform the University Community and the general public that sale of forms for admission into the UNIZIK Junior High School for the 2008/2009 academic session has commenced. Interested candidates are to obtain the forms from the following places
- UNIZIK High School
- UNIZIK Nursery and Primary School
The cost of the form is one thousand naira (N1,000.00) only while the sale lasts till the end of March, 2008.
OBITUARY
The University Nursery and Primary School announces with deep sorrow the sudden death of little Master Chukwuemeka Okeke on February 11, 2008. Age 1 ½ years. The University Management expressed heartfelt condolences to the family.
