YOU CAN READ ONLINE EDITION OF THIS BULLETIN ON www.unizik.edu.ng

ISSN 1595 – 1685 28 TH APRIL, 2008 VOL. 1 NO. 12

PROFESSORS AND READERS TO HOST THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

All the newly promoted Professors and Readers during the tenure of Professor Ilochi Okafor, SAN are planning to organize a befitting farewell dinner in his honour.

In a release from Prof. Oby Okonkwo, Head, Department of Health and Physical Education recently, she beckoned on her colleagues to come forward and appreciate the man who has projected the image of the University so positively with the attendant welfare package to staff, especially in the areas of regular promotions. She reminded them that most of them had benefited from the administrative prowess and academic excellence of the Vice-Chancellor. The reception will now hold on 3 rd May, 2008.

UNIZIK FM Radio Commences Test Transmission

The UNIZIK FM Radio Station 94.1 has commenced test transmission. The Radio Station which is capable of being received around 40 kilometer radius is one of the clear achievements of the present Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN).

Appearing on the station to answer questions from FM listeners Prof. Okafor expressed happiness that UNIZIK FM community radio has finally taken off the ground. He thanked the HOD Mass Communication Dr. Kate Omenugha and indeed the lecturers in the department for their exceptional hard work in bringing the test transmission to fruition.

It should be recalled that UNIZIK Radio FM 94.1 carried out live transmission of the just concluded 7 th Convocation.

7 TH CONVOCATION: Students Conclude Tour of facilities

.Share experience

STUDENTS drawn from about nine secondary schools in Onitsha and Awka have been expressing their feelings as they conclude tour of facilities in UNIZIK ahead of the 7 th Convocation Ceremonies.

The first leg of the tour commenced on Tuesday, April 23, 2008 with students from the following schools

- Girls Secondary School, Igwebuike Grammar School, St John of God and Bishop Crowther Seminary all in Awka taken round the Faculties and the Multi-million naira ICT Centre AfriHub by the convocation sub-committee on special duties led by Prof. O.I. Onyali.

Day two of the tour of the facilities witnessed the following schools in attendance – Queens Rosary College, Christ the King College, Dennis Memorial Grammar School both in Onitsha, the Federal Government College, Nise and Supreme Knowledge Secondary School from Nkpor-Agu.

Addressing the students in a talk at the Prof. Uzoka Centre, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Godwin Onu urged them to imbibe hardwork so as to succeed in life. He charged them to exercise humility and discipline in pursuit of their academic career.

As we exist in a digital age, the Dean implored them to be computer literate. Prof. Onu told them that UNIZIK is the University of the Moment because of its far reaching successes, which is hinged on the three virtues of Self Reliance, Discipline and Diligence.

In his own speech, the Head of the Department of Economics, Prof. Eyiuche advised the students to be focused in the pursuit of their academic work. He charged them to forfeit pleasure if they must climb the ladder of success.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and a member of the Sub-Committee on special duties, Prof. Luke Anike in his vote of thanks commended the students for exhibiting high level of discipline in listening to the talks. He expressed optimism for the future of the students as their comportment says it all.

To Master Stanley Obimkpu of Igwebuike Grammar School Awka, the talks were educative and interesting. Also Miss Ofulume Patricia of St. John of God Secondary School, has this to say,“I am greatly inspired by Prof. Onu’s speech.”

Meanwhile, in a vote of thanks, one of the tutors said that “we were very impressed with the level of development in the University. We appreciate the fact that this is the only University in the country that is peaceful; where you are sure of graduating at the appropriate time.”

UNIZIK CELEBRATES CHINUA ACHEBE’S ‘Things Fall Apart’ at 50 years.

- Night of Griots Relives African Literature

ALL road led to the University Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon April 23, 2008 as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the umbrella body of creative writers in the country organized the 50 th Anniversary of the Publication of “THINGS FALL APART’ Chinua Achebe’s acclaimed masterpiece in a Night of Griots.

The event which attracted notable writers like Gabriel Okara, Ada Chany Onwu, Ossie Enekwe, Elechi Amadi and up-coming writers relived the growth and position of African literature in the global context as the writers shared the experiences of their books with the audience.

Many students who thronged the hall to have a glimpse of the literary giant were disappointed as they were only to meet him in spirit.

In his opening speech, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Wale Okediran thanked the Vice-Chancellor for accepting to host ANA. He acknowledged the giant strides of the University and particularly commended the University Anthem. The President commended Prof. Chinua Achebe for setting the light aglow in the birth of ANA some 26 years ago at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He said that Nigerian authors had come a long way in African and Nigerian literature. As for him, the celebration is being put in place to show-case Nigerian literature and culture, to discover and encourage new Nigerian writers, as well as giving our young ones the privilege of learning from the well established authors. He thanked all for coming.

In his keynote address (which was cut short on entry of the literary icon, Gabriel Okara) the Vice-Chancellor said that he was singularly honoured to welcome all to Unizik. He thanked ANA for their efforts in according a befitting place to our State and the University in its National Celebration. An attempt to give a run down of a translated version of Things Fall Apart in Igbo by Mazi Okechukwu Uba was punctured half way due to time constraint.

A musical group from Imo State, the Department of Theatre Arts and the African International Troupe (AIT) led by Prof. Oby Okonkwo entertained the audience, amidst reverberating times from the popular Unizik band. All the Principal Officers were present.

7 th Convocation: Unizik Seeks The Face Of God

Staff and Students of UNIZIK gathered at the University Auditorium on Monday, April 21, 2008 to seek the face of God as the University entered the first leg of its one week convocation ceremonies.

In his didactic homily, the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Dr. B. Obiekezie hammered on the need for reconciliations and steadfastness.

Quoting the Psalmist, the Clergyman said that the day’s event has been made by God hence calling all to rejoice in it.

Furthermore, the man of God reiterated the importance of the day, saying that it was a time of grace and favour. He thanked the organizers of the event saying that UNIZIK is a citadel for youth empowerment, a source of pride and glory to the Igbo man.

The Priest extolled the wonderful achievements made by the out-going Vice-Chancellor.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration),Prof. BCE Egboka who delivered the Vice-Chancellor’s speech thanked God for the day’s event, particularly the turn out. He chose the opportunity as the Chairman of the Convocation Committee to inform the gathering of other activities following the Interdenominational Service.

The popular UNIZIK band was on hand to offer the back-up vocals and melodies whilst the service lasted.

UNIZIK 7 TH CONVOCATION

Senator Emodi, 5 others bags Honorary Doctorate Degrees

THE one week long 7 th convocation ceremonies of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has come and gone with six eminent Nigerians being conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees of the University. The Honorary Graduands include Senator Barr. Joy Emodi who bagged Honorary Doctor of Laws; Chief Sir Chika Okafor, Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Chief G.U. Okeke, Honorary Doctor of Business Administration,

(DBA) Otunba Olusola Akin-Agbaje, Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD), Alhaji Isyaku Umar, (OON) Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and Vice-Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, Honorary Doctor of Science (DSC) in Naval Engineering.

The ceremonies which began with an Interdenominational Service on Monday, April 21, 2008 climaxed into the award of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas and higher degrees as well as the conferment of Honorary Degrees on deserving Nigerians on Friday, 25 th and Saturday, 26 th April, 2008 respectively.

In between these days however, a tour of facilities in the University by selected Secondary School children were held on Tuesday, 22 nd and Wednesday, 23 rd April, 2008. The Theatre Arts department and the Music Department were on hand throughout the period to entertain the guests with their wonderful performances.

The department of fine and Applied Arts held the guests spellbound with variety of Art Works displayed at designated points in the University.

Meanwhile, the first Convocation Lecture was delivered on Thursday, April 24 th, 2008 by the Executive Vice-President, Medical Affairs, New York Methodist Hospital, Dr Stanley Scherbell. His lecture centred on the challenges of health care delivery in the developing world. His scintillating lecture advocated the promotion of primary healthcare for the sustenance and growth of healthcare delivery system. The Guest lecturer who came with his wife was afforded the opportunity of the warm African hospitality.

The Second Convocation lecture was delivered on Friday, 25 th April, 2008 by the Chairman of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Raymond Obieri (OON). The lecture anchored on WEALTH CREATION AND MANAGEMENT. Concluding his very stimulating lecture, Dr Obieri maintained that the key factor behind wealth creation is one’s value system or culture. He therefore encouraged people to invest in vision that provides solutions to people’s needs.

The Award of First Degrees on the graduands for the 2004/2005, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 sessions followed thereafter. The day ended with a wonderful Dinner and dance at Igwe Anuku’s palace at Mbaukwu.

However, the second leg of the convocation - conferment of Honorary Degrees on six deserving Nigerians was performed by the Chancellor Alhaji Sulu Gambari. The Visitor was represented by the Honourable Minister of Education, Igwe Dr Aja-Nwachukwu on Saturday, 26 th April, 2008. The Minister commended the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ilochi Okafor, SAN for his courage, forthrightness in strengthening the good work which Prof. Nwako started. Dr Aja Nwachukwu stated this while commissioning the 1.8 billion naira Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library Complex. Other projects commissioned included Prof. Gordian Ezekwe, Faculty of Engineering Building, Road projects and Solar Energy Stations. The Foundation Stones of Barr. Clement Akpamgbo (SAN) Faculty of Law building, Prof. B.O. Ukeje Faculty of Education building, Dr Chidi Anyaegbu building for Department of Transport Studies were laid.

The Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR in his address called on the Federal Government to continue to support the University to enable her break more grounds in the present progress she has made so far. To the Staff and Students, he commended them for their disciplined behaviour and attitude to work. To the out-going Vice-Chancellor, he challenged anyone to deny him his track record of achievements calling for a song to be dedicated to him. Furthermore, he extolled the kindness and goodwill of various donors to the University.

In his thought provoking address entitled “STOCK TAKING’, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ilochi Okafor, SAN gave a graphic account of his stewardship this five years. According to the Vice-Chancellor “As I bow out of the office of the Vice-Chancellor “As I bow out of the office of the Vice-Chancellor, I shall be handing over to my successor a virile and disciplined University. He/she will not worry about NUC”s comprehensive accreditation visits until the 2010”.

The Convocation, which was the 2nd under the out-going Vice-Chancellor’s administration and the 7th in the history of the University was attended by eminent personalities in the society including former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, wife of the Senate President, Legislators, Clergy men, Traditional Rulers, Captains of Industry, Security Agencies, Staff and Students of the University, members of the press etc.

Former Council members and out-gone members of the University Management were also honoured with various gifts which were presented by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie.

CONVOCATION: BELLS UNIVERSITY VC FELICITATES WITH UNIZIK

The Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Isaac A. Adeyemi has sent his warmest greetings to the management, Staffs and Students of Unizik on the occasion of its 7 th Convocation ceremony.

Prof. Adeyemi had in his letter to the Vice-Chancellor dated 10 th April, 2008 congratulated the management, staff and students of the University. He stated that they are proud to be associated with the University on her landmark achievements. He particularly commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN for leaving his imprint on the landscape of the University, transforming it to a centre of excellence.

Concluding, he prayed God Almighty to grant the Vice-Chancellor and the University the grace to remain a beacon of light for future generation.

UNIZIK HOLDS SUCCESSFUL 7 TH CONVOCATION

• THE 7 th Convocation of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has come and gone with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor, SAN thanking God for his mercies particularly for sparing us rains during the occasion.

• NUC Executive Secretary Prof Chris Okojie Recommends Unizik model to other Universities calls for more resourcefulness amongst the universities at UNIZIK 7 the Convocation 25 th – 26 th April, 2008.

• Dr. Igwe Aja Nwachukwu commissions Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwako. Library Complex, commends the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN for his vision in settisng up the Virtual Library, and acknowledges the University as a leading ICT institution for housing about 500 computer units, with 24 hour electricity supply.

• CONVOCATION LECTURE:

• DR SCHEDRBEL advocates Primary healthcare delivery. He insists that lack of finance and planlessness stultifies effective healthcare delivery in the society. He calls for forthrightness in healthcare delivery

• DR RAYMOND OBIERI in his lecture calls for investing in ones vision in order to create wealth as well as having the courage and tenacity of purpose in managing it. He said that the more you satisfy people with your services or products the more wealth you create and the more value you contribute to the society.

• STEWARDSHIP: Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN takes stock of his five years stewardship at the 7 th convocation ceremony. He thanked all the stakeholders in the University project for their support, saying that he is fulfilled in his accomplishments. He called on his successor to lie cool as there will be no NUC Accreditation till 2010, having set a standard.

• HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES: Six eminent Nigerians bagged Unizik honorary doctorate degrees at its seventh convocation. They include the Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Senator Joy Emodi,; Doctor of Laws (LLD); Chief G.U. Okeke, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Chief Sir Chika Okafor, Doctor of Business Administration (DSA); Alhaji Ishiaku Umar, (OON) Doctor of Public Administration’ Otumba Olushola Agbaje, Doctor of Laws (LLD) and Vice-Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, Director of Science (DSC) in Naval Enginering

• CHANCELLOR PLEADS FOR MORE FUNDING FOR UNIZIK

The Chancellor of UNIZIK and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Sulu Gambari (CFR) has called for Federal Government assistant to UNIZIK to enable her break more grounds in the progress made so far. He challenged anyone to disprove of the transparent administration of Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN, thus commending him for his courage and sagacity.

UNIZIK Sanitation Committee Commended

With the 7 th Convocation Ceremonies over, Management has congratulated the Sanitation Committee for an excellent job done in ensuring that the entire campus was clean throughout the duration of the Ceremonies.

It will be recalled that management had at its 185 th Meeting held on Monday, April 14, 2008 directed the Sanitation Committee to work closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. BCE Egboka to cleanup the environment.

UNIZIK PROPOSES PUBLICATION OF ITS THESES INDEX AND ABSTRACTS

Management at its 184 th Meeting held on Monday, 7 th April, 2008, considered the proposal for the indexing of all the Theses so far generated in the University and the compendium of all the theses Abstracts. The indexes and the Abstracts will always be updated yearly after the first publication.

The Department of Library and Information Science in collaboration with the University Library is charged with the responsibilities for the publication. The publications should go into the University’s website as well as boost the Digital Library when operational.

To meet up with the challenges, the Heads of Departments and Deans of Faculties are requested to provide necessary data, information and documents

CONFERENCE

• Staff of the department of Estate Management return from a Confab

Three lecturers in the Department of Estate Management have returned from attending the 38 th annual conference of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers held at Abuja 8 th-13th April, 2008.They are Mrs. Esther Oladejo, Chinelo Ozigbo and Barr. C U Ugonabo

• Dr Ngozi Orjiakor extends appreciation to the VC

A Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, Dr Ngozi Orjiakor has been reminiscing on her experiences at the African Studies Association 50 th Anniversary Annual Meeting held on October 18th – 22nd 2007 at the New York Sheraton Hotel, USA.

Dr Orjiakor said that she was one of the participants that came from universities in Nigeria where she delivered a thought provoking paper on “Human Rights Abuse against the Igbo during and after the Nigerian/Biafran War, Issues for Restitution”

She most profoundly thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the Management of the University for giving her the opportunity to attend the conference.

PROMOTION

Prof. E.I Okoye and Dr. Nnonyelu A U, elevated

The Vice-Chancellor has announced the promotion of two academic staff to the rank of Professor and Reader respectively. They are Prof. Emma Okoye of the Department of Accountancy and Dr. A.U. Nnonyelu of the Department of Sociology. Their elevation followed the receipt of successful external assessment reports. The Vice-Chancellor has since congratulated them.

RESUMPTION OF DUTY

Dr. N.J Okonkwo of the Department of Parasitology and Entomology has been recalled from suspension after spending three months out of duty as a result of his indictment for a misdemeanour.

Monday, April 28, 2008, Management further directed that Dr. Okonkwo should forfeit all his withheld salaries, never to be involved in computing results in his department as well as his case referred to Council Complaints Committee.

CHANGE OF NAME

EXPULSION

SUSPENSION

Management at its 184 th Meeting held on Monday, 7 th April, 2008 considered the report of the absence from duty and leaving of his beat by Mr. Kelvin Uzuke of the Security department and noted that he has been very unstable in character, indisciplined, insurbordinate and flippant.

To this end, it decided that he be suspended immediately and his case referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for trial. On return from suspension, he is to be deployed out of the Security department.

SILVER JUBILEE

The St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Awka held their Silver Jubilee Anniversary on Sunday, 27 th April, 2008. The Ceremony offered them the opportunity to raise funds for the building of their new church complex. Senator Annie Okonkwo (KSJ) was the Chief Launcher at the occasion whilst the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi was the Special Guest of Honour.

The occasion which was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Dr. ABC Orjiakor attracted people from all walks of life.

WORKSHOP - Dr. Donald Okoli returns from an International Workshop

Dr. Donald Okoli of the Department of Physics and Industrial Physics has returned from attending a US/Africa International Workshop on NANOTECHNOLOGY AND NANO SCIENCE EDUCATION held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Dr. Okoli has thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS – More staff to benefit

More UNIZIK staff are to benefit from the supply of Laptop Computers as the Registrar has been mandated by the University Management to compute the list of newly recruited staff for the provision of newer models of laptops.

Valedictory reception for the Vice-Chancellor

1. Faculty of Education

Date: Tuesday 29 th April, 2008

Venue: CBN Hall 2

Time: 12.00 Noon

2. Faculty of Management Sciences

Date: Wednesday, 30 th April, 2008

Venue: Management Science board hall

Time: 12.00 Noon

3. UNIZIK High School

Date: Friday, 2 nd May, 2008

Venue: School premises

Time: 12.00 Noon

4. Professors and Readers promoted during the Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN) Administration

Date: Thursday, 3 rd May, 2008

Venue: Tourist Garden Hotel

Time: 6.00 pm.

5. Chapel of Glory, UNIZIK

Date: Sunday, 11 th May, 2008

Venue: Chapel of Glory Church Complex

Time: 9.00 a.m.

OBITUARY

The Vice-Chancellor announces with deep regrets the death of the following members of Staff and Staff relations

• Ichie (Chief) Barnabas Obikwere Aghara (Odgbuefi Omeokachie) Father of V.N.O. Aghara, Ag. HOD, Marketing, Mrs Ifeoma Egboka, Deputy Registrar (Student Affairs) and Father in-law of Prof. B.C.E. Egboka, DVC (Administration). He will be buried on Friday, 2 nd May, 2008 at his hometown, Achala Umuchu.

• Madam Maria Nnechi Ngwu (nee Nwabueze) Mother of Mrs Deborah Agbonma Adibe of the Catering Unit, UNIZIK. She is to be buried on Friday, 2 nd May, 2008 at her family Compound, Amudo Village, Awka.

• Mr. Edwin Isiogu of the Security Department who slept in the Lord on Sunday, April 20, 2008.Mr. Isiogu who hails from Dusogu Village, Awkuzu retired for the Services of the University in March, 2007.

Highlights of Management Decisions

• From 2008/2009 session, deferment of admission will attract a fee of N2000 for undergraduates and N5000 for Postgraduate programmes in addition to payment of school fees. On resumption of full academic work the student will no longer pay any fee for the recommenced session.
• Appraisal and promotion Meeting (Appointments and promotions Committee) to hold on Wednesday, 30 th April, 2008.
• Expulsion: Enweluzor Ifeanyi and Enem Kingsley Uchenna be expelled from Pre-Science campus, Mbaukwu for cultism and for grieveous fighting.
• Management considered the letter of resumption of duty of Dr. N.J. Okonkwo of the Department of Parasitology and Entomology after his three months suspension from duty. Management noted that having been suspended for a maximum of six months and resumed duty on 4 th March, 2008. It further directed that he will forfeit all his withheld salaries and will never be invited in computing results in his department. The case was referred to Council Complaints Committee for trial.
• Management deliberated on the appeal letter for Clemency by Mrs Ngozi Okey-Ndeche, for slapping her son’s teacher and breaking her eye glasses and directed that the expulsion order placed on her be converted to two years suspension. The suspension takes effect from second semester of 2007/2008. She is to resume her studies in second semester 2009/2010.
• Letter of acceptance of offer of contract appointment. Professor Francis O. Okafor has accepted an offer of contract appointment as first Bank Professor of Banking and Finance.
• Management at its 184 th meeting held on Monday, 7 th April, 2008 considered the request to move the school fees paid by Mr. Benjamin O. Onu in 2006/2007 when he deferred his PGDE admission be transferred to 2007/2008 session and did not approve of the request.
• Management at its 185 th meeting held on Monday, 14 th April, 2008 considered the appeal letter of Mrs. Ngozi Ann Ojukwu of the College of Health Sciences Nnewi for conversion to Executive Cadre who at the moment is a Principal Library Assistant at the Medical Library, Nnewi Campus, management thereafter directed that she should be invited for oral interview.
• Management at its 185 th Meeting held on Monday, 14, 2008 considered the letter of acceptance of appointment and plea to travel back to Germany to formally terminate appointment with Ludwig-Maximilians University at Munchen, of Dr. Chinedu Uchechukwu of the Department of Linguistics and approved the he travel and resume duty on November 1, 2008.
• UNIZIK Management expressed appreciation to Chief Ajulu Uzodike, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Cutix Industries Plc, Nnewi for promising to renovate and overhaul in every detail the Uzodike Lecture Auditorium which he built in memory of his late father. They prayed God to grant him the wisdom to accomplish that.

SUBMISSION OF DATA FOR UNIZIK WEBSITE

The Public Relations, Communication and Marketing Unit (PRCM) has hosted a newly upgraded and redesigned UNIZIK website. In this regard, information is required from staff especially the teaching staff on publications, Curriculum Vitae, Conferences attended, and any other information that you may deem necessary.

Kindly send this information to the following addresses

unizikpr@yahoo.com

unizikpro@yahoo.com

OR

Call the Head, Public Relations, Communication and Marketing on the following GSM numbers 08060492273, 08059210187.

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.