Unizik Site

ISSN 1595 – 1685 3 RD MARCH, 2008 Vol. I. No. 4

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES HOLD VALEDICTORY RECEPTION FOR VC.

The College of Health Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University on Thursday, 28 th February, 2008 held a grand valedictory reception for the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN). In a thank you address to the Vice Chancellor, Provost of College of Health Sciences Prof. Anthony Agbata did not mince words in praising the Vice Chancellor for his numerous achievements. Prof. Agbata recalled that in 2003 the College was the first to pay the VC homage shortly after his assumption of office. He also said that this time, the College is still the first to hold valedictory reception for him.

Prof. Agbata referred to the tenure of the outgoing Vice Chancellor as ‘legendary and phenomenon’. He recounted how rumour-mongers and enemies of progress tried, though, unsuccessfully, to undermine the early days of his tenure. But with more determination and unusual courage, he succeeded exceedingly even to the bewilderment of his friends and admirers.

In Prof. Agbata’s words, “True, the Vice Chancellor raised school fees, an issue detractors tried to exploit at the time. Today, Nnamdi Azikiwe University fees are on the low side compared to those of other Universities. The big difference is that this Vice-Chancellor made a commitment to the students to use their fees judiciously to transform the base and scope of internally generated revenue. With this internally generated revenue, he is building a Science Village, Multi-storey Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Law buildings, the biggest and most sophisticated Library complex in the country, two giant students hostels and many others”.

Among other achievements Prof. Agbata mentioned are promoting many Professors and readers, the Banking plaza, the Intercontinental Bank building that houses the School of Postgraduate Studies, the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, the Mass Communication building and many others. He thanked the VC for adequate funding of the college. He also praised the Vice Chancellor for his foresight in investing in the American Hospital Project which has enabled our University to sit on the board. Prof. Agbata also thanked Dr. Ifeanyi Obiakor for his consistent assistance to the College in the area of clinical training for medical students in New York.

Later, several gifts were presented to the Vice Chancellor with his wife Lady Egosonwa Okafor beaming with smiles. Other highlights of the occasion were gifts presented to former provosts of the College namely Profs. G.C Ezeilo, B.C. Umerah, E. Anyiwo and Brian D. Adinma and a lecture on leadership delivered by former Governor of Anambra State Dr. Chris Ngige.

UNIZIK GRADUATE DEDICATES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD TO UNIVERSITY

UNIZIK and indeed, the Faculty of Arts family had cause to smile recently as one of its graduates Eyah Jonas Ikechukwu (Mr.), Registration No. 2001104196 (2001 - 2005) in the Department of Theatre Arts was one of the thirty five(35) ex-youth corps members 2006/2007 service year that bagged the prestigious Award of Honour from the President, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar'adua (GCFR) on the 12th of December, 2007 at the Banquet hall Presidential Villa Abuja.

Mr. Eyah Jonas Ikechukwu dedicated the award to the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN), the University Governing Council, the Senate, the Head/members of staff of Theatre Arts Department and the entire University Community. According to him, “the great honour is not for me alone but for the entire institution"

The Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the University Management Committee congratulates Mr. Eyah Jonas Ikechukwu and wishes him well in his future endeavour.

CELTEL TO PARTNER WITH UNIZIK

In the spirit of public–private partnership, the management of CELTEL Ltd (one of the major telecom companies in Nigeria) came on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Tuesday, February 26, 2008.

The eight-man team led by the head of its commercial unit Odumah, Chris spoke on the need to assist the University achieve a decent environment for its staff and students. He told the Vice Chancellor that the University should articulate what it wants the company do so that the regional executive would consider the request. Mr. Oduma also indicated the company’s interest in sponsoring youth activities.

In his reply the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) promised to give the company reasonable concession since Celtel is the first telecom company to approach the University for this type of partnership. The Vice-Chancellor called on them to explore ways of sponsoring conferences, seminars and workshops in the University; renovation of buildings, expanding the gymnasium, building common room for both staff and students, etc. The Vice-Chancellor thanked Celtel for their interest in youth development.

When taken round the campus, the team assured the Students Union President of the company’s readiness to sponsor some of their activities

The team also promised their patronage for the University’s quarterly newsletter through advertisement.

BRANCH CHAIRMAN, NASU, EXTOLS ACHIEVEMENTS OF VICE- CHANCELLOR.

The Chairman, NASU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Comrade Clement Nanimebile has extolled the achievements of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor SAN. Comrade Nanimebile made these remarks in an address of welcome presented on the occasion of a one day emergency meeting of the Universities Trade Group Council held at the University Auditorium recently. He particularly referred to overall goodies which the workers in UNIZIK enjoy that have made Prof. Okafor’s tenure both staff - friendly and very successful. According to Comrade Nanimebile, the benefits derived by workers of UNIZIK since 2003 when Prof. Okafor took over the mantle of leadership include:

Interest-free loans for the payments of schools fees, house rents and other financial needs of staff.
Xmas productivity bonus since 2003.
Regular and prompt payment of salaries on or before the 26 th of every month.
Promotion of staff
Christmas party for staff children
Motorcycle loan
Conversion of staff: Over 80 members of staff, mostly NASU members including my very humble

self

were converted to various cadres from 1 st September, 2007 to date, thus saving a good number of NASU members from stagnation and from the ill-conceived, ill-motivated hydra headed monster called ‘downsizing’.

Establishing of a Banking Plaza, made up of seven fully built branches of banks inside the

University.

Free ICT training for some NASU members and other members of staff and students.

Comrade Nanimebile expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for all these achievements. He lamented that the University was yet to receive any take-off grant or even matching grant to reflect the change in its status from a non-residential to a residential University. The Vice Chancellor was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Boniface C. E. Egboka.

UNIZIK TO HOST THE 3 RD CHIEF (DR.) F.C. OGBALU MEMORIAL LECTURE.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka will on Thursday, 6 March 2008 host the Third Chief (Dr) F.C. Ogbalu Memorial Lecture. The event which will take place at the University Auditorium by 10.00am is being held to highlight the life and times of this great Nigerian and Igbo patriot. Chief (Dr.) F.C. Ogbalu, author, educationist, philanthropist and a very illustrious son of Igbo land died on October 21 1990. His life was almost devoted to the coordination of the numerous branches of the society for promoting Igbo language and culture.

The Vice Chancellor has directed that attendance to the lecture is mandatory for all principal officers, and Deans, Directors, Sub-Deans and entire Faculty of Arts..

UNIZIK CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE OPENS

Friday, March7, 2008 will witness the official commissioning ceremony of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Confucius Institute. The event which will commence at 10.00am is expected to be graced by the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Xu Jianguo. Obviously, the commissioning is yet another milestone in the developmental history of our University especially in the area of internationalizing the institution’s frontier. It must be noted that the journey towards the achievement of this goal started in 2006 through the instrumentality, foresight and vision of our dynamic and indefatigable Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor (SAN)

Prof. Liu Guancai, a Chinese language expert laid the foundation for the take-off of the Institute. Presently, Mr. Ifeanyi S. Odinye who studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University, China from September 2005 to July 2007, under the sponsorship of the Chinese government is managing the Institute with Mr. Zhang Jinping. The University also has two other prospective Chinese language teachers Miss Ifeoma Gwacham and Mr. Anas Elochukwu, who are presently studying in China under Chinese government scholarship.

The Institute has two programmes – Diploma and Certificate programmes. The Diploma programme is a regular two year programme while the certificate programme is a part-time one year course designed for business men and women, professional workers, government workers and students.

The Institute is presently located in the building formally occupied by the School of Postgraduate Studies. The Institute is devoted to the study of Chinese language and culture.

PROF. I.C. OKOYE BECOMES ARCHDEACON OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

The Director of Ekwueme Multidisciplinary Research Centre and the University Orator, Venerable Prof. I.C. Okoye has been enthroned as an Archdeacon of the Anglican Communion (Diocese of Awka). The Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilochi A. Okafor SAN led members of the University Management to the enthronement.

RESEARCH COLLABORATOR

Prof. O.C. Nworgu of the Department of Parasitology and Entomology has been made a research collaborator with the Human Research Council (HSRI) in Pretoria, South Africa. The council collaborates with researchers in five East and South African countries and two in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana).

EXAMINATION MISCONDUCT PANEL BEGINS SITTING.

The schedule for the trial of cases of examination misconduct has been released. According to the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. R.I. Egwuatu in a release dated February 27, 2008 and copied to Deans of Faculties, Chairmen and members of Faculty Examination Misconduct Panels, etc. the Vice-Chancellor is to chair all. The trials are to commence on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Council Chamber by 10.00 am each day. The detailed time-table are contained below.

March 4, 2008 (Tuesday)

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Education

March 5, 2008 (Wednesday)

Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Law

March 6, 2008 (Thursday)

Faculty of Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences

ELECTION

Dr. Dan Chukwu of the Department of History and International Studies of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has been elected the Vice-President of the Historical Society of Nigeria(HSN). The election took place during the 52 nd Annual Congress of the Society held at University of Calabar recently. Dr. Chukwu who is the Ag. Head, Department of History promised to use his new position in fostering the growth and survival of the study of History in Nigerian School system.

Mr. Emmanuel C. Katchi of the Electrical Division of the Department of Works Services of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has been elected the 1 st Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen. He was elected during the 12 th National Engineering Conference and the Annual General Meeting of the Association held at Gamji Gate Hall, behind Police College, Kaduna, 16 th – 17 th November, 2007. Meanwhile, Mr. Katchi has been holding the post of a Trustee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) UNIZIK branch.

Comrade Alex Amuzie has been elected as the National Auditor of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) at its Triennial National Delegates Conference held on Friday, November 9, 2007 at the University of Ibadan. The new position is for a period of three years (2007 – 2010).

CONFERENCE

Dr. Mrs Lilian Rita Akudolu returns from AHEC conference

The first seminar meeting of the African Higher Education Collaborative (AHEC) has ended in Cairo, Egypt (7-15) February, 2008).

Dr. Lilian – Rita Akudolu of the Department of Educational Foundations has been speaking of the varied experiences she gathered at the conference. The conference, with the theme “Enhancing Access to Higher Education in Africa” drew participants from all around the continents of America, Africa and Europe. Dr Akudolu has since assumed duty on return from the conference.

The Chemical Society of Nigeria, Anambra State held its 2 nd Annual National Conference at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Auditorium on Friday, October 26, 2007. The theme of the conference was “Chemistry, A factor for Development of Small & Medium Scale Industries for Nigeria”.

COMMENDATION

The University Management at its 163 rd meeting held on Wednesday, 3 rd October, 2007

commended the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu for his devotion to duty on the report of a case of examination conduct on EEE 558: High Voltage Engineering by a final year CEP Student of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering.

CHANGE OF NAME

The following students whose particulars appear below have changed their names

S/NO	FORMER NAME	NEW NAME	REG. NO	DEPARTMENT
1	Okani, Gloria Nwakaego	Onwuka, Gloria Nwakaego	2002304188	Estate Management/Envi. sci.
2	Osegbo, Adaeze Cecilia	Obadike, Adaeze Cecilia	2002044418	History and International Studies
3	Esotu, Ogochukwu Maria Emmanuela	Chukelu, Ogochukwu Maria Emmanuela	2003454318	Pub. Admin
4	Anyakebechi, Chika Angela	Izuogu, Chika Angela	2006423400CEP	Business Admin
5	Isiorji, Gloria Ijeoma	Ezemagu, Gloria Ijeoma	2001194333	Vocational and Adult education
6	Uwa-Eghobamien Pateinece Nkwachukwu	Egbobamien, Patience Ndidi	984180/CEP	Production/Technology
7	Atuegbu, C. Celestina	Iloegbunam, C. Celestina	2003114714	Economics
8	Nwoye, Gloria Chinweoke	Ogidi, Gloria Chinweoke	2000173118/CEP	Library/Information Science
9	Ndubuisi, Ada	Ekeh, Rose Ada	2001173238	Educational Management and Policy
10	Obidiakor, Ifeoma	Mgbemena, Vivian Ifeoma	2005194748	Adult and Vocational Education
11	Igboanugo, Rita Ogecgukwu	Okafor, rita Ogechukwu	2003104352	Theatre Arts
12	Umekwe, Felicia nneka	Nwankwo, Felicia Nneka	2000403148	Accountancy
13	Oforah, Nkechi Chinwe (Miss)	Enukorah, Nkechi Chinwe (Mrs)	2001603060	Science Education
14	Odinigwe, Anthonia (Miss)	Moedu, Anthonia (Mrs)	2004394796	Law
15	Nwankwo, Ebele Helen (Miss)	Ifeanyi-Nwankwo, Ebele Helen (Mrs)	1999172204	Edu. Mgt & Policy
16	Ugochukwu, Gloria Chidebele (Miss)	Onwuamaeze, Gloria Chidebele (Miss)	2001443192	Marketing
17	Mrs. Edith Azuka Okpala	Mrs. Edith Chukwuamaka I. Hyacinth		CEP
18	Dr. Ezenwa James Okonkwo	Dr. Ezenwa James Chukeze		Dept. of Applied Biochemistry

EXPULSION

S/NO	NAME	DEPARTMENT	REG. NO	OFFENCE
1	Okwu, Obinna	Pure & industrial chemistry	2004544712	Admission fraud and impersonation
2	Achebe, Chioma	Pure & industrial chemistry	2004544598	Admission fraud and impersonation
3	Egbuniwe, Chibogu	Music	20040742295	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
4	Obiagwu, Chikaodili	Music	2004074289	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
5	Nwakwuche, Veronica	Theatre arts	2004104424	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
6	Onyechefuna, Ucheechi	Music	20039074224	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
7	Allen Queen O.	Music	2004074317	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
8	Umeugoji, Chibuzo	Microbiology & Brewing	2004484451	Examination fraud and impersonation
9	Okolo Nneka F.	Pure & Industrial chemistry	200544170	Examination fraud and impersonation
10	Ojimma, Jideofor A.	Civil Engr.	2004224685	Examination fraud and impersonation
11	Ejiofor, Sunday	Accountancy	2004404117	Examination fraud at the Afrihub
12	Egbo, Chioma	Pure & Industrial Chemistry	2005544164	Examination fraud and impersonation
13	Ezeamadi Francis	Has just applied for CEP		Involvement in Cultism
14	Samuel Okechukwu	Nil		Involvement in Cultism
15	Umeh Christopher	Architecture	2006274782	Involvement in Cultism

HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST WEEK’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Management considered the report from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. BCE Egboka on the list of graduands of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the non receipt of the list of regular students graduands from the Registry. Management emphasized the need to have the lists six weeks before the convocation.
Management considered the request from the Director, Works Service to patch the road from the Main Gate to the Bus stand and approved the sum of N2,433,832.00 for it, emphasizing that the edges must also be properly done.
Management approved that the clearing and tarring of the Convocation arena should be done by the Main contractor Akiota Works, while the Department of Works Services will construct the podium.
Management directed the Registrar to put on a notice calling on those who need Masters and PhD Convocation gowns to indicate so. They also directed that order be placed for seven gowns to be sown for the honorary graduands.
Management considered the oral report from the Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu that his department has completed the mobilization of students for the next batch of corps members and their call-up letters being expected. Management noted that the date of graduation is the date University Senate approved a particular result.
Management emphasized that request for recall after suspension will no longer be accepted until it is certified that the student has successfully completed the suspension order placed on him/her without offering any course during the period
Management considered the application for a loan of N300,000.00 by Mr. Peter O. Okafor of the Department of Geomet and Environmental Management for the burial of his mother and approved the sum of N150,000.00 for the purpose.
Management approved that Prof. Okere be assigned the Archival Igbo Dictionary Projects Office vacated by Prof. I.C. Okoye who now has a new office at the School of Postgraduate Studies Building.
Management considered and approved the request for the issuance of letter of award of contract for the Electrical Works in the Faculty Building for engineering and Technology Wing “B” to the Contractor, Monik Technical Services Limited.
Management ratified the appointment of A-Visual and Associates as consultant Architects for the Construction of the University Stadium/Sports centre Phase II.
The management at its 177 th meeting held on Monday, 15 th February, 2008 has approved the renewal of study leave with pay for Mr. Augustine Obinna Ezejiofor of the Department of Philosophy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study leave is to commence from April, 2008 to September 2010. Meanwhile, the leave is to enable him run a Masters programme in peace and conflict studies at the university of Magdeburg; Germany.
The Management of UNIZIK had at its 176 th Meeting held on Monday 11 th February, 2008 considered and accepted the letter of notification of intention to leave the University by Dr. O.O. Njoku of the Department of Zoology.

Dr. O.O. Njoku had earlier been offered appointment as a Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

SUBMISSION OF DATA FOR UNIZIK WEBSITE

The Public Relations, Communication and Marketing (PRCM) will host an entirely upgraded and redesigned UNIZIK website this week. 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

Call the Head, PRCM on the following GSM numbers

08060492273, 08059210187.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

The six months memorial service for Late Prof. Sylvanus Ikechukwu Okeke was held on Sunday, 2 nd March, 2008 at St Odilia Catholic Church Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Until his death, Late Prof. S.I. Okeke was a professor of Metallurgical and Material Engineering of UNIZIK.

TRANSITION

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ilochi Okafor SAN regrets to announce the passing on to eternal glory of the following staff, staff relations
Lady Elizabeth Taylor Nwanegbo, mother of Mrs. Uzochukwu, Chinwe of the department of Mass Communication. She died on September, 2007 and was buried on November 16, 2007 at her hometown Ezele Village, Umunnakwo Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State.

Mrs Margaret Unoma Nwosu (nee Ngene) mother of Ezeani J.I. of the Registry department. She died on September 12, 2007 and was buried on November 9, 2007 at her hometown Ifite Nibo, Awka South LGA.

Late Ozor Mathias Chukwuma Anikpe, father of Mr. Anikpe Oliver N. of the bursary Department. He died on February 12, 2007 and has since been buried at his home town Umuogbuefi Ebenebe, Awka North L.G.A. at the age of 81 years.

Late Nduba Micheal Tochukwu, until his death he was a clerical Assistant in the office of the Registrar. He has since been buried on 31 st December, 2007.

This bulletin is a weekly in-house publication of the Public Relations, Communication and Marketing Unit of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. For further contact please call 08060492273, 08059210187

Or mail us at unizikpr@yahoo.com

unizikpro@yahoo.com.

Best wishes for the week