ISSN 1595 – 1685 10 TH MARCH, 2008 Vol. I. No. 5

Chinese Ambassador extols partnership with UNIZIK

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. XU JIANGUO represented by the Cultural Counsellor Mr. Jiang Weiming has extolled the warm relationship existing between the Chinese Government and the University.

Mr. Jiang Weiming stated this at the occasion of the commissioning of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Friday, March 7, 2008. The Chinese Ambassador said that Unizik Confucius Institute is no. 1 in Nigeria. He assured that the Institute has come to strengthen the bridge of understanding between the University and the Chinese Government. He also thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor SAN for his unrelenting effort in the promotion of Chinese Language through an agreement.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on the origin of the Confucius Institute in UNIZIK which dated back to January 24, 2007 when the agreement was signed. He said that our partner University in China, XIAMEN University had equally signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

At present, the Vice-Chancellor said that about one hundred students are studying Chinese Language at both Diploma and Certificate programmes in the University. He also commended the Chinese government for their invaluable assistance to the institute by way of supplying of books and scholarship. Under the scholarship programme, two of our graduate students are currently studying in China and are expected to join the Institute later as teachers. The highpoint of the ceremony was the cutting of tape marking the formal commissioning of the Institute. The popular UNIZIK band was on hand to entertain the guests. The cultural troupe from the Theatre Arts Department also added glamour to the event. Prof. G.O. Onyekonwu, Head of Department of African and Asian Studies gave the vote of thanks.

Present during the occasion were the wife of the Vice Chancellor Lady Ego Okafor, principal officers of the University, members of the business community, Anambra State Commissioners of information and Education Prof. Chinyere Okunna and Dr. Kay Onyechi, staff and students of the University.

The VC with his wife and cultural counselor at Chinese Embassy during the occasion

GOV OBI Donates Coaster Bus to UNIZIK

The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) on Wednesday 5 th March, 2008 took delivery of a 32 – Seater Coaster bus donated by the Anambra State Government.

In his presentation speech at the Government House, the Executive Governor of Anambra State Mr. Peter Obi reiterated the importance of fulfilling the promise earlier made by the State Government to the University over its damaged buses during the students’ riot of 2003.

The 32-seater bus donated to the University by Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State

In handing over the keys to the Vice-Chancellor, the Governor commended him for his selfless leadership. He also expressed his happiness in always being eager to work with the leadership of the University; given its proven indelible achievements.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor thanked the Governor for keeping to his words in giving the University a new bus. It will be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor had made persistent pleas to the Governor in the past to fulfill the promise earlier made by his predecessors.

The presentation ceremony was witnessed by members of the University Management Committee and key government officials.


ESSO Donates 18-seater Bus to Department of Geological Sciences, UNIZIK

An 18 – Seater Toyota Mini Bus has been donated to the department of Geological Sciences by ESSO Nig. Ltd, a subsidiary of EXXON MOBIL LTD. The presentation was made at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos at the 8 th Annual Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) – University Assistance Programme (UAP) Leadership Forum held on Saturday 23 rd February, 2008.

The donation received by Prof. Luke Anike is in support of ESSO – NNPC – sponsored 3 year PILOT FIELD MAPPING PROGRAMME for which the Department of Geological Sciences had earlier been selected. Meanwhile, the bus has been formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor

CELTEL to build Convocation Podium in UNIZIK

Following the visit of a team of CELTEL officials to UNIZIK recently, the Telecom Company has swung into action by sending a team of architects to the University to assess the construction of a Convocation Podium for the University as well as the expansion of its gym.

The Vice-Chancellor has assured them that they will be allowed to have the podium fully decorated with their colours if finally built. He however thanked them for their swift response to partnering with the University.


Memorial Lecture: FC Ogbalu deserves the best – VC

The late Igbo literary icon, Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu has been extolled for his foresight in the propagation of Igbo Language and Culture. The encomiums were showered on him at the 3 rd Memorial Lecture held in his honour at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Tuesday, March 6, 2008.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Admin) Prof. B.C.E. Egboka thanked the organizers of the lecture for their thoughtfulness. According to the Vice-Chancellor, “no honour done to F.C. Ogbalu is too much”.

Earlier in his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Prof. E.I.E. Ofodile called on the Igbos to reawaken from their slumber and save the language from extinction.

In his lecture, the guest speaker Prof. Innocent Nwadike of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka said that any ethnic group that has no language is a slave of others; nay not worthy to live. He called on the Anambra State Government to consider other ways of immortalizing Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu by way of naming institutions after him. Prof. Nwadike also called on well meaning leaders in the South East zone to consider how to uplift the image of the late Igbo icon.

The guest speaker bemoaned the apathy often displayed by the Igbo people in neglecting forum for book launch, seminars etc, instead making preference to attending social gatherings. Prof. Nwadike also recalled for the attention of the audience the various comments made by some scholars on the person of Late Chief F.C. Ogbalu. For Professor Emenanjo, Ogbalu was a dynamo and catalyst for Igbo renaissance. Professor Nnolim said that Chief Ogbalu single handedly drew world attention to Igbo language and culture. The guest speaker reassured the audience that the sustenance of Igbo language and culture is on course. He said that as long as people like him are alive, the language will not go into extinction.

The highpoint of the occasion was the rendition of a song composed by the late Igbo icon in 1949 with a theme calling on the resuscitation of Igbo Language and Culture.

Representatives of the Anambra State Government, Commissioners for Education and Information reaffirmed the State Government’s determination in the promotion of Igbo Language and Culture. Through their separate speeches they commended the State Government’s efforts and the organizers of the lecture.

Present at the occasion were the Archbishop of Province II and the Bishop of Awka (Anglican Communion) Most Revd. Maxwell Anikwenwa, traditional ruler of Abagana Igwe Obi Mbamalu Okeke, lovers of Igbo Language and culture drawn from Anambra State and beyond; members of Ogbalu family, University staff and students and members of the fourth estate of the realm.

Faculty of Natural Science fetes Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN)

All roads led to the Faculty of Natural Sciences on Friday, March 7, 2008 as the Faculty hosted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) to a valedictory lunch.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. P.C. Nnabude commended the Vice-Chancellor for his wonderful achievements within the past four and half years in office. He commended him particularly for his passion for the development of Science and Technology. The Dean went further to articulate the reasons why they are appreciating the Vice-Chancellor which include the array of Professors in the Faculty (about 30 so far), the transformation of the Science village, provision of 3-office blocks for the staff of the Faculty, creation of an enabling environment for teaching and learning; 100% success in accreditation of programmes of the faculty etc.

The Vice-Chancellor was described as the most IT – Compliant Vice-Chancellor in the country. The Dean later called on the Vice-Chancellor to see what he could do to build two more office blocks for the faculty before leaving or press on his successor to fulfill their dream.

In his thank you message, the Vice-Chancellor said that he lacked words enough to thank them for the honour done him. He called on the staff to eschew bitterness and rancour. He however expressed the hope that religious divisiveness would cease to be in UNIZIK when he has gone. Prof. Okafor maintained that a Vice-Chancellor should have vision and passion for the University; he must be courageous. He charged the staff to work harder to uplift the university.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to all the principal officers beginning with the dynamic Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) and his beautiful wife Lady Ego Okafor. On the heel of the presentation by the Faculty was departmental presentation of gifts to the Vice-Chancellor.

NASU disburses Motorcycles to its members

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Nnamdi Azikiwe University on 4 th February 2008 presented motorcycles to its members to promote and encourage them in their official duties.

The presentation ceremony which was briefly done in front of the administrative building of UNIZIK saw dignitaries like the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ilochi Okafor, SAN; Prof Sam Omenyi, (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof. B.C.E. Egboka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Administration); Mrs Nkoli A. Onyechi, (Registrar); Mr. E.N. Attado. (Bursar); Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, (Head, PRCM) and a host of others in attendance.

Delivering his speech before the official presentation of the motorcycles, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN) welcomed the non teaching staff on behalf of the University Management and congratulated the Non-Academic Staff Union’s Executives for a good idea and a work well done. Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor advised beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by promptly repaying for the motorcycle and maintaining it so as to last longer and serve them effectively.

The short ceremony ended with the Union Treasurer giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the Union.

Re-scheduled examination

A new date has been fixed for the commencement of the 2007/2008 First Semester Examination in UNIZIK.

According to the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. R.I. Egwuatu in a release to Deans of Faculties dated March 4, 2008, the examination earlier scheduled to commence on March 5, 2008 will now commence on Monday, March 10, 2008.

Visitation

A 3 – man Panel/team from the NUC and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) visited the Faculty of Law of Nnamdi Azikiwe University on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 to carry out census of Law Students and the academic staff in the Faculty. Similar visits were paid to other universities in the country with a view to getting the actual number of Academic Staff and Law Students in the faculties.


NYSC educates UNIZIK potential Corpers

The potential corpers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University were on Wednesday 5th March 2008 sensitized by National Youth Service.

The Pre-mobilization sensitization program is basically to let the graduands get some useful information about NYSC scheme and not to carry erroneous impression about the scheme.

Mr. Kolo, a staff of NYSC Anambra spoke on the four cardinal programmes of NYSC which a qualified Corps member must pass through. He explained the mobilization process; Orientation program which comes after being mobilized from respective institutions of higher learning; primary Assignment/Community Development and winding-up/Passing out program.

Also, Mrs. Dora Ikpeme, Head, mobilization NYSC Anambra enlightened the potential corps members on eligibility to serve which she said for a graduate to be eligible to serve, he/she must obtain the relevant qualification from institutions of higher learning either within or outside the country. To be exempted from service, she said, graduates can only be exempted based on a genuine case and must be over 30years of age at the time of graduation, while graduates or corps member can only be deployed from one state to another only on the grounds of being genuinely married with a certificate backing or on the basis of a life threatening ailment.

To end her speech, Mrs. Ikpeme warned graduates to desist from providing fake notification of result or credentials as National Youth Service Corps is not a do or die affair.

Highlights of last week’s management committee meeting


  • The DVC (Admin), Prof. BCE Egboka informed management that Esso oil servicing company had donated an 18-seater coaster bus to the Department of Geological Sciences of the University plus N1.5 million for field work for a period of three years.
  • Management was informed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sam Omenyi that he received e-mail message from one of the medical students who went for the clinical exchange programme to USA that they arrived safely and had settled down for the programme.
  • Management directed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Sam Omenyi to prepare a letter of appreciation to Mrs. Stella Okoli MON, which the Vice-Chancellor will sign, for the successful hosting of the conference on entrepreneurship and Governor Peter Obi for presenting a brilliant lead paper.
  • Management directed that both Pre-science and CEP students should be mandated to buy T-shirts and Caps having received a report from the Bursar on the number of Caps and T-shirts available.
  • Management considered the request for the refund of N32,500.00 being pre-science school fees paid by Ngozika Onyetube G., a Pre-science candidate who was allegedly offered admission but was not registered because she had fraudulently doctored her qualifications and decided not to approve the refund. The registrar was directed to inform her accordingly.
  • Management considered the 2006/2007 Income and Expenditure profile of the school of Postgraduate Studies submitted by Prof. O.L. Anike and approved it subject to the following comments:
    • No provision of hotel accommodation to external examiners after they have been duly paid their honoraria and per diem allowances.
    • The employment of casual staff was rejected as it runs contrary to earlier management decision on the matter.
    • Management had previously provided computers, computer furniture and UPS for the various offices.
  • Management noted the lists of allottees and grades of payment to the University as compiled by the Business Manager, Mr. Ikenta H.C. and directed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. B.C.E. Egboka, to liaise with him to collect all the debts owed the University as quickly as possible.
  • Management directed the Bursar to make enquiry from other Universities how they settle SIWES allowances for lecturers as council had earlier insisted that internally generated revenue should not be used in settling arrears of SIWES allowances for academic staff.
  • Management noted the request of payment for the supply and installation of essential equipment for accreditation to the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnewi Campus, by Chief (Dr) C.O. Anosike, Managing Director, Cosa Nigeria Limited and directed that the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology be invited to the next meeting of the University Management Committee for its discussion.
  • Management deliberated on the application of Enechukwu Onyebuchi A. for the refund of the school fees he paid in CEP programme in the Department of Accountancy. He got Direct Entry Admission (Regular) after he had paid his fees the same session in CEP programme in the same Department. He therefore pleaded with Management for a refund or transfer of the School fees to regular programme. Management thereafter approved transfer of the school fees for only one session.
  • Management noted the letter of appreciation by Mrs. Stella. Okoli (MON) for the University’s successful hosting of the first Chike Okoli International Conference on Entrepreneurship and the request for more space at its the permanent site. The DVC (Academic), Prof. Sam Omenyi was directed to discuss with the Director of the centre, Prof. Ben C. Osisioma for allocation of more space.
  • Management noted the letter of resumption of duty of Mr. Majesty Ignatius Ezeani who completed his study leave abroad and approved the application for the resumption of duty.
  • Management considered the memorandum by Prof. Alice N. Ndu on the visit of the two staff of Kennesaw State University Georgia, USA to the University in continuation of the exchange programme between the University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
  • Management also approved that Dr. Anyachebelu of the Faculty of Education and a lecturer to be selected by the DVC (Academic) from the Department of English Language and Literature should attend 3 – 4 days Language/Reading Skills Development programme at the University of Ibadan.
  • Management considered and approved the application for the post of Graduate Assistant in the Department of English Language and Literature by Chukwuma-Ezike, Ifeoma Ezinne who made first class honours in English Department in 2006 session. She is to teach English in the pre-science programme.
  • Management also considered and approved the conversion of Mr. Izuchukwu I. Obiadi a Graduate Assistant of the Department of Geological Sciences to Assistant Lecturer having completed his Masters programme at the University of Leeds, England.
  • Management noted the receipt of the Intercontinental Bank Interim Dividend in the sum of N1, 464,264.90 from the Chairman of the bank, Dr Raymond C. Obieri (OON) and directed the Bursar Mr. E.N. Attado to acknowledge the receipt of same.
  • Management in a meeting with lecturers that are teaching General Studies Courses directed that those who refuse to submit their GS results will not receive their salaries in accordance with Senate decision. Again, those who have excess work-load should make their case known to the management for consideration. Management reminded the lecturers that no GS class should exceed 500 students and that public Address system should always be in place to reach out effectively to the students.
  • Management considered the request for rekitting of security patrolmen by the Chief Security Officer, Cdr. J.N. Orakwelu. Botany Tailors and Fashion Tailors/Boutique Inter. Ltd were approved to supply the uniforms, while the stores officer and Chief Security Officer were to undertake market survey of other materials.
  • Management noted the proposed donation of a Coaster Bus by the Union Bank Plc to the University and their apology for delay in delivering it. They also acknowledged the allocation of a plot of land by the University for the construction of their branch in Unizik.. The Bursar was directed to unfreeze the salaries accounts of University staff with the bank.
  • Management considered the invitation to participate in the Architects Colloquium 2008 and the Nigerian Development Agenda from the President of ARCON, Arch. Mohammed J. Faworaja and approved the sum of N250,000.00 as the participation cost for our staff members who will participate in the programme. The conference holds from 1 st to 3 rd April, 2008 at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
  • Management considered the application for the post of an Administrative officer by one Ifeyinwa J. Arinze purported to be the niece of Cardinal Francis Arinze. The Registrar was directed to invite her fro interview while the DVC(Admin) is to confirm through e-mail if actually it was Cardinal Francis Arinze that wrote the letter attached to her application.
  • Management approved that the embargo earlier placed on the payment of the salary of Mr. S.C. Abuchi of the Department of Radiography be uplifted having submitted the 2006/2007 sessional results of the department.
  • Management considered three tenders for the printing of 100,000 copies of answer booklets for the CEP Unit. Tobenna Press Nigeria Ltd was awarded the contract having been the lowest bidder.
  • Management also considered the notice of involvement of two fraudsters who were alleged to be students of UNIZIK in an attempted withdrawal of the sum of N700,000.00 from Fidelity Bank Plc. Awka branch. Further investigation revealed that Ayalogu Benedict is a bonfide student of UNIZIk in the Department of Mathematics whereas Esiobo, Vincent Dafe is not. Management therefore directed that Ayalogu Benedict be expelled from the university.
  • Management considered and approved the request for the supply of laboratory consumables for the Faculty of Natural Sciences for the month of March 2008 to the tune of N1,905,387.67.
  • Management noted the budget proposal of over N2,394,000.00 presented by the Director of Sports for the West African University Games at the University of Legon, Ghana 2008 and rejected the participation of the University on account of its huge expense.
  • Management pardoned Prof. Chika Moore of the Department of Mathematics for abandoning his duty post for one month on receipt of his apology, but thereafter advised him to be of good behaviour next time.
  • The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has approved for the verification of the attendance sheets for batches 13 and 14 of Universal Mandatory IT training of the Students as bonafide students of the University before payment would be made to the management of AfriHub at UNIZIK. Meanwhile, the Bursar has been informed accordingly by the Registrar.
  • The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University at its `78 th meeting held on Monday, 25 th February, 2008 considered and approved the letter from Miss Helen Udenka of the department of Political Science for a three – month Sick Leave with effect from 31 st January, 2008. The approval is to enable her recuperate.
  • The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University at its 178 th Meeting held on Monday, 25 th February 2008 considered and approved the renewal of Contract of Prof. R.I. Egwuatu, Director, Academic Planning with effect from 2 nd March, 2008.
  • Management at its 179 th meeting set up a three-man panel to investigate the massive failure in the 2 nd and 5 th MBBS examinations. Management found the massive failure not only distressing but the result unacceptable because it depicted a very bad image of the Faculty of Medicine more so when the students were screened before admission. The panel members are

Prof. R.I. Egwuatu – Chairman

Prof P.I.S. Okafor - Member

Prof. Ifeom Enweani – Member

The Registrar will provide the secretary to the committee.

Terms of Reference

  • To investigate the massive failure of Medical students
  • To go deeply into the root cause of the high rate of failure
  • To look into the present system of publishing the results of Professional examinations in the Faculty of Medicine after the external examiners have left.
  • To look at the attendance sheet, question papers, marking scripts etc.
  • To check whether the students were being taught properly.
  • Whether the admission process was wrong.
  • To look into the need to change the present system whereby, the Vice-Chancellor is called upon to approve results after the external examiners have gone; when nothing could be done to the results.

The panel has up to the end of March to submit its findings.

  • Management entered into an agreement with Chisco transport on Friday, 29 th February, 2008 for the building of the Department of Transportation which is a replica of the School of Postgraduate Studies. Chisco will bring N40m while the University will bring a matching counterpart fund of N22m. The building will be named after Chisco.
  • Management has directed that Delic Nig Ltd be blacklisted for carrying out a shoddy job for the University. Also the Physical Planning Unit was reprimanded for not informing management about the defects from the beginning when it was noticed.
  • Management was informed that the 7 th Convocation will hold between 21 st – 26 th April 2008 and that the president has directed the Minister of Education to represent him.
  • Management considered the case of Mr. Edward Anyanwu (Driver) for exhibiting various forms of misconduct including absenteeism, dereliction of duty, rudeness, gross indiscipline and total disobedience of regulations. Management directed the Registrar to give detailed charges of his offence for his trial and to send him on suspension immediately. Thereafter, his case should be referred to the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee.
  • Management considered and approved the request of Prof. Godwin Onu, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences to establish a Faculty Business Venture – to plant corn, establish banana orchard and build a modest fish pond. Management emphasized that it must be restricted to only agro business.
  • Management considered and approved a request by the Divisional Police Officer, SP Francis Areguamen,, soliciting for a donation of N50,000 from the University to enable them repair their patrol 504 station wagon which was out of use.
  • Management noted the letter from the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) formerly known as ASUTON, informing it of the formal registration of the new name.
  • Management approved the purchase of one KEKE NAPEP for the distribution of NAUOSIL Spring water within the campus and two motorcycles for delivering of mail on campus.

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