By Emeka Attah
Hitting the ground running immediately after his first day in office last Tuesday, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Benard Ifeanyichukwu Odoh has commenced on-Campus tour of various Faculties in the universities.
This is in line with his “Disruptive Model” development blueprint which he unveiled immediately on assumption of duty while addressing the university community. The blueprint comprises five core objectives which included “Developing Industry Ready Graduates, Enhancing Research and Development (R&D), Integrate Disruptive Technologies, Strengthen Industry-Academia Partnerships and Achieving Sustainable Growth”
The VC’s Tour commenced with a visit to the Faculty of Management Sciences where the team comprising also the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Rev. Fr. Arch. Prof. Peter Chukwuemeka Agbonome, the Registrar, Barr. Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike , Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Infrastructure and Green, Rev. Fr. (Engr) Chetanna Chukwuneke, SAVC Accreditation, Prof Chigozie Damian Ezeonyejiaku and Prof. Anthony Okoye, Coordinator, Campus Utilities, among others, were received by the Dean, Prof. PVC Okoye, along with department heads.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Odoh encouraged the Faculty to focus on shaping innovative graduates ready to tackle global challenges. He assured the Faculty of his administration’s full support to make the faculty competitive on both local and international stages.
At the Faculty of Physical Sciences, it was like a home-coming for the Vice Chancellor having been a product of the Department of Applied Geophysics of the Faculty.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor promised to complete the abandoned classrooms and office building in the Faculty.
He said "Physical Sciences is my home. I'll give all the support I can give to upgrade the infrastructure here. I will commit 100M research grant in 2025 through the help of friends of the University to help solve problems as it affects the University and the society. Research that builds market needs. Key focus will be energy, agrotech and healthcare".
At the Faculty of Engineering and Production Workshops, the Vice Chancellor not only spoke to the minds of the staff members but also charged them to brace up for the tasks ahead.
He said "I am seeking your cooperation and support to move this University forward. My commitment to this office is borne out of a deep love for our institution, and my foremost priority is its growth and success.
“Faculty of Engineering must deliver value to the society through its programs. It must offer practical solutions to the daily challenges we face in society. There is work to do. We must all roll up our sleeves and be partners in progress".
The Vice Chancellor also spoke with deep rooted conviction and commitment to deliver on his stated core objective when he spoke during his visit to The Faculty of Law.
“It's a proud moment for me to be here in the Faculty of Law because of its importance to our University and the nation. I am impressed by the quality of lecturers here who over the years have remained upright
To ensure that the Faculty of Law continue to produce quality graduates, my administration will do all within its powers to support the Faculty with solid infrastructure”.
He said the power of the alumni would be harnessed to fully support the Faculty and the University to grow.
“To show my commitment to taking Nnamdi Azikiwe University to greater heights, I will live inside the campus, just beside the Law Faculty. That way, I'll closely monitor activities on campus” he stated.
