Professor Joseph Ikechebelu has been appointed as the acting vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). This follows the end of the five-year term of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Esimone, on June 4, 2024.
According to journalists, the appointment of Ikechebelu was made at a special Senate meeting held in the university auditorium on Monday.
It was gathered that the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), directed all outgoing vice chancellors of federal universities to hand over to the most senior Deputy Vice Chancellor. This ensures a smooth leadership transition and maintains stability for university operations.
However, as the only Deputy Vice-Chancellor in UNIZIK, Professor Ikechebelu takes over from Professor Esimone in an acting capacity until a substantive vice chancellor is appointed. This decision was ratified by the University Senate during a special meeting.
In the statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, NUC, Chris J. Maiyaki, the outgoing Vice-Chancellors are also requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other relevant information forms part of the handover.
Professor Esimone highlighted some of his accomplishments during his tenure, including: implementing grant programmes and staff development opportunities; leading to the promotion of 150 staff members; Increasing the university's internally generated revenue (IGR) from N60 million to N90 million, Decentralising the matriculation process to faculties, Promoting faculty research and innovation through initiatives like the Inaugural Lectures Series and a new research center, Overseeing infrastructure development, including student hostels, a medical centre surge centre, and a community development centre, Professor Esimone expressed his pride in UNIZIK's achievements and his commitment to a smooth handover process.
