* Unveils a ‘Disruptive Development Model’ administrative blueprint
Newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Benard Odoh has formally assumed office with a vow to sustain the legacies of the Great Zik in pursuit of excellence, steadfast commitment to innovation and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
Odoh who addressed a mammoth crowd of the academia, community stakeholders after a church service at St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy of the university to mark his first day in office , told the university community that politics over the selection of the Vice-Chancellor is over, stressing that the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor are incontrovertible, a veiled reference to an attempt by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education to cancel his appointment on allegation of incomplete recruitment processes.
He unveiled his administration’s blueprint titled “Disruptive Model” and called on the university community to immediately key into the lofty programmes of his administration geared towards establishing Nnamdi Azikiwe University among the top 50 universities in Africa, while reshaping and repositioning the university to contest for a position in the first 500 universities in global ranking of universities through the Disruptive Development Model ( 2024-2029).
He said the university under his administration will reward excellence and hard work and at the same time be harsh to indiscipline and indolence.
He said his vision is “to transform UNIZIK into a leading beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Africa” while the mission is to “cultivate graduates who are not only market-ready but also poised to excel in the global economy “.
Odoh outlined the core objectives of his administrative blueprint to include “Development of Industry- Ready Graduates, Enhance Research and Development, Integrate Disruptive Technologies, Strengthen Industry- Academia Partnerships and Achieve Sustainable Growth.”
“Together we will face the challenges and opportunities ahead with a commitment to excellence. We stand at a pivotal threshold of history beckoning us to chart a course that aligns with the Zikist vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in the arts, humanities, and allied sciences.
“Together, we will build upon the foundation laid by our esteemed namesake and strive to make Nnamdi Azikiwe University a beacon of progress, a hub of knowledge and a catalyst for the advancement of Africa,” he declared.
In his vision of shaping the university for the future, Odoh said through the Disruptive Development Model, there would be a strategic framework to boost academic quality, innovation and global competitiveness.
In achieving this, he outlined 11 goals to be pursued which included establishment of Centre for Raw Materials Development and Beneficiation, Enhancing Academic Excellence, Strengthening Academic Excellence , Improving Infrastructure , Promoting Research and Innovation, Establishment of International Collaborations and Enhancement of Community Engagement among others.
He also identified key projects and strategic initiatives which comprise another 11 core projects, including the completion of a Vice Chancellor’s residence by 2026, which he noted would enhance administrative functions, foster role model presence , strengthen university culture and community engagement.
The Vice Chancellor also said immediate commitment to on-campus leadership of his administration has commenced immediately as he has decided to convert the university kitchen to his residence which will undergo renovation within one month.
“I will be a permanent resident on campus within six weeks of my assumption of office. Establishing a continuous 24/7 leadership presence on campus is not just a symbolic gesture but a strategic decision to remain closely connected to the day –to- day pulse of the university.
“Being on the locus allows me to engage with students, faculty, and staff more directly, understand their concerns and aspirations firsthand, and respond quickly to any challenges. This close-knit leadership approach will foster a culture of transparency, accessibility and mutual respect-key values for any thriving academic community,” the vice chancellor stated.
Earlier in a sermon during the mass presided by the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy UNIZIK, Rev. Fr Religious Ezeokonkwo, the homilist, Rev. Fr Evaristus Iheanacho, in a sermon titled “Call to Serve” urged every member of the university community to work hard in upholding the motto of the institution in character and learning.
He prayed to God to give Professor Odoh the grace, strength and ability to do things right, fix things in their proper place and ensure progress of teaching, learning and especially, character formation.
The priest charged the Vice-Chancellor to discharge his duties with all diligence and do good to all men without bias, fear or favour.
He said it is the duty of all staff of the university to ensure that splendor of learning is maintained, pursuing the legacies of excellence, mentally sound environment and meritocracy while shunning mediocrity.
