By Charles Otu
The newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Benard Odoh on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024 assumed duty on his first day in office at the Awka main campus with a promising blueprint that would place the institution on a global map. This is as he was welcomed by a mammoth crowd of the academia, community stakeholders, friends and associates.
Beginning with a church service at St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy of the University attended by over 100 priests, Professors, Deans and Heads of Department among others, the Vice-Chancellor dropped hints of his broad vision to uplift the standard of teaching and learning in the temple of knowledge.
Odoh, had in his speech during the Church service disclosed plans to attract over N70 billion for the University within the next five years, aiming to position UNIZIK among Africa’s top 50 universities and within the top 500 globally.
Funding, he said, would come from tuition fees, partnerships, and grants, with a focus on Public-Private Partnerships expected to raise over N10 billion by co-financing critical infrastructure projects and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“As part of our commitment, we’ve distributed a ‘social contract’ booklet outlining our five-year vision for UNIZIK,”
“The era of politics over the VC selection is behind us; let’s focus on moving UNIZIK forward,” Odoh stated.
The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning against disloyalty and indiscipline, emphasizing his intent to foster unity and commitment across the university.
“The law of the university is clear, and I was appointed through due process. I won’t entertain divided loyalties. I’ll approach my role with humility but will be strict in enforcing policies. From day one, discipline is non-negotiable. UNIZIK has been on a decline, and we must all work together to revive it.”
Odoh, an alumnus of the university, underscored his dedication by announcing plans to reside on campus.
“I want to experience what students and staff experience. If there’s a power outage, I’ll feel it too. My goal is to live and work here closely with the community,” he said.
Outlining his vision, the VC highlighted his experience as both an academic and a businessman, expressing confidence in his ability to attract substantial funding and drive reforms.
“We aim to raise N70 billion over five years, utilizing PPPs and other funding channels.
“Currently, UNIZIK ranks 22nd among Nigerian universities—a position I find unacceptable. My goal is to elevate our university into Africa’s top 50 and to compete globally among the top 500 institutions,” Odoh stated
The Vice-Chancellor’s strategic plan includes eleven core initiatives, spanning role model development, a strengthened university culture, and enhanced community engagement to drive academic excellence and competitiveness on a global scale.
Shortly after the Eucharistic Thanksgiving service, the office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar were blessed by the priests before the Vice-Chancellor proceeded to the auditorium to address the University Community.
From there, the entourage proceeded to the University auditorium where he held N interactive session with staff of the University. During his speech, the Vice-Chancellor masterfully unveiled his administration’s blueprint titled: “ *Disruptive Model* ”.
He reminded the University Community that politics of the selection of the Vice-Chancellor was over and that there was no controversy over the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.
Odoh therefore called on the University Community to cue-in immediately 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 which he is determined to run throughout his tenure, ( from 2024-2029).
He said the university under his administration would 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 thatT aligns with the Zikist vision of positioning Africa as a global leader in the arts, humanities, and allied sciences.
“As we embark on this journey, let our guide be the principles and ideals Nnamdi Azikiwe championed- a relentless pursuit of excellence, a steadfast commitment to innovation and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
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”.
On 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 comprises 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 had decided to convert the university kitchen to his residence which will undergo renovation within one month,
“I will be on a permanent residence 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 aspiration 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.
“With a constant leadership presence, I am committed to bridging the gaps between administration and the university community, enhancing communication, trust, and accountability, which are critical to our collective growth and success” 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.
“I urge all members of this great citadel of learning to work together and in unity to restore the glory of this University. Only change is constant and positive change is what this University needs”.
He prayed 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.
Earlier, Professor Kenneth Nwogu from the university’s Faulty of Law, passed a vote of confidence on him on behalf of other staff, assuring that they would support him to move the institution to an enviable heights. All hands are therefore enjoined to be on deck and give the young Geophysicist the support he needs to translate his vision into action!
Charles Otu is a Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to Professor Benard Odoh_
