Cornucopia: Prof Joseph Ikechebelu …Flee…Flee For Your Life

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD

Will Prof Kingsley Ikechukwu Ubaoji return as ASUU NAU/UNIZIK Chairperson by June 2025? Or will former Chairman of NMA ,Prof Obi Nwosu take over? Or who? During the impasse between ASUU and Governing Council of NAU/Unizik, ASUU was sabotaged? Who was the saboteur? Even now, ASUU still suffers sabotage? A story for another day.

On 10th January, 2025, Prof Ik Harris Odimegwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka laid to rest his beloved mother, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Mgbeke Odimegwu to rest. A creme de la creme of the society attended the reception at Finotel hotel Awka, even when they are from Mbarakpaka, Ihiala, in Ihiala council area of Anambra state. A story for another day.

Deanship election of the Faculty of Social Sciences is coming up soon. Prof Frank-Collins Okafor shall be stepping aside by February and a new sheriff is warming up. Already, 7 candidates have indicated interest for the job. But, the worrying aspect is that 2 candidates each from 3 departments in the Faculty and 1 candidate from another department while the remaining is still watching. Will this election divide the Faculty more or restore unity?

Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu is the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. There is a prefix in the name though-‘Acting’, but, he is all the same in charge.

He has reiterated his commitment to his administration’s BLESSeD mantra, emphasizing its core principles of Beautifying and Lighting Up Unizik, fostering an environment of Excellence, ensuring Safe and Secure campuses, and embracing innovation to Digitize Unizik. The BLESSeD mantra is simply put:

-Beautify Unizik

• Light Up Unizik
• Excellent Unizik
• Safe and Secure Unizik
• Embrace Innovation Unizik
• Digitize Unizik

BLESSeD Unizik mantra of Prof Joseph Ikechebelu. Look at that. Prof is in love with this mantra. May God help him actualize his dreams for Unizik/NAU.

Prof. Ikechebelu’s administration’s BLESSeD mantra is simple about his mission in Unizik, showing a man who was ready for the task ahead.

Can I write about Unizik without a mention of a woman of substance and class, Hon Prof Oby Lilian Orogbu, member representing Awka North and South federal constituency? Former Dean management sciences, former HOD, former this, former that at Unizik/NAU before heading to the National Assembly.

She just completed reconstruction of a classroom block at Ezioka Community Secondary School, Awka. She was described as a champion of education and community development. She remembered journalists last Christmas. Her gesture was a surprise. Of all the lawmakers and political appointees nobody remembered journalists but Hon.Prof Orogbu. It’s still amazing.

A philanthropist and a business magnet, High Chief Azubuike Ekweozor from Umuawulu, Awka South local government area of Anambra state before Christmas paid medical bills for over 100 patients at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, (COOUTH). I was happy because High Chief Ekweozor is a Patron of the NUJ. His attention shall soon come to NUJ Anambra State Council. Isn’t it?

I read about importance of thieves in society and the piece was so real. I wanted to call the author, but it was an unknown author. And I didn’t have the luxury of time to begin the search on who authored the piece.

And again, a priest who was a pharmacist, Rev Fr Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, was killed by unknown assailants. The Catholic communities in Nnewi diocese, Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province and Anambra State were pained. But, immediately news filtered in that his elder brother was shot at Agulu some years back on the Valentine’s Day, about 2013. Any benefits in killing others in society? What is the sin of the Okonkwo”s from Ekwulumili? What a devastating blow to the aged parents.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University was so toxic in 2024 until December. Such toxic environment could cause departments to fail the accreditation exercise. Thank God many departments succeeded under Prof Ikechebelu. A story for another day.This is a new year, let’s pray for a glorious university devoid of malignant toxic elements.

The coming of Prof Ikechebelu is heralding good tidings from one success story to the other. Just last week, an Engineer, Dr Chigozie Francis Uzoh, won Alexander Von Humboldt Fellowship for experienced researchers.

For me, whether the Acting Vice-Chancelor met an empty treasury is immaterial. What is important is that against all odds , he provided 10kg of rice productivity bonus to all the staff. Those saying hurtful things or making a mountain out of it should know that this shouldn’t be an issue because Jesus Christ was hanged for the sake of humanity, yet we haven’t appreciated Him for once. Those who have eaten it said it’s one of the best in the market, thus rekindling the hope of the staff for a better tomorrow. Staff welfare prioritized.

At the 53rd Convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Ikechebelu represented the Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, where he charged Nigerian universities to prioritize research and innovation which is their core mandate to address societal challenges. It’s a mileage!

ARTMA boys are on rampage, but are the authorities aware? They now arrest people in areas not marked. For example, the Ministry of Works road from Bishop Crowther Seminary to Zik’s Avenue has been a reoccurring bad experience for motorists.

There is no sign of one-way traffic there because those who constructed the road intend that people joining the Zik’s Avenue should go through the part entering Ministry of Works immediately after fence of Federal Science and Technical College, former GTC Awka and join from NIPCO heading to Paul University Awka, while those entering the Works Road to Bishop Crowther Seminary axis should enter same lane coming down immediately after Federal Science and Technical College Awka, while those going to Amawbia goes in through the road close to Rain Oil, but ARTMA people laid ambush there arresting and extorting unsuspected road users.
People have been extorted in millions after the MD of ARTMA , Emeka Okonkwo aka Konti, has said the route was unmarked and using it should not constitute traffic offence. Konti told me. I just investigated the act and the discovery was mind boggling. I shall let you know more, but not today.

Gratitude is a virtue. Do you know that! For me, it’s a song on my lips. Ingratitude is a sin. The greatest book even referenced that in Revelation 3:17.

Nigerian students are being misled into get-rich-quick syndrome in all manners, even as they now behave as our mentors in our own territory, even when we are their fathers and guardians. Thet believe in quick money, doing everything possible to ride in schools as students, thus, engaging in all manners of illegality and illegitimate deals. May God help us.! Amen!

But with Zain African Challenge won by three smart students from University of Ibadan, there is hope as it resonates with Nigerians. It shows there is hope for the country in every universal contest, if things are gotten right with leadership.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists Anambra State Council is set for it’s 2025 Outreach to the poor and downtrodden, but, lack of resources is hindering the movement, even when election for new executives is at hand.

It was chaotic when the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, got agitated over their members’ disenfranchisement from participating in the race for who becomes the Vice-Chancellor of Unizik. They were not particular about Prof Joseph Ikechebelu but their members in general .And already, Prof Carol Arinze-Umeobi was the then Acting Vice-Chancelor. Dr. Victor Modekwe and Dr Sunday Orji, chairman and secretary of MDCAN and the other pillars were out to wrestle the Governing Council , whatever it takes. They understood the power of the media. They utilized it beyond my imagination without blinking on resources. They were committed and calculated. The media went frenzy with unizik with one hot story every moment.
The press statements were always in tandem with their heart desires,they never missed the point insisting that their path way wasn’t first degree, Master’s degree and a PhD but first degree (MBBS/BDS,) primary fellowship examination, Part I fellowship examination and part II/final fellowship examination, culminating in a medical fellowship. The argument was that postgraduate medical fellowship is equivalent to a PhD. They argued that the advertisement for a new VC was done to exclude qualified lecturers from Faculties of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences and Basic Clinical Sciences. And the Governing Council wasn’t listening until they downed tools. It was serious. Their agitation shook the country, unlike the cowards elsewhere. I shall name them.

Life is miserable. Life is brutish. Everyone is scared. And throughout the vacation many were having trepidation of hearts about their offices in Unizik aside troubles at home front of brothers ganging up against others to waylay, kidnap for ransom or outright killing for no justifiable reason if not envy, jealousy and greed. But, something strange happened at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Nothing to my knowledge was reported to have got lost in the entire university environment during the holidays. For the first time in a long time, security personnel did their job. They kept vigil in the school ensuring nothing got stolen. The story before now was unbelievable. Iron bars in public glare were stolen, offices burgled , vehicles vandalised and air conditioners stolen to mention but a few. Imagine security stopping people to know exactly where they were going, even stopping all vendors from entering till after break. It was hailed and Prof Ikechebelu had thumps up for that feat.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka is now in the news for good reasons. As the news of the new Super Eagles’ Coach Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle is catching attention, so is the news of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka under the watch of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu is catching attention.

As predicted, the unizik we know is taking back its glory. The University is now the first Nigerian university to win the prestigious World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair Programme. The award, valued at 200,000 Swiss Francs, approximately 34.1 million naira, was presented to the institution in recognition of its commitment to advancing academic activities related to trade in developing and least-developed countries.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, and Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Director International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR), NAU/UNIZIK, recieved the honour and prize alongside the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

Lecturers and their thankless jobs, particularly the professors. Have you seen a professor enjoying his retirement? They still struggle to pick up bills and do almost all they did in active service elsewhere just to survive, right? Some of those politically exposed are not in this category. Have you heard what a retired General takes home? $20,000 medical allowance, bullet proof SUV , cooks and other domestic servants to mention but a few. Have you heard about benefits of all those politicians, be it President, Vice-President, Governor, Deputy, Local Government chairman commisioners ,ministers etc? They are settled in millions but civil servants take peanuts for life. Lecturers at the centre of training everyone go home with almost nothing. If a PhD is taking a paltry sum depending on years of service, what’s the fate of GA among others. Professors are in trouble in this life.

Now, there is a challenge! Challenge between negative forces and genuine forces. This is because if the management of Unizik decides to implement a new circular on work ethics, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and his team shall be seen as wicked or witch-hunting, even when the right thing is being done. In some classes and offices, dust has taken over without cleaners in sight. Is this supposed to be? Does the Prof Ikechebelu-led management possess the capacity to implement decisions capable of turning the institution away from various distractions? Our workplace attitude is embarrassing, but still determines progress made and challenges thereto. I pity some lecturers particularly those not paid in a school where sale of handouts and textbooks are forbidden. And the worst is lack of love between lecturers. Negative energy everywhere born out of envy, divide and rule, jealousy and grandstanding.

NAU/UNIZIK has scored an all time global high. Unprecedented in the last 30 years. No varsity in Nigeria even in Africa has attained that feat. But, UNIZIK /NAU did that.
Added to it was the list of Directors and Deputy Directors as well as Coordinators and Chairmen of Committees released by the Acting Vice-Chancellor. So many who weren’t in anticipation got big offers including heading directorates. It restored calm to the university. It removed pensive mood and all sorts of permutations. So many lips were shut. Rumours dispelled, restoring peace and camaraderie to Zik’s university was the clincher of Prof Ikechebelu as selfishness ,acrimony, back biting, back stabbing, gossip and gang up filtered away momentarily.

Focus is life. The more focused you are, the better. Are there rules to success? Not at all. Every success begins with an idea, if you have faith in your abilities. That’s Prof Ikechebelu, but some are saying all kinds of things about him because he got focused on what he wished and never exchanges words or insults with anyone, despite the overwhelming situations before him. He simply made a purposeful choice and remained confident, shunning all toxic relationships and every atom of inferiority complex that has killed many.
For me, the wolves who wished Unizik to go down if it’s not them are still hovering, awaiting another opportunity. Who are these wolves? Was everyone intereeted in being a VC, a wolf? Not at all but those planning to rubbish the institution.
And they must be avoided. Prof Ikechebelu must flee their path. Indeed ,he must flee! Flee! Flee from all dream killers. Flee from all visionless people around the corridors, for truly some are petty, unprofitable and disgruntled despite their pretense.

Just yesterday, I was with some of them and like in a trance I saw how wicked their hearts were. Gossips for favour!

Nnamdi Azikiwe University when Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, was in the saddle ranks high in the meta ranking of about 202 universities. And Unizik has ranked high in Best Value University in Nigeria for International Students, and got placed among the tops Best Value University in the World rankings. The school also was high in the global 2024 rating, and rated high in the top research topics. The Director of Academic Planning, Prof Angela Ufele couldn’t be reached as at press time. I shall revisit this.

On taking over, Professor Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, pledged a transformative approach to the administration of the institution.

But for non payment of some staff traumatized by IPPIS, most of whom have not recieved salaries in the last 4 to 5 years, staff members of UNIZIK are generally happy that things are turning around for good for the university. Unizik is now a happy university! Is it?

But, a lady who has not recieved a dime in 5 years is mad at me for this piece. She was unhappy, recounting what happened at Enugu IPPIS office when Prof Ikechebelu was DVC.

But, good a thing, Prof Ikechebelu has pledged commitment to leading UNIZIK on a path of excellence, hence he appealed to those not yet receiving salary to be calm.
 
Prof. Ikechebelu had acknowledged the pressing power challenges and prioritized addressing them urgently. He outlined plans to bolster campus security through innovative programmes and assured that the digitalization efforts would encompass every stage of the students’ journey, from admission to graduation and beyond, including the collection of transcripts.
 

He allso highlighted the importance of a visually appealing campus, asserting that a pleasant ambiance is a hallmark of a distinguished institution. He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Prof. Charles Esimone,FAS, for his visionary leadership under the ‘Project 200’ initiative and praised the university community for their unwavering support.

 Prof. Ikechebelu came on June 3, 2024, following a directive from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for outgoing Vice-Chancellors to nominate a Deputy Vice-Chancellor to temporarily assume the role. He took over on June 4, 2024, following a formal handover ceremony, but ASUU raised some issues leading to the Governing Council’s intervention that truncated the smooth ride. Then entered Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, after which came Prof Bernard Odoh with traumatizing circumstances for everyone. More story on this!
 
Money is good. I wanted to visit friends during the yuletide like Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR ,Dikeora , Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines did visit High Chief Kenneth Ifekaudu , Agbalanze , Ife Ozubulu touring his mansion- a heaven on earth, but none of my friends agreed I shall tour their houses. They don’t have mansions yet.

I tried reaching out to the Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office ( ANCISRO), Chief Sir Chuka Nnabuife, to discuss how NUJ shall partner his agency to champion value reorientation and enthrone virtues of diligence, patriotism, and integrity to our youngsters. But, I realized adults too have complex and orientation issues and I postponed the arrangement.

But, for God’s intervention, Unizik was at the verge of being ranked zero in all aspects sequel to selfishness, power struggle, mob condemnation without reason and greed.

Where is the Solar complex installed by a German organisation at Unizik/NAU? Remember, the solar panels were installed pro bono in a space almost the size of a football field to supply the bulk of the electricity needs of the school. Was it sabotaged or inferior materials.ASUU even set up a committee on that.

Contract inflation is infuriating, particularly in an academic environment, but what can ordinary mortals do, when journalists are just looking?

When it became an issue, I laughed in “Amanuke” because those in the system know where it’s coming from. Can it ever stop? Not at all. Imagine contract requirements for accreditation across departments were so inflated that idiots even noticed that Satan is human. These investigations were across Federal establishments in Anambra and even state agencies and if the report is released, it will be clear to all that some men are so greedy, and that ,even women involved appeared to be greedier than the men. Why should an agency budget N150,000,000 for it’s accreditation, but people in procurement departments etc in connivance with some people in leadership, external goons and contractors inflate it to N750,000,000, yet at the end of the day, substandard things, and cheapest at that, would be bought? Why?
Self aggrandisement is the order of the day.

In the words of Prof Ikechebelu, the recent challenges faced by the institution was “traumatic” but he assured the University community, the Nigerian public and the global academic community that Unizik is now firmly back on track. He expressed profound gratitude to all who stood on the part of truth to ensure sanity was restored to Unizik including, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt intervention in the crisis.

He also thanked the new Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, and other stakeholders for their crucial roles in resolving the impasse. Their collective efforts, he noted, reflect a commitment to sustaining the stability of Nigeria’s university system.

Prof. Ikechebelu emphasized that his immediate task is to douse tensions and foster unity within the University, thus he said : “We are bringing everyone together to work as one family.

“The management has already met and taken resolutions aimed at achieving lasting peace. Our mantra remains: Happy Productive Staff and Happy Progressive students. Unizik is re-energized and ready to excel,” he assured.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to maintaining and improving its global rankings while addressing lingering issues, including unpaid staff salaries.

“We will not relent in ensuring that all outstanding salaries are paid. By God’s grace, this set of staff will be absorbed and paid,” he promised.
 

The Vice-Chancellor also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Unizik chapter and the National body for their resilience on the issues.
 
As well, Prof Ikechebelu has resolved to make the UNIZIK Octagon Twin Lake Golf Course to attain International standard. That was on 26th December 2024 during the one-day 2024 Christmas Kitty Golf Championship held at the institution’s Golf Course.

For the newly elected Global President of the UNIZIK Alumni Association, Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh, who is also a head of department at Unizik/NAU and his team of executives, this is a time to partner the university like never before to actualize more alumini homecoming and Investment in the university named after the greatest African ever lived, The Zik of Africa, Owelle of Onitsha, Right Hon.Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

This is coming as Sabrud Consortium, a meter manufacturing company based in Awka has signed an agreement with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik/NAU) for mass deployment of metres to electricity consumers within the university community.
 
Mr Chiso Nwangwu, Managing Director of Sabrud Consortium led his team to sign for his company encouraged other bulk users to key into this community mass metering initiative and avoid the problems of estimated billing.
 
Dr Steve Ufoaroh, Chairman of the University Electricity Monitoring Committee said the synergy would address the challenge of energy theft and engender responsible energy use among customers in the University.

Asso. Prof. Uche Ekwugha
President, Ogidi Women, Awka Branch was excited and so were so many from Ogidi and beyond as Prof Ada Omenyi was appointed Special Adviser Academics to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Unizik/NAU. She has been this and that including former council member. Same scenario in Awka as the host of the university when Prof Au Nnonyelu was announced as Special Adviser to the Acting Vice-Chancellor on General Duties/SAVC Administration. The other host of Unizik/NAU Awka North via Amansea community didn’t get captured in anything or so I think.

Indeed! Something glorious is happening in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka under the new pilot, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu.

Should I continue?

Shalom!

Cornucopia is a weekly column of Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD.
Odogwu is a known Journalist, Editor, Media & Public Relations Consultant, Media Entrepreneur, Teacher, Lecturer, Motivator, Unionist, Community Leader, Social Analyst and Famous Blogger, as well as Social Media Entrepreneur, Editor-In-Chief and Conversationalist @ www.odogwublog.com among others.
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