Esimone’s Address At 4th Year In Office Thanksgiving

1.0 INTRODUCTION

It is with mixed feelings that I welcome you to this thanksgiving service to mark the fourth year of my assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the University of All Times and to usher in my fifth and final year in office. I say mixed feeling on account of a sense of dismay arising from events in the international and national scene which have impacted negatively on Nnamdi Azikiwe University as on other institutions: the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of which I had assumed office which later locked down the country, followed by the nearly one-year nationwide Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike; and yet sadly enough, towards the end of my third year in office, yet began another strike in February 2022 which was called off in October 2022 subsisting well into my fourth in office.

These untoward events bogged down academic and development events in the Nigerian University system. Yet, on the other side of the coin, the sense of dismay is subdued by my immense gratitude to God for the significant progress we have made in spite of these odds.

Let me appreciate the presence of these pre-eminently eminent persons: His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the Executive Governor of Anambra State; His Deputy, His Excellency, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim; the Honourable Commissioners and other members of Anambra State Executive Council here present. I salute members of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council; and members of the Board of Directors of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School. I greet the Royal Fathers in our midst, I pay obeisance to the church dignitaries in our midst, particularly the Rt. Revd. Dr. Chukwudi Ezeofor, Bishop of Diocese of Aguata and Patron, Chapel of Glory who is leading the Clergy for this thanksgiving service.

2.0 THE VISION OF MY ADMINISTRATION

Four years ago, I assumed office with a Vision and attendant Mission articulated from my rich and variegated experiences in the Nigerian University system particularly after my enlistment as staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the various positions held therein, importantly, as Dean Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and a two-term Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

At every event of this nature, I recapitulate this Vision: to make Nnamdi Azikiwe University the best University in Nigeria, among the top ten (10) Universities in Africa and among the best two hundred (200) Universities in the world tagged project 200. For this purpose, I articulated a five-pronged strategy: the pursuit of Academic Excellence, Productive Community/Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Discipline and Advancements, popularly known as the ACADA Mission/Mission. It is important that, as we embark on the final year of my Administration we keep in mind the object of project 200, to apprise ourselves of all we yet have to do to optimally realize this noble goal. Thus, in the sections that follow, we appraise the incremental progress made in the fourth year of our administration towards realizing project 200.

3.0 DESTINATION: PROJECT 200; HOW FAR

On previous anniversaries of my assumption of office, the evaluation of progress made towards the attainment of project 200 had focused on the five-pronged strategies listed above, rather than the Nnamdi Azikiwe University world ranking, per se. After four years in office, we now begin to do so. In doing this, we should remember that Universities’ world ranking is not done in vacuo, but predicated on the output, particularly of research and scholarly publications, emanating from the staff. Thus we address first, this all important matter of University ranking before reverting to our traditional approach.

1) Stanford University, United States of America Ranking of World Scientists.

The Stanford University, USA in 2022 included two staff lecturers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Engr. (Dr) Christopher Igwe Idumah of the Department of Polymer Engineering; and Joshua Ighalo of the Department of Chemical Engineering among its top 2% of world Scientists.

2) Igbo Language As First African Language into Which Probiotics Infographics is Translated

Prof. Cecilia Eme of the Department of Linguistics and Kingsley Anukam of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences collaborated to translate Probiotic Infographics into Igbo Language, the first African Language among the world languages into which probiotic infographics has been translated. For the benefit of those who may not know, Probiotics concerns live micro-organisms which when introduced into the body would have health benefits, while Infographic is simply a visual representation of data as in a chart or diagram.

3) Scopus December 2022 Updated Report: Top 500 African Authors.

Scopus in its December 2022 updated report, listed six (6) staff of the University: Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, FPSN, of the Department of Biopharmaceutics and Medical Microbiology; Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Engr. Joshua Ighalo, of the Department of Chemical Engineering; Prof. Onukwuli Okechukwu Domninic, of the Department of Chemical Engineering; and Prof. Menkiti Mathew Chukwudi, of the Department of Chemical Engineering, among the top five hundred (500) authors of journal publications in Nigeria. Scopus is an Elsevier’s abstract and citation database covering thousands of titles, many of which are peer-reviewed, in life sciences, social sciences, physical sciences and health sciences.

4) Ranking of Universities in Nigeria

The Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2023 placed Nnamdi Azikiwe University 10th on Nigerian Universities ranking, with two other Universities, while the NUC ranking placed us 12th.

5) The World University Rankings 2023 By Subject

A Times Higher Education ranking of World Universities by discipline ranked Nnamdi Azikiwe University Clinical Health Sciences 801+.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that under our Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has come more prominently into national and international limelight, within the reach of project 200.

We can now in the sections below advert attention to evaluating progress along the line of the individual strategies.

4.0 THE PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The thrust of our efforts from the beginning had been to strengthen the institutional capacity of the University for Research and a more effective teaching-learning process along the following approaches:

 Adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to research and the teaching-learning process.

 Emphasis on translational research and commercialization of research findings.

 Setting up of a Grants and Patent Office to train staff and students on research grant sourcing and patenting.

 Encouraging staff and students to publish in selected high impact journal in various disciplines, with the University completely or partially assuming responsibility for publication charges. While the combined pursuit of these approaches has been the world-class accomplishments listed in the section above, other achievements, while not been internationally eye-catching as those listed above, but no less worthy of approbation, have been recorded, as outlined below:

1) Upping of the delivery of Inaugural Lectures from fortnightly to weekly and via zoom. From the inception of the University to June 2019 when I assumed office, a total of 47 inaugural lectures were delivered. However, from August 2019 till date a total of 36 inaugural lectures have been delivered, the almost 2½ years of Covid-19 Pandemic and ASUU strike notwithstanding.

2) Continued attraction of on-time TETFund intervention releases for various academic programmes:

 TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) intervention.
 Year 2022 Tertiary Education Trustfund (TETFund) Academic Staff Training and Development: N16,464,000 for foreign based training of three academic staff of the University.
 Year 2017 – 2022 TETFund Intervention in Research Projects.
 Agricultural Research Innovation Fellowship for Africa (ARIFA) – TETFund Project.

The ARIFA project is undertaken under the University’s Centre of Excellence for Engineering, Biosciences and Agriculture Translational Studies and is funded by TETFund. It embodies an agriculture innovation platform providing for staff of the University undergoing postgraduate training to be sent to Brazil, basically to undergo training in value-chain exploration and expansion of agriculture produce. On their return, they would, through the Centre for Engineering, Biosciences, Agriculture Translation Studies be the fulcrum for dissemination to the wider society.

Nine (9) staff of the University were recommended to TETFund for the project: one (1) for Masters, six (6) for Doctorate, and two (2) for Post-doctorate programmes respectively.

This Centre of Excellence was attracted under my administration. Since then we have had other Centres of Excellence, the most recent being the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN).

3) Accreditation Exercises

i) National Universities Commission November/December 2021 Exercise

A total of forty-seven (47) academic programmes were visited. Thirty-five (35) of these emerged with full accreditation, six (6) with interim accreditation and another six (6) with back-to-back interim accreditation.

ii) COREN Re-accreditation of undergraduate programmes of the Faculty of Engineering.

All six (6) academic programmes of the Faculty scored full accreditation, valid till February 2027.

4) The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) – Nnamdi Azikiwe University Foundation Plantation.

The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2022 with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for the establishment of a NCF-UNIZIK plantation, which has been flagged off. The MoU provided for collaboration/staff exchange between the Foundation and the University.

5) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School.

The School recorded the following successes:

i) Entered a partnership with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture on Short-term projects, including the teaching of French and Chinese Languages.

ii) Afrihub-UNIZIK partnership with foreign Universities on undergraduate, postgraduate and short-term programmes.

iii) Collaboration with the Centre for Regional and International Development (CRID), an international institute based in Canada and the United Kingdom.

iv) Attracted from Mr. Obiora Okonkwo, Founder and Chairman of Pro-Value Humanity Foundation, a fifteen million Naira (N15M) research grant for the project: Invigorating Entrepreneurial Behavior Through Enhanced Apprenticeship Scheme in Onitsha Market.

v) Attracted the Higher Education partnership in sub-Saharan Africa 22/24 Grant of one hundred thousand (100,000) British Pounds.

6) New Academic Programmes/Institute

i) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Maritime Institute, Onitsha

Through the Intermediation of Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, member representing Onitsha North/South in the 9th National Assembly, the University has set up a Maritime Institute in Onitsha.

ii) College of Postgraduate Studies in Concert with the relevant Faculties has established the following postgraduate programmes:

• Department of Quantity Surveying: PhD programme.
• Department of Banking and Finance: MPhil/PhD.
• Department of Business Administration: MPhil/PhD.
• Department of Entrepreneurship: PGD, M.SC and PhD.
• Centre for Eye Health Research and Training (CEHRAT): M.Sc. in Community Eye Health.
• Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and environmental Studies (COHSES): PGD in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Institute of Oncology and Centre for Cancer Research: M.Sc. and PhD in Oncology.
• Centre for Sustainable Development: M.Sc., MPCM in Peace and Conflict Management.

5.0 COMMUNITY/PUBLIC SERVICE

The thrust of our efforts here is to engage the society beyond the University in service delivery in various endeavours for the mutual benefit of the parties concerned and the University. Our effects in this wise are outlined below:

i) Service of staff of the University in other institutions
The public/community service mandate of our Administration is been delivered by staff of the University engaged in institutions and agencies beyond the University. In the Anambra State Government and its agencies, two staff of the University are the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Anambra State Post-Primary School Commission, some are in the Local Government Service Commission and the Anambra State Education Advisory Council.

A staff of the University is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Peter University, Achina, another Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the same University; another was appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC. Even in ecclesiastical matters, the University has made a mark with one of its staff enthroned as the pioneer Bishop of the New Methodist Diocese of Awka.
In international circles, the University is also making a mark with the appointment of Prof. Obi Oguejiofor as the Vice-Chancellor of Olivia University, Bujumbura, Burundi.

These appointments are indications that the University has a pool of competent personnel in all fields of human endeavor, and the confidence of appointing institutions, arising from the meritorious performances of those previously appointed that the University can always be relied on as a human resource pool of competent self-motivated personnel.

ii) UNIZIK Business School Outreaches To Business Communities

In section 4 above, the new short-term programmes introduced by the UNIZIK Business School and the partnerships it entered into with other institutions had been outlined. In effect, these services targeted the business communities of the South-East: Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba with a view to enhancing their managerial skills and their communication competencies in Chinese and French languages, particularly for those involved in international business and trips to those countries.

iii) The University’s Infectious Diseases Laboratories At Awka and Nnewi Campuses

The University’s Infectious Diseases Laboratories at Awka and Nnewi campuses have received final certification from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. Their services are now available to the public.

6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS

For the limited period of time the University was open in the reporting period, we consolidated on the thrust of our administrative reforms, the intent of which is greater efficiency in the use of resources and effectiveness of goal attainment.

It is worthy of note that notwithstanding the disruptions in academic and administrative activities of the nation’s Universities, as cited in preceding sections, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has not allowed the implementation of the new staff conditions of Service, approved in our administration, to suffer vis-à-vis the welfare and promotion of staff. Thus for the 2021/2022 appraisal year for the top echelon of academic staff career ladder positions: Professor and Reader, a total of thirty-three (33) persons were promoted to the former and forty persons to the latter; these in addition to others promoted to lower positions: senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, Lecturer II and Assistant Lecturer.

For the Non-teaching staff, a total of eighty-two (82) persons were promoted to top administrative positions on CONTISS 13 and above; many more were promoted to positions below this level.

Further to the foregoing, the following specific reforms can bear mentioning:

i) Communication with the Vice-Chancellor
A memo software has been put in place through which principal officers and staff can send their mail straight to the Vice-Chancellor and track same.

ii) UNIZIK Learning Management Portal
The University’s Sandwich students’ examinations were successfully concluded using this portal. The Continuing Education Programme (CEP) will be the next to use it for lectures and examinations.

iii) The University’s first cycle of online appraisal of staff has been successful. Currently, all appraisals including external assessment for the positions of Professor and Reader are now done online.

7.0 DISCIPLINE

We have kept staff of the University to the toe-line of adherence to the University’s policies, rules and regulations, and all deviant behavior by staff and students have been brought before the University’s disciplinary procedure. To a very large extent, the disciplinary tone of the University is satisfactory.

8.0 ADVANCEMENTS

We continued on the efforts and achievements of past administrations in all facets of the University’s operations as well as initiating our own efforts. This has resulted in the successes reported above, as well as to be listed in the subsequent sections.

9.0 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS FROM MY ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE (2019) TO DATE

The presentation that follows is inclusive of projects inherited from previous administrations and completed by our administration; those inherited and whose stages of completion have been advanced; those started and completed by our administration; and those started by our administration and are still ongoing.

1) Completed Projects

a) TETFund
• Construction of the Multipurpose Hall and Offices for Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite Ogwari Premises.
• Construction of Classrooms and Offices for Faculty of Agriculture, Ifited Ogwari.
• Special Intervention for College of Health Sciences Nnewi:

• Establishment of Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Okofia Nnewi Campus
• Modification and Innovation works
• Supply and Installation of Laboratory Equipment
• Construction of male and female conveniences at Awka, Nnewi and Agulu.
  • Entrepreneurship Intervention:
• Procurement, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of equipment for fashion design and knitting
• Procurement, Installation, testing and commissioning of ICT, graphics and photographic equipment
• Procurement, Installation, Testing and commissioning of cookery, confectionery and Event Planning
  • Construction and Furnishing of Faculty Building for Social Sciences, Awka Campus.
  • Construction and Furnishing of Psychology Building, Awka Campus.
  • Construction and Furnishing of Faculty of Education Building, Awka Campus.
  • Construction and Furnishing of Departmental Office Block for Faculty of Education (Vocational Studies), Awka Campus.

Intervention Projects

 Procurement and installation of various Laboratory Equipment for Faculty of Engineering.
 Procurement and installation of Equipment/Instruments for Music Department.
 Procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of Equipment and furnishing (Laboratories and classrooms) for Faculties of Engineering, Education, Biosciences, Departments of Library and Information Sciences and Architecture.
 Supply and installation of 50 nos Executive modern office tables of 1800x800x760mm with three drawers.
 Supply and installation of 50 nos 1350x900x760mm Executive modern office table with three drawer cabinets and side cabinet, Railings, Handles and front cover for offices.
 Supply and installation of 150 nos Executive High-Quality modern office Chair with high intensity and density mesh Foam Backrest and Seat, black fine Grain Peel-Resistant Leather with adjustable Height Suck Silver Plated.
 Supply and installation of 13 nos High Quality laminated Board File Cabinets of 1500x450x600mm; 150 nos Visitors Chairs with High Density Foam and High Quality Black Fabric with Painted Black Metal Legs; 10 nos 3 seat Sofa with Centre Table; and 6nos Departmental Conference Laminated Board Table of 1800x2700m.

b) Federal Government of Nigeria Capital Budget

• Construction of Minifire Service Station and supply/installation of fire-fighting equipment/vehicles, Awka Campus.
• Faculty of Education Building; Awka Campus.
• Construction of Classrooms and Offices for the University Primary School at Nnewi Campus.
• Water Reticulation Scheme at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Phase 1: Piping only), Awka Campus.
• Capacity Building Training for Technologists, Security Personnel, Staff of Works, Physical Planning Unit, Bursary, Internal Audit, Registry, Library and ICT Units, Awka Campus.

c) Internally Generated Revenue

• Completion of the Central Stores for the Bursary, Awka.
• Completion of the Extension Building for the College of Postgraduate Studies, Awka campus.
• Construction of University Kitchen.
• Remodelling, landscaping and furnishing of Awka Window on America Building.
• Construction of the (300KVA, 11/0.315KV) Substation at Oba Daniel Arinze Nwandu Building, Awka Campus.
• Landscaping at Medical Centre, Awka Campus.
• Procurement, Supply and Installation of ID 1960 Solar Street Lighting 150 watts at College of Health Sciences, Okofia Nnewi.
• Construction of Transmitter Room/Store House at the 94.1FM UNIZIK.
• Fabrication and Fixing of Burglary Proof for A/C Condenser and Fortification of the Existing Burglary Proof in the Generator House for the Architecture Research Centre, Awka.
• Construction of Retaining Wall at Perimeter boundary between Mass Communication and UNIZIK FM Building, Awka Campus.
• Procurement, supply and installation of ID 1960 solar street lighting 150 watts at the premises of Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite Ogwari.
• Replacement of 70mm2 x 4 core armored cable for UNIZIK Auditorium Generator, Awka Campus.
• Procurement, supply and installation of solar light inside Faculty Building at Ifite Ogwari.
• Rehabilitation of Pig Pen and Perimeter Drains for pest (soldier ants) control/repellent at Animal Science farm, Faculty of Agriculture (Lot 6), Awka Campus.
• Extension of Electrical wiring at the Department of Animal Science, Teaching and Research/Farm Produce Outlet, Awka Campus.
• Construction of Loafing shed (goat and sheep house) at Animal Science Farm, Faculty of Agriculture (Lot 4), Awka Campus.
• Rehabilitation of Poultry House and Construction of perimeter Drains for Pest Control at Animal Science Farm, Faculty of Agriculture (Lot 3), Awka Campus.
• Supply and Installation of Equipment and Furniture at the Department of Radiography, Okofia Nnewi.
• Fencing and Provision of Exit Gate at Animal Science Farm, Faculty of Agriculture (Lot 1), Awka Campus.
• Expansion of Existing Medical Centre, College of Health Sciences, Okofia Nnewi.
• Master plan for UNIZIK: Awka, Nnewi and Agulu campus.
• Remodelling and furnishing of Vice-Chancellor’s Conference room.
• Remodelling and furnishing of Council Chamber.
• Rehabilitation and landscaping of female hostel at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agulu.
• Construction of Stands, traffic signs, etc.
• 59 vehicles of various brands were procured and distributed as listed below:

SIWES Unit – 1
SAVC, Special Duties – 1
College of Health Sciences – 5
University Business Venture – 1
SAVC, Transport – 1
Transport Unit – 5
TETFund Unit – 1
Procurement Unit – 1
SUG – 1
Faculty of Agriculture – 3
Council Unit – 6
Vice-Chancellor’s Office – 7
Research & Innovation Centre – 1
Confucius Institute – 2
Works Services Unit – 1
UNIZIK High School – 2
UNIZIK FM – 1
Registrar’s Office – 2
NAAT – 1
Bursary Unit – 2
University Library – 2
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences – 2
Physical Planning Unit – 1
Faculty of Arts – 1
DVC (Acad.) – 1
Department of Accountancy – 1
National Res. Fund 2019 Grantee, Agulu – 1
DVC (Admin.) – 1
Centre for Disability – 1
Faculty of Engineering – 1
Department of Edu. Foundation – 1

d) NEEDS Assessment

• Completion of the Faculty Building for Health Sciences, Nnewi Campus
• Completion of the Medical Centre, Awka campus.
• Completion of the Students’ Hostel Type A, Awka campus.
• Installation of UNIZIK Language Laboratory, Awka campus.
• Completion of the Sporting Facilities, Awka Campus.

e)  Endowment Projects  

• Construction of FERMA Road at Science Village, Awka campus, attracted by Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, Iyom.
• Construction of Third Gate Park, Awka campus, funded by Engr. JohnBosco Onunkwo.
• Construction of Administration Block for College of Health Sciences, Nnewi campus donated by Sir Cletus Ibeto.
• Mini ICT Square Project, Awka campus, donated by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
• Construction of Ultramodern Nursing Mother Centre and Students’ Convenience by the Lagos Island Alumni of the University.
• Installation of over thirty-five (35) solar street lights by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power.
• Construction of Animal Feed Mill Processing Complex by Evangelist (Sir) Samuel C. Okafor, CEO, Samcey International Ltd.
• Donation of Equipment and Furniture for Virtual Radiography and Imaging Laboratory by the Alumni of the Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi Campus.
• Donation of a Transmitter to UNIZIK 94.1FM by Pharm. Alfred Iguh.
• Departmental Building for Architecture (Research Centre) by Oba Daniel Nwandu Family of Enugu-ukwu, Awka Campus.
• Road Construction between Faculties of Education and Agriculture (160M) by Federal Road Maintenance Agency (Ferma).
• Road Rehabilitation and Street Lighting at Science Village by Federal Ministry of Agriculture (Horticulture Department), Facilitated by High Chief Dr. Chris Ndubuisi, Ikenga Umuawulu.
• Road Rehabilitation at Back Gate (VC’s Lodge) – 500M by Federal Ministry of Works.
• Medical Centre Complex endowed by the Anambra Progressives.
• Re-afforestation of the University by Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
• Solar and High Energy Cosmic Ray Lab. by Nigerian Space Agency; Facilitated by Sen. Uche Ekwunife.
• Construction of new ICT line network for the University, donated by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

2) Ongoing Projects

a)  TETFund

• Construction and furnishing of classrooms and offices Block for Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agulu 90% completion
• Construction of Laboratory and Offices for Faculty of Pharmacy, Agulu: 90% completion
• Construction of 28 NR self-contain rooms male Hostel (Lot. 1), Awka: 30% completion
• Procurement, installation, testing and furnishing of male Hostel (Lot 3), Awka
• Construction and furnishing of 36 NR self-contained rooms female Hostel (Lot 1), Awka: 30% completion
• Procurement, installation, testing and furnishing of female Hostel (Lot 4), Awka
• Construction of the Academic Publishing Centre, Awka: 90%
• Remodelling & Furnishing of Urology Research Centre, Neni: 90% completion
• Procurement, installation, testing & commissioning of 1 No 100KVA Mikano sound-proof generator, Neni: 85% completion
• Renovation & Partitioning of TETFund Centre of Excellence in Faculty of Biosciences at Science Village, Awka 85% completion
• Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of 1 No 100KVA sound-proof generator (Mikano), Awka 50% completion
• Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of 1 No 7.5KVA inverter, Awka: 50% completion
• Procurement & supply of office furniture & ICT equipment for the Centre of Excellence, Awka 50%
• Construction of Zoological Garden: Animal enclosements (Lot 1), Awka 70% completion
• Construction of Zoological Garden: Animal enclosements (Lot 2), Awka 70% completion
• Procurement/supply of Zoological animals: cats, equine, avarians, carnivorous, birds and rodents (Lot 3), Awka: 50% completion
• Procurement, supply and installation of office equipment/furniture for Zoological Building (Lot 11), Awka: 50% completion
• Procurement/supply of Zoological animals, apes, reptiles & tiger (Lot 12), Awka: 50% completion
• Procurement/supply of Zoological animals: canines & lions (Lot 13), Awka 50% completion

b) Federal Government of Nigeria Capital Project
• Remodelling of 5 No Classrooms at Faculty of Agriculture, Arts, Management Science, Bioscience, Distance Learning, Awka 60% completion.
• Furnishing & Equipping of already completed projects, Awka
i) Furnishing, 75% completion
ii) Supply of Desktop computers.
• Completion of perimeter fencing of University Eastern boundary “A” Awka: 10% completion.
• Construction, furnishing & equipment of Departments in performing Arts: Music; and Theatre & Film Studies, Awka 45% completion.
• Construction of staff office complex and classrooms for the Faculties of Medicine & Basic Clinical Sciences, Akanmili Nnewi 60%.

c) Internally Generated Revenue

• Completion of the access road from the Banking Plaza to after GTBank including Parking Lots to Multi-Purpose Hall from Education, Awka; 45% completion.
• Construction of classroom for Demonstration Primary School, Awka: 80% completion.
• Construction and completion of the classroom Block for the University High School, Awka 95% completion.
• Construction of Eastern drive/access at Ifite Ogwari, Ifite Ogwari: 60% completion.
• Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences Building, Awka: 65% completion.
• Electrical Works in the Wing B of the Faculty of Biological and Physical Sciences, Awka: 92% completion.
• Mechanical Installation services/external plumbing at Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences Building, Awka: 15% completion.
• Storage tanks at the Building for the Faculty of Physical Sciences & Biological Sciences Complex, Awka: 15% completion.
• Construction of P.C. septic tanks (13) and 14 soak away pits at the Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences, Awka: 53% completion.
• Electrical works in the Faculty of Physical Sciences & Biological Sciences complex Wing C, Awka: 31% completion.
• Electrical works in the Wing “A” of the Faculty of Biosciences & Physical Science, Awka: 70% completion.
• Mechanical works for the Faculty of Physical and Biological Sciences Wing C, Awka: 30% completion.
• Construction of Generator House for Physical & Biological Sciences Building, Awka: 90% completion.
• Mechanical and Plumbing inst. works in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nnewi: 57% completion.
• Completion of JUPEB Building, Awka: 45% completion.
• Provision of Inverter and Solar Power Supply to the Physical Planning Unit, Awka: 50% completion.
• Supply of air-conditioners and stabilizers to Safety Department, Awka: 10% completion.
• Construction of transmitter room and mini bungalow for staff on night duty at UNIZIK 94.1FM Station, Awka: 70% completion.
• Completion of toilets for staff and students in the Animal Science Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Awka: 85% completion.
• Installation of Smoke Detectors and the Alarm Systems at Okofia Premises, Nnewi Campus: 50% completion.
• Installation of water hose reel in various areas of Okofia, Nnewi Campus: 50%.
• Fabrication/rehabilitation works at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences female Hostel, Agulu: 90% completion.
• Construction of 2 No culverts at the Road leading to Faculty of Education and Management Sciences, Awka: 90% completion.
• Construction of Draining System behind Mass Communication Department & UNIZIK FM 94.1. Station, Awka: 40% completion.
• Demarcation/Partitioning of the proposed Water and Sanitation Department, Awka: 90% completion.

d) NEEDS Assessment

• Mechanical and plumbing works in the students Hostel Type A, Awka: 90% completion.
• Electrical Works in the Students Hostel Type A, Awka: 90% completion.
• Electrical Works for the Faculty Building for Health Sciences Nnewi: 98% completion.
• Mechanical and Plumbing Works in the Faculty Building for Health Sciences Nnewi: 95% completion.
• Students’ Hostel Type D Awka Campus, Awka: 79% completion.
• Construction of Students Hostel Type A in Awka Campus: 90% completion.
• Students Hostel Type A Nnewi Campus, Nnewi: 75% completion.
• Mechanical & Plumbing Works in the Students Hostel Type A Nnewi Campus: 70% completion.
• Electrical Works in Students’ Hostel Type D Awka Campus: 60% completion.
• Mechanical & Plumbing Works in Students Hostel Type D Awka Campus: 60% completion.
• Construction of University Mini -Stadium Complex, Awka: 60% completion.
• Electrical Works in Students Hostel Type A Nnewi Campus: 60% completion.
• Construction of Sporting Facilities, Awka: 90% completion
• Renovation of Social Sciences Building, Awka: 95% completion.
• Renovation of Faculty of Education Buildings, Awka: 95% completion.
• Renovation of Physical Sciences Building, Awka: 25% completion.
• Renovation of Environmental Sciences Building, Awka: 95% completion.
• Renovation of Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, Agulu: 30% completion.
• Renovation of Faculty of Engineering Building, Awka: 95% completion.
• Renovation of Faculty of Law Classroom, Awka: 30% completion.
• Renovation of Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology Building, Nnewi: 25% completion.

e) Endowment Projects

• Investment of N100M by Chief Chidi Anyaegbu for the expansion of Chisco Institute of Transport.
• Food Processing Building by JEZCO Ltd.
• ICT Centre for Faculty of Environmental Studies (Bungalow) by Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu.
• International Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Storey Building by NNPC.
• UNIZIK Students Centre by Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON, CFR, Founder/CEO of BUA Group.
• Institute of Zik Lecture Series and Legislative Studies Building by Federal Inland Revenue Service, attracted by High Chief Senator Ndi Obi Ojeligbo.
• Construction of 20-Room Office building by Chief Chika Emenike, CEO KOTEC Group.
• Centre for Molecular Research Foundation for Students and Scientists Building by Molecular Research Foundation for Students and Scientists.
• Chief Zephaniah & Lolo Susana Madubuko 500-capacity Auditorium for Faculty of Social Sciences by Chief Zephaniah & Lolo Susana Madubuko (CHICO GROUP).
• CIBN Lecture Hall by Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
• Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to students of the Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER) by Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank).
• Business School Building by Chief (Sir) Ikenna Okafor, Ide Akwaeze
• Alumni Building by Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association: at first floor substructure level.

10. AN APPRECIATION OF THE INTERVENTION EFFORTS OF WELL-WISHERS OF MY ADMINISTRATION AND OF THE UNIVERSITY

I must express my profound gratitude to the well-wishers of my Administration and of the University Staff and Students of the University, the University Staff Unions, the Students Union Government (SUG), corporate organisations and private individuals. Without your cherished support, I could have been likened to a General in the battlefront without troops.

I must also thank our critics, though this may seem paradoxical, for their critiques, well intentioned or otherwise, rather than dampen us, have kept us on our toes.

11. THE YEAR AHEAD: THE FINAL LAP

Today we embark on the final lap of our Administration, we shall not coast to the tape like a long distance runner, rather we shall sprint to the tape as with the dash in a hundred meter race. In this, I count on the continued support of you all.

12. CONCLUSION

Finally, I thank you all for coming and wish you safe journey to your various destinations.

God bless you all.

Thank you.

Prof. Charles O. Esimone, FAS, FPSN
Vice-Chancellor