Prof. Obumneke-Okeke Appeals for Space, Staff Conversion as UNIZIK Crèche Holds 4th Graduation Ceremony

By Gabriel Chy Alonta

The Head, Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ifeoma Obumneke-Okeke, has appealed to the University Management for the allocation of the Chinua Achebe Building to the Department, as well as the conversion of Crèche minders to full-time University staff.

Prof. Obumneke-Okeke made the passionate appeal during the 4th Graduation Ceremony of the University Crèche held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Chinua Achebe Building, UNIZIK.

She explained that the Crèche, which began in 2018 and was officially commissioned by the then Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, has continued to grow steadily with full support from the University Management. According to her, the staff strength has risen from two to thirteen, offering reliable services to the University community and beyond. She noted that the Crèche has provided a vital service, giving parents peace of mind to go about their daily duties knowing their children are safe and close by.

Explaining the operational structure of the Crèche, Prof. Obumneke-Okeke revealed that it currently caters to two categories of children, registered children, who are 31 in number and pay termly, and daily pay children, whose numbers vary depending on need or schedule. The children, she noted, are exposed to both indoor and outdoor activities aimed at enhancing their holistic development and wellbeing.

While appreciating the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, for creating an enabling environment for the Crèche to thrive, she also thanked the departmental Crèche committee led by Prof. Ngozi Obidike, the Crèche Administrator, the PTA, professors, staff, and students of the Department for their continued support.

She, however, appealed for urgent intervention. “We respectfully plead with the University to allocate the entire Chinua Achebe Building solely to the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education,” she said, lamenting the noise interference from the Department of Music which currently shares the building. “We also plead for the conversion and regularization of the ten Crèche minders who are dedicated and hardworking,” she added, noting that the building itself is showing signs of wear, with cracks and a leaking decking that require urgent repair.

In her remarks, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Arinze-Umobi, represented by Dr. Ugochukwu Offor, said she was delighted to see the growth of the Crèche, describing it as a nurturing space where young learners begin their educational journey. “This is where seeds of curiosity and community are planted. The foundation laid here will prepare them for lifelong learning,” she said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Ebele Okigbo, represented by the Sub-Dean, Prof. Emma Asiegbu, lauded the Department for its commitment, describing the Crèche as the best environment to raise a child. She commended the teachers for their selflessness and pledged the Faculty’s continuous support.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Victor Umeh, encouraged the teachers and minders to stay committed to their calling and pledged his full support to the Crèche.

Prof. Joy Enemuo, who delivered the vote of thanks, appreciated guests for gracing the event and called for sustained support towards the continued growth of the Crèche.

@highlight Faculty of Education NAU Nnamdi Azikiwe University Unizik 94.1FM (Blazing The Trail) Unizik Faculty of Education Alumni