UNIZIK PRO-CHANCELLOR INAUGURATES UNIZIK BUSINESS SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

By Ikenna Nwokedi, PhD

UNIZIK Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Sulyman Alege Kuranga has inaugurated the UNIZIK Business School (UBS) Board. The inauguration took place on Saturday at the Boardroom of the UNIZIK Business School.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 9th Governing Council, Prof. Sulyman Alege Kuranga stated that the council are impressed with the innovations that have become the Hallmark of UBS. He stated that the assemblage of these business leaders who have graciously accepted to serve on the BoD of UBS bears eloquent testimony to the acceptability of UBS as one of the fastest growing brands as far as Business Schools are concerned in Nigeria.

Prof. Kuranga charged the Board members to perform with integrity, credibility and consistency as this will bring out the best the institution want to be and also prepare UBS for competitiveness in the global market place. He reemphasized that the Council expects the school not only to be self-reliant but also managed in a way that it would generate revenue for the University.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor stated that in pursuit of the philosophy of the institution anchored on self-reliance, discipline and excellence, the mantra of UNIZIK Business School is to develop leaders and transforming businesses. Prof. Esimone stated that the UBS has made bold attempts in the assemblage of seasoned industry practitioners and distinguished academics which has resulted in the output exemplified by the quality of men and women trained in various aspects of the existing programmes.

Prof. Esimone highlighted some of the programmes of the UBS as Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Executive Masters in Business Administration, MSc Management, Short Term Customized Executive Certificate Programmes. He stated that the UBS is assiduously working and marketing its programmes through Chambers of Commerce and Market Associations within the South East Geopolitical zone and neighbouring states. Prof. Esimone opined that the UBS do not teach only to equip a coterie of business leaders, but do mobilize latent business into kinetic action towards activating their potentials and positioning them into greater profitability by moulding them into modern business persons with cutting edge expertise.

Prof. Esimone said the UBS will commence accreditation process with Association of African Business School (AABS) and is poised with its intention to build a 5000-capacity auditorium, a 50-100 or more capacity guest house which the institution intend to outsource to such hotel chain franchise as Hilton, Best Western, Swiss Golden Tulip or Le Meridien.

In his response, the Co-Chairman of the UBS, Dr. ABC Orjiakor eulogized the Vice-Chancellor for taken a business like approach and expressing an absolute confidence that the UBS will not just be the best in Nigeria, Africa and hopefully the globe. Dr. Orjiakor identified with the Vice-Chancellor in his philosophy of transforming business and imbibing the knowledge and skills that will lead to the growing of existence businesses. He said it’s a call to service looking forward to his personal contribution. Also contributing via zoom is Dr. Poly Emenike, Chairman/CEO Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO, Centre for Value in Leadership; Dr. Clem Nwogbo, CEO M-P Infrastructures Ltd and Dr. Cosmos Maduka, Chairman, Coscharis Group Ltd.

Giving his vote of thanks, the Director of UBS, Prof. Emmanuel Okoye said the UBS and the institution is grateful to the board members for their acceptance and input already to the UBS. He said the UBS is poised to make a difference and hope to add value to existing businesses.

Highpoints of the occasion was the inauguration of the board by the Pro-Chancellor and PowerPoint presentation of the Proposed Business School complex for the institution by the MD/CEO of Frank Power Consultants Ltd, Arch. Austin Ezezue with the the total estimate for Business Complex projected at N3.16 Billion.

Members of the UNIZIK Business School Board are the Co-Chairman, Dr. ABC Orjiakor, Chairman, Seplat Petroleum Development Company PLC; Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu Foundation; Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu MFR, CEO Chisco Group Ltd; Dr. Cosmas Maduka CON, Coscharis Group Ltd; Dr. Clement Nwogbo, CEO M-P Infrastructures Ltd; Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO Centre for Value In Leadership; Dr. Poly Emenike MON, Chairman/CEO Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, Chairman/CEO, Stanel Group and Dr. Ifeanyi Odii, President/CEO Ultimus Holdings.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo; Provost, College of Post Graduate Studies, Engr. Prof. Philo Igbokwe; Director, UBS, Prof. Emmanuel Okoye, Deputy Director, UBS, Dr. Chinedu Onyeizugbe and University Orator, Prof. Chike Okoye.