We are repositioning UNIZIK through research for global prominence – Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK
Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, recently marked his fourth year in office. In this Interview with ALOYSIUS ATTAH, he examined the journey so far and said that despite disruptions brought about by COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted ASUU strike which ate deep into his tenure, UNIZIK under his watch has recorded tremendous progress.
Celebrating four years in office with mixed feelings
It is with mixed feelings that we went for a 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 feelings 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 year in office. These untoward events bogged down academic and development events in the Nigerian University system but 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.
Revisiting 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). In periods like this, I always 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. 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, we appraise the incremental progress made in the fourth year of our administration towards realizing the vision and mission.
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 earlier, rather than the Nnamdi Azikiwe University world ranking, per se. But now after four years in office, we now begin to do so by reflecting on the improved ranking which Nnamdi Azikiwe University has attained in recent times. In doing this, we 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. 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. 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.
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.
On the Ranking of Universities in Nigeria
The efforts of the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University management and the hard working staff of the institution, geared towards the repositioning of the university for global prominence through project200 is paying off.
We can say that Project 200 has touched every aspect of the University including research, teaching and administration. The investment made in digitalizing processes for greater efficiency, which though was initially met with great resistance resulting from the fear of the unknown, is now yielding the desired dividend and everyone is happy about it. For UNIZIK, it is forward ever. Perhaps towards validating our progress and increasing visibility in the global stage, Times Higher Education, a foremost global ranking body, recently released the maiden University ranking for sub-Saharan Africa where Nnamdi Azikiwe University was ranked at No. 4 position in Nigeria and No. 31 in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a testament to how far we have gone in repositioning the University for Global Relevance which ultimately comes with immense benefits. We are not done yet because in the World University Rankings 2023 By Subject the Times Higher Education ranking of World Universities by discipline ranked Nnamdi Azikiwe University Clinical Health Sciences 801+. From the foregoing so far, 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.
On the pursuit of academic excellence as one of our five pronged strategy
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 these various approaches namely – The adoption of a multi disciplinary 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 journals in various disciplines, with the University completely or partially assuming responsibility for publication charges.
Efforts in University accreditation and UNIZIK Business School
In the 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. For the 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. As For the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School, the School has recorded various success stories which included the partnership with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture on Short-term projects, including the teaching of French and Chinese Languages. Afrihub-UNIZIK partnership with foreign Universities on undergraduate, postgraduate and short-term programmes. Collaboration with the Centre for Regional and International Development (CRID), an international institute based in Canada and the United Kingdom. It also attracted from Chief 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. The School also attracted the Higher Education partnership in sub-Saharan Africa 22/24 Grant of one hundred thousand (100,000) British Pounds.
Our efforts in Productive 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 seen in areas like the 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 is the 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.
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 before now, 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, some specific reforms can bear mentioning like i the area of 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.
Infrastructural developments
From my assumption of office in 2019 to date are 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. Completed Projects included that of TETFund comprising the construction of the Multipurpose Hall and Offices for Faculty of Agriculture, IfiteOgwari premises. Construction of Classrooms and Offices for Faculty of Agriculture, IfiteOgwari. Special Intervention for College of Health Sciences Nnewi through the 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. In Entrepreneurship Intervention, this includes the 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. In Intervention Projects we have completed the Procurement and installation of various Laboratory Equipments 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. On the Federal Government of Nigeria Capital Budget we have also completed the 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. Through Internally Generated Revenue we’ve been able to achieve the 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. Remodeling, 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, OkofiaNnewi. 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 also procured and distributed accordingly. On the side of NEEDS Assessment projects, we have also achieved the 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. For Endowment Projects, we have the 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, SamceyInternational 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 na ew ICT line network for the University, donated by the Nigerian Communications Commission among others.
End of my tenure and ongoing projects
We have more than 100 ongoing projects presently at various levels of percentage completion I know that because of space constraints, it is not possible to list them here but the assurance is that with eyes on the ball and renewed commitment, we shall record outstanding successes as we prepare to complete the tenure. 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 organizations and private individuals because I know that without their cherished support, I could have been likened to a General in the battlefront without troops. I also thank our critics though this may seem paradoxical, for their critiques, well-intentioned and otherwise, rather than dampen us, have kept us on our toes. As we embark on the last 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 all to succeed.
