UNIZIK VC, Odoh vows to attract #70b, uplift standard of teaching, learning 

By, Uchenna Okeh 

The vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has vowed to attract over #70 billion naira to the varsity and uplift the standard of teaching and learning within the period of five years of his tenure.

Odoh, who addressed a mammoth crowd of stakeholders and students at the Church service, in Akwa disclosed plans to position UNIZIK among Africa’s top 50 universities and within the top 500 globally.

He said that the funding of projects would come from tuition fees, partnerships, and grants, with a focus on Public-Private Partnerships expected to raise over N10 billion by co-financing critical infrastructure projects and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“As part of our commitment, we’ve distributed a ‘social contract’ booklet outlining our five-year vision for UNIZIK,”

He reminded the University Community that politics of the selection of the Vice-Chancellor was over and that there was no controversy over the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

“The era of politics over the VC selection is behind us; let’s focus on moving UNIZIK forward,” Odoh stated.

The Vice-Chancellor issued a stern warning against disloyalty and indiscipline, emphasizing his intent to foster unity and commitment across the university.

“The law of the university is clear, and I was appointed through due process. I won’t entertain divided loyalties. I’ll approach my role with humility but will be strict in enforcing policies. From day one, discipline is non-negotiable. UNIZIK has been on a decline, and we must all work together to revive it.”

Odoh, an alumnus of the university, underscored his dedication by announcing plans to reside on campus.

“I want to experience what students and staff experience. If there’s a power outage, I’ll feel it too. My goal is to live and work here closely with the community,” he said.

Outlining his vision, the VC highlighted his experience as both an academic and a businessman, expressing confidence in his ability to attract substantial funding and drive reforms.

“We aim to raise N70 billion over five years, utilizing PPPs and other funding channels.

“Currently, UNIZIK ranks 22nd among Nigerian universities—a position I find unacceptable. My goal is to elevate our university into Africa’s top 50 and to compete globally among the top 500 institutions,” Odoh stated

Odoh outlined the core objectives of his administrative blueprint to include “Development of Industry- Ready Graduates, Enhance Research and Development, Integrate Disruptive Technologies, Strengthen Industry- Academia Partnerships and Achieve Sustainable Growth”.

Earlier in a sermon during the mass presided by the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy UNIZIK, Rev. Fr. Religious Ezeokonkwo, the homilist, Rev. Fr Evaristus Iheanacho in a sermon titled “Call to Serve” urged every member of the university community to work hard in upholding the motto of the institution in character and learning.

“I urge all members of this great citadel of learning to work together and in unity to restore the glory of this University. Only change is constant and positive change is what this University needs”.

He prayed to God to give Prof. Odoh the grace, strength and ability to do things right, fix things in their proper place and ensure progress of teaching, learning and especially, character formation.

The priest charged the Vice-Chancellor to discharge his duties with all diligence and do good to all men without bias, fear or favour.

Responding, Prof. Kenneth Nwogu from the university’s Faculty of Law, who spoke on behalf of other staff, passed a vote of confidence on him, assuring that they would support him to move the institution to an enviable heights.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that beginning with a church service at St Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy of the University was attended by over 100 priests, Professors, Deans and Heads of Department among others.