Newly appointed UNIZIK VC announces N70bn investment in five years

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, has announced a N70 billion investment plan for the institution during his five years in office.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Vice Chancellor, who resumed office on Tuesday, also announced plans to convert the university kitchen into his official residence pending the completion of the permanent Vice Chancellor’s residence.

Odoh noted that he cannot be a Vice Chancellor of a university and live off campus while being ignorant of what is happening on campus.

He mentioned that a sum of N10 billion would be raised through public-private partnerships.

The VC stated that he will bring disruptive changes that will leapfrog the university to greater heights.

According to him, he aims to strengthen academic activities at the university, as there is currently a lack of engagement in this area.

Odoh also stated that he would present a N100 million fund for grants, noting that the university can no longer depend solely on international and national grants. He emphasized that the university will begin rewarding hard work and punishing disloyalty.

“We shall construct a 150-room hotel with event and meeting rooms to provide comfort and security to visitors to the university and its environs through accommodation and conference services.”

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“We are embarking on the implementation of coordinated renewable energy solutions and the establishment of a N100 million quasi-endowment fund to support research in renewable energy.”

“This will enhance research and development in renewable energy solutions, reduce the university’s carbon footprint, generate carbon credits, tap into intellectual property rights, and promote sustainability.”

“As the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, my vision is to transform our institution into a leading beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Africa.

Our mission is to cultivate graduates who are not only market-ready but also poised to excel in the global economy. To achieve this, we will establish pivotal facilities such as a state-of-the-art tech innovation hub and a comprehensive online digital course platform.

“By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, including modern student and staff residences and an 18-hole golf course, we will enrich campus life and create a dynamic academic community. Together, we will build a future-ready institution that empowers our students and fortifies our position as a global leader in higher education,” the new VC concluded.