I'll change the trajectory of UNIZIK, the new VC, Anyaechie promises

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Prof. Bond Anyaehie. VC. Nnamdi Azikiwe University

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By Madu Obi

The 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bond Anyaechie, has assumed office, promising to change the trajectory of the university.

Addressing reporters after receiving handover notes from the former Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze -Umobi, Anyaechie said he is in UNIZIK to serve, stressing that he has no personal interest.

He said: "Our vision is to make UNIZIK greater than it is. Nnamdi Azikiwe University should be the best in Nigeria. The work before us is enormous, but we are prepared and we need the cooperation of everybody.

We don't have pleasant news about UNIZIK, but we will change the trajectory so that positive news will be coming out of this university. In the next four weeks, we'll be commissioning projects. I am in touch with various stakeholders, including the alumni association, and they will assist us in our work.

It's a shared vision. I have no personal interest here. Well work in a way that everybody knows we're working for the nation.

I will prioritize the completion of ongoing projects . I presented my vision and mission while applying for the job and I will share it at the University website and use it to develop a strategic plan and then put time on each to know when we will complete them.

I will also ask my fellow contestants to give me their own vision so that I can incorporate them in my own for the benefit of the university."

The VC also promised to look into the issue of some workers in the university who have been working for the past six years without salary.

It's unfair that somebody is working without earning salary and how can that person survive?. I don't know the circumstances these people are owed since 2019 and I wonder how someone employed six years ago is not paid and he is still working.

We will set up a committee to see what we can do as fast as possible so that they will earn November and December salaries.

It may not be easy for us to pay for all the years they are owed, but we will do what is possible and take as much as we can take so that before Christmas, they will get something to celebrate with others" he said.

He explained that among his immediate priorities are the completion of the Vice Chancellor's Lodge and the establishment of a medical center at the Okofia Nnewi campus of the university.

"Basically, our mission here is to make things better, but we cannot do much without peace. I came into a battle field and the first thing we have to do is to form a united body. I assure everyone that I will make the environment convenient for people to work peacefully", Professor Anyaechie pledged..