ISSN 1595-1685

ISSN 1595-1685 MAY 26, 2014 vol. 7 NO.19

Quote Everybody is important. Prof. Boniface C. E. Egboka 1

PROFILE OF THE NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR; PROF. JOSEPH EBERENDU AHANEKU

Professor Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku Ph.D., FAS,(Ib); CIBiol (Lond); FSTA (JP), MIPAN, Fseh, PHF was born on 1st of October, 1962 in Nnarambia Ahiara Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A. Imo State. He is the Fifth Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

He started his career as Teaching Assistant/Research Officer-Department of Chemical Pathology & Sub-Department of Clinical Pharmacology College of Medicine/University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria in October 1987 to December 1990. In 1991 he became lecturer I in the Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, UNIZIK. On October 1st 1994, he was made a senior lecturer, and was promoted to the rank of a Professor of Chemical Pathology on October 1 1994.

Prof. Ahaneku was at different times Consultant and Unit Head Sub-Department of Chemical Pathology, UNIZIK (1992-till date), Head, Department of Prosthesis & Orthopaedic Technology, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri. Head, Department of Chemical Pathology, UNIZIK, Coordinator, Chemical Pathology unit of the Pathological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nnewi Campus, Acting Provost, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus, Sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNIZIK, Director, CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and HANBAN China, Acted for the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in his absence at different periods and for different length of time, Deputy Vice- Chancellor (DVC) (Academic), NAU since April, 2010.

Prof. Joseph Ahaneku has close to seventy scientific research publications, books/articles in different areas, has local and international research experience, as Chairman, International Cooperation/Linkages, Prof. Ahaneku was able to achieve the establishment of active linkages with 26 Institutions world-over. He facilitated the enlisting of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as Fulbright and Forgerty fellowship participating Institution. He participated at the National Discourse on Nigeria in Global Peace Support Operations hosted by the Nigerian Defence Academy 19th to 21st July 2009. He Guest Lecturer to different international institutions. He has attended numerous local and international Conferences/Workshop. He has contribution towards the advancement of university education in Nigeria. He has quite a lot of enviable honours, fellowships and awards to his credit. The Professor of Chemical Pathologist has been Chairman/Member of federal, state/ local government boards/ governing councils/ agencies/ bodies and committees. Prof. Ahaneku is happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys I. Ahaneku, a Consultant Cardiologist and a Senior Lecturer of this noble university, with five children.

PROF. AHANEKU AS APERSON

Prof. Joseph Ahaneku is a soft spoken and an amiable person. He is admired for his wonderful public relationship with everyone. He is a catholic with every sense of responsibility, and Principled. A professional in his field of study. He is also respected for his dedication to work, as his primary aim is positive output. He is well-travelled and makes every effort to replicate knowledge where ever he finds himself.

THE NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR TAKES OVER

Following the laid down procedure for the election of Vice-Chancellor, and after an exhaustive meeting held on Monday May 26, 2014 by the University Governing Council where votes were cast as part of the process, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka led by the Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (Rtd) has appointed Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku the new of Vice-Chancellor of the University.

In a letter signed by the Chairman, and in accordance with the applicable provision in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No.11 of 1993, and Section 3 of Principal Act as amended in Section 4b of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2003, and 2007 Act No.1, the appointment shall be for a single term of five (5) years, and with effect from Wednesday, 4th of June, 2014. The terms and condition of the appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.

Prof. E. Ahaneku who is a professor of Chemical Pathology and a Fellow of Academy of Science took over from the former Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.C.E Egboka, whom he worked with for two-tenure (four years) as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic. Prof. Ahaneku resumed office on June 3rd, 2014 as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of NNamdi Azikiwe University.

THE FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR BOWS OUT

The former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Boniface C.E. Egboka FAS has completed his tenure successfully.

The Hydro-geologist took over the mantle of leadership in May 26th 2008 as Ag. Vice-Chancellor and Substantive VC on June 3rd, 2009, hence, officially ended his tenure on June 3rd, 2014. As the Vice-Chancellor, he achieved outstanding strides as seen in the University.

THE NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR RECEIVES CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES/VISITS

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS recently received messages and visits from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIZIOK Chapter, some staff of the university, and the Student Union Government.

Speaking during the visit by the Executive Members of the SUG, Prof. Ahaneku pledged to transform the university within his five year tenure. More so, he thanked the students for the confidence they have in him and for finding time to pay him visit. He said the university exit because of the students. The university,he continued, has united all inside the ivory tower with common destiny, common goal where knowledge is imparted and ultimately aimed in solving the problem the problems of society.

Again, the new VC called on the University Community to be willing to make sacrifices for the growth of the university, as the university requires hard work, dedication and loyalty so that our collective dream for the university can be realized. He also urged the students to read their book, and maintain peace in the university.

Earlier in his comment, the president of the SUG, Comrade ChukwunonsoIbe pledges loyalty and support of the entire students. He said that the students are happy at the choice made by the Council. He however pleaded that the new should also give support to the students. Present also for the visit include; the SUD Vice-President, Com. Queen Aguluefo, the Chief Judge, IfesinachiMuoneme, the Speaker of the Students parliament, Hon. ChekwubeOkigbo.

ORGANISATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE APPRECIATES THE FORMER VC

The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, led by the President Prof. (Dame) E.I. Chukwura visted the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. BCE Egboka for a Send-forth courtesy call.

According to the president, the organization was inaugurated by the VC in 2012. In March 10, 2011 wife of the former VC was unanimously appointed as the patroness of the organization and, and she received an award from the organization in the same year.

Prof. Chukwurah said the organization began in 2010, after an international conference held in Beijing, China in 2010, and has engaged in many activities. A go ahead from the Hon. Commissioner for Education Dr. (Mrs) Kay Onyechi has seen the organization carry out some activities, and other plans of holding seminars for the undergraduate female students and engineering students of the university. On behalf of the organization, Prof. Chukwurah thanked the VC for his support to the organization.

In his speech, the VC said he appreciated their visit. He said events have shown that women are doing very well in any position they are placed. He promised that he will give encouragement and advise when he is needed in future.

OFFICIAL CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT

The Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chief (Dr.) Willie Obiano, through the Chief of Staff, has assigned functions to all the Ministries in his administration. Hence, the Ministry of Special Duties has been assigned the function of handling matters affecting Federal Agencies including the NYSC and NSCDC in Anambra State.

In a letter signed by the Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties, Sir Norbert Obi, he stated that official matters should be directed to the State Government through the ministry.

NEWLY ELECTED UNIZIK VC PLEDGE TO PROMOTE PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

The newly elected Vice-Chancellor elected and the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku has pledged to continue to promote peace and development in the University.

Prof. Ahaneku made this pledge at an official handing over of administration from the out going Vice-Chancellor.

The newly elected Vice-Chancellor of the University expressed appreciation to the out-going Vice-Chancellor Prof. Boniface C. E. Egboka for the fame, academic excellence and infrastructural development witnessed in his administration. He added that the history of Nnamdi Azikiwe University would not be complete without recognising his good works. He pray God to continue to protect him and shower him with blessings.

Prof. Egboka while congratulating the newly elected Vice Chancellor advised him to always carry all along in his administration. He commended the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his transformation agenda especiall