Fresh appointments have been approved by the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s administrative and academic and productive leadership structure.

The appointments, ratified during the Council’s 21st Emergency Meeting held on Friday, April 17, 2026, filled critical vacancies in the Office of the University Librarian and six major directorates within the institution.

University authorities described the selection process as rigorous, transparent, and merit-based, adding that the new appointees are expected to reposition the university for improved service delivery and institutional growth.

The Governing Council approved the appointment of the following officers:

Prof. Eze Jacintha Ukamaka – University Librarian

Dr. Jane Ezeonu – Director of Medical Services

Engr. Ibe Obinna – Director of Works Services

Akuma Paschal – Director of Procurement

Engr. Ezeokafor Lawrence – Director of Physical Planning

Mr. Obi Collins – Chief Safety Officer

Aloysius Emeka Attah – Director, Information and Public Relations

All appointments took effect from April 17, 2026, and will run for a single tenure of five years, in accordance with university regulations.

Presenting the letters of appointment at the Council Chambers, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barr. Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi, urged the new officers to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He emphasized diligence, integrity, accountability, and professionalism as non-negotiable values expected from those occupying such sensitive offices.

The Pro-Chancellor further encouraged the appointees to uphold the institutional values of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and serve as ambassadors capable of projecting the university positively at national and international levels.

He also appreciated the Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for what he described as sustained commitment toward revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through improved research funding, institutional reforms, and policy direction.

The UNIZIK appointments are seen as strategic, particularly at a time when Nigerian universities are under increasing pressure to improve governance standards, research output, infrastructure management, and global competitiveness.

Responding on behalf of the newly appointed officers, Aloysius Emeka Attah, the new Director of Information and Public Relations, who until now was a Correspondent of The Sun Newspaper, commended the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, members of the internal and external Governing Council and the entire interview panel for conducting what he described as a painstaking, transparent, and merit-driven process.

He noted that the exercise stood out for its professionalism and resistance to sectional interests, ethnic bias, and parochial considerations.

According to him, the UNIZIK appointments reflect a deliberate attempt to strengthen institutional governance and reposition the university as a globally competitive citadel of higher learning.

Attah assured stakeholders that the appointees would not only meet but surpass expectations in advancing administrative efficiency, academic excellence, and community engagement.

The appointment letters were officially signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke.

Education analysts say effective leadership in these offices will directly influence staff morale, student welfare, accreditation outcomes, and partnerships.

The UNIZIK appointments serves as a pacesetter amid broader reforms across Nigeria’s tertiary education system, where governing councils are increasingly encouraged to prioritise merit, competence, and accountability.

Stakeholders believe that strong administrative leadership is essential to achieving global ranking improvements, expanding research grants, and fostering innovation-driven growth.

By filling these strategic positions, Nnamdi Azikiwe University signals its readiness to align with evolving academic standards while reinforcing internal governance structures.

•PHOTO: The newly appointed Principal Officer and Directors with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Barr Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi, after presentation of appointment letters