The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Alumni Association has congratulated the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Awak, Anambra State-based university, Prof. Charles Esimone, for emerging the new VC of the institution.

Esimone, who will officially mount the saddle of leadership on June 4, 2019, beat 28 other contestants in a keenly contested election to emerge the new VC.

The Alumni National President, Francis C. Ezeonu Ezeonu, a Professor of Environmental Biochemistry in the same institution and the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Imo State, also took part in the said election.

A press release signed by the Alumni Association Secretary-General, Mr Ejiofo Umegbogu, said that the National President of the Association, apart from personally congratulating the incoming VC soon after the screening process also forwarded a congratulatory letter to him on behalf of the association.

The release described the selection process as a radical shift from the past selection processes where bickering, protests and litigations was the order of the day in the institution and most universities in Nigeria

“A situation that was said to have generated intense politicking and internal strife within the University Community, leading to disruption of smooth academic activities, and the politicisation of the Ivory Tower,” the statement issued on Friday said.

It described the gesture of felicitations as an act of statesmanship which should be emulated by all Nigerians, especially, public office seekers.

The statement expressed hope that Prof Esimone would excel in his new assignment as he takes over from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, with effect from June 4, 2019.