•Varsity’s new VC, Odoh, unveils blueprint
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
History was made on October 29, 2024, as Professor Benard Odoh, emerged the first alumnus to become the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Anambra State. He bagged his first, second and doctorate degrees from the university.
He assumed office on November 5, 2024. A Professor of Geophysics, he was appointed the seventh VC by the Greg Ozumba-Mbadiwe led Governing Council.
In the sermon titled “Call to serve,” during the mass presided by the Chaplain of St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ezeokonkwo, the homilist, Rev. Fr Evaristus Iheanacho, said: “I urge all members of this great citadel of learning to work together and in unity to restore the glory of this university. Only change is constant and positive change is what this university needs.”
He prayed God to give Odoh the grace, strength and ability to do things right, fix things in their proper place and ensure progress of teaching, learning and especially, character formation.
At the interactive session, Odoh unveiled his administration’s blueprint titled: “Disruptive model.” He reminded the university community that politics of the selection of the Vice-Chancellor was over, insisting that there was neither controversy over his appointment nor the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor of the University in the appointment of University Vice-Chancellors.
He disclosed that his administration was geared towards establishing the university among the top 50 universities in Africa while reshaping and repositioning it to contest for a position in the first 500 universities in global ranking of universities through the Disruptive Development Model (2024-2029).
He disclosed that objectives of his blueprint include: “Development of industry-ready graduates, enhance research and development, integrate disruptive technologies, strengthen industry-academia partnerships and achieve sustainable growth.
“As we embark on this journey, let our guide be the principles and ideals Nnamdi Azikiwe championed-a relentless pursuit of excellence, a steadfast commitment to innovation and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Together, we will build upon the foundation laid by our esteemed namesake and strive to make Nnamdi Azikiwe University a beacon of progress, a hub of knowledge and a catalyst for the advancement of Africa.”
He identified 11 core projects including the completion of the Vice Chancellor’s residence by 2026 which he noted would enhance administrative functions, foster role model presence, strengthen university culture and community engagement.
The Vice Chancellor also said immediate commitment to on-campus leadership of his administration has commenced immediately as he had decided to convert the university kitchen to his residence which will undergo renovation within one month: “I will be on a permanent residence on campus within six weeks of my assumption of office. Establishing a continuous 24/7 leadership presence on campus is not just a symbolic gesture but a strategic decision to remain closely connected to the day-to-day pulse of the university.
“Being on the locus allows me to engage with students, faculty, and staff more directly, understand their concerns and aspiration firsthand, and respond quickly to any challenges. This close-knit leadership approach will foster a culture of transparency, accessibility and mutual respect-key values for any thriving academic community.
“With a constant leadership presence, I am committed to bridging the gaps between administration and the university community, enhancing communication, trust, and accountability, which are critical to our collective growth and success.”