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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The newly appointed acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, has given assurances of her dedication towards improving the welfare of both staff and students of the university within the stipulated six months tenure in office.
Speaking in an interview after a meeting with the Students Union leaders during the weekend, Professor Arinze-Umobi assured the students of prompt response to their concerns.
“Anything related to the students’ welfare will be addressed within 24 hours. They are our priority and the reason we are here. They should be comfortable in their hostels with adequate light and water,” she said.
The Acting Vice Chancellor also emphasized her readiness in maintaining university’s academic calendar, ensuring that it remains uninterrupted without any form of disruption.
As a Professor of Rights Law, Family, and Gender Rights, she highlighted her commitment to staff welfare, particularly focusing on junior staff members.
“Aside from the conditions of service, I will closely monitor staff welfare, especially those in the junior cadre.”
Addressing issues regarding the Vice-Chancellorship race, Prof. Arinze-Umobi remarked: “The council is desirous to maintain a level playing field for all candidates. I am not competing for the substantive VC position but serving as an “interim agent. By virtue of my age, I am merely holding the baton for this relay race.”
She also outlined several initiatives for her administration, including a “Clean Up and Green Up UNIZIK” campaign, and seeking alternative power sources to address the current energy supply issues.
She underscored the need to improve the university’s global rating and visibility, noting that these assessments are based on visibility.
“We will encourage colleagues to increase their visibility through publications,” she said.
