Anambra Varsity Produce 165 Academic Professors in 5 Years of Nwakoby Leadership

By Praise Chinecherem

Academic professors in the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State rose from 35 to 200 during the 5-year tenure of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Greg Nwakoby.

Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor made the disclosure during the the Vice Chancellor’s Day and book presentation in celebration of the Vice Chancelor’s five years in office held at the ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus.

The unveiling of the book titled “Greg Nwakoby, The Journey of a Legacy of Enduring Transformation 2018-2023” was preceded by interdenominational service with prayers led by Founder of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma popularly called Fr. Ebube Muonso.

The 5-chapter, 106 paged literature mirrors the VC’s breakthroughs from his early life, to becoming a professor as well as the five years tenure in the University.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Nwozor, who doubles as Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee said the VC inherited a total of 35 professors on assumption of office, but would be leaving behind no fewer than 200 professors for the institution.

He said many of the professors, promoted based on merit, were drawn from a backlog of stagnated staff, many of whose promotions were long overdue.

Describing Nwakoby’s five years rule as a monumental advancement for the institution, Nwozor said the VC would be leaving the institution far better than he met it especially in the area of infrastructure, welfare, discipline, integrity, transparency and accountability.

He said, “The VC day is a day of appreciation of every VC in any well established institutions. Ordinarily, it should come up once in five years or once in tenure of VC to indicate the drawing of the curtain of the administration.

“Today is a chronicle of the legacies of Prof Greg Nwakoby as VC of COOU from 2018 – 2023. Going through the documentary, you’ll see what he met and what he’s living behind. It’s a monumental advancement for the institution.

“He met 35 professors in 2018. Mind you, the university came into existence in January 2000. 18 years after, Nwakoby, on assumption of office, inherited 35 professors, meaning that the university was able to produce only 35 professors in 18years.

“But within the 5 years of his administration, the number skyrocketed from 35 to well over 200. These are meritorious promotions, from backlog of stagnated staff. Nwakoby doesn’t discriminate, once you merit it and the department and faculty give their nod, it’s approved.

“Again, he met buildings taken over by weeds. But today, you see buildings littered all over the area. That’s the legacy he’s leaving. Talk about discipline, welfare and transparency in administration, he’s there. Many VCs won’t tell you number of students they have.

“But since he came on board, every exam period, there’s publication of students that paid school fees and those yet to pay, totalling entire number of students in the university. That also reflects the amount of money being generated from school fees.

“Over 22 programmes were accredited under his watch. Before he came in, my own department, Geology, for example, was like jinx. We failed accreditation in 2013, 2015 and 2017. But in 2019, we got full accreditation after he came in 2018. It’s magical.

“The six departments in my faculty are currently enjoying full accreditation status from the NUC. Same with other faculties. Besides, he introduced new programmes, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiology, Criminology, among others.

“He brought a curriculum renaissance in the university. Before, students hardly saw their results till after three years. But now, all results are published on the portal less than a month after exams.

“That’s academic freedom and digital thinking. Those their sponsors are doubting their performances can easily log into the portal to view their results.

“He brought a system that promotes credibility, integrity and innovations. As a member of Senior Staff disciplinary committee, people have gone on suspension, some expelled and others served their punishment and got recalled.

“These five years is a regime of physical discipline of both staff and students. That’s why we’re celebrating him so that others coming after him will be motivated to do even much more.

“The VCs tenure is ending first week of December. The last canon shot will be fired for the fourth VC of this university to give room for his successor.”

While refuting reports alleging the institution’s sore relationship with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nwozor described peddlers of such rumour as mischief makers.

“Nwakoby is a union person and if anyone accuses him of not having good relationship with ASUU is up with some mischief.

“The ASUU secretariat was roofed by Nwakoby. Those things ASUU is protesting are non existent here. No staff is being owed till date. Before he came, we were borrowing money from banks to pay salaries. That’s now history.

“You can’t have walls without lizards. Nigeria is a case study. What Nigeria system can’t offer you, don’t expect the university system to give you all. Nwakoby came, saw and conquered,” he said.

The book reviewer, Prof Austin Nnonyelu, said the 5 chaptered book, edited by Prof Solomon Ekwenze and Dr Harrison Madubueze showcased Nwakoby’s courageous spirit and x-rayed his ability to multitask.

“The editors of the book plotted perfect trajectory of the Vice Chancellor’s life; a cumulative record of his engagements in the University in the past five years, including attraction of various donors to the university, infrastructural development, staff welfare, promotion, among others,” he said.

The chief launcher of the book, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, represented by Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu described Prof Nwakoby as a man of vision, who carries everyone along, and wished him well in his subsequent endeavors.

Earlier, Chairman on the occasion, Justice Alexius Okuma, described the university Vice Chancellor as a man who came, saw and conquered Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and commended him for his good legacies.

In their various goodwill messages, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration Prof Mathias Añanti, his Academic counterpart, Prof Osita Chiaghanam and member representing Ihiala in the House of Representatives, Pascal Agbodike, said the transformation brought by Nwakoby distinguished the institution as one of the best in Nigeria and prayed God to elevate him to higher positions.

Responding, Vice Chancellor, Prof Nwakoby commended the university community, friends and associates for their love, support and cooperation which he said were instrumental to the success stories recorded under his administration.

He urged them to extend same to his successor to ensure the university attained greater hieghts.

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