Ex-ASUU Chair, others pledge best global practices as ICPC inaugurates UNIZIK ACTU C’ttee
By Praise Chinecherem
The Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has been officially inaugurated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The committee headed by former Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh was inaugurated at the Council Chambers of the UNIZIK following administration of oath of allegiance by the Head of Legal of ICPC, Barr. Mrs Ogochukwu Iwoba.
Part of the committee’s terms of reference included ensuring transparency and accountability in line with global best practices in the daily administrative affairs of every department, faculties, units and directorates in the institution as well as sensitization of staff members of the institution on best practices.
Chairman of the Unit, Comrade Ufoaroh thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for setting up the ACTU and the official inauguration.
He expressed confidence that the advent of ACTU would aid in sanitizing the University in its daily operation through sensitization of staff members and students on its operations and why they should observe relevant rules in the university system.
While pledging members’ readiness to work harmoniously towards higher level of corrupt-free system, Ufoaroh urged entire university community to endeavour to speak up and report actions and practices that negate growth and development of the institution.
“The committee will commence serious sensitisation among staff and students of the the University on the need to maintain best practice in discharge of their duties in order to preserve the pride of our university,” he assured.
UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone said members were carefully selected based on their previous record in administration and track record in servitude,
“The essence of the ACTU is to ensure a seamless and smooth operational services by members of staff of the institution in their respective directorates, units, departments and faculties in line with the pillars of the present administration which is hinged of administrative reforms, academic excellence, innovation, research and community service,” he noted.
While congratulating members for the privilege of being chosen to serve in such capacity, Esimone urged them to put in their best towards service delivery to the institution and the education sector at large.
The occasion witnessed lecture on the Essence, Structure and Function of ACTU delivered by the Principal Superintendent of ICPC, Japhet Udeani as well as question and answer session on activities and operation of ACTU in the institution.
Members of the Ufoaroh-led committee are Prof. Uche Eunice Ekpunobi (Dept. Of Pure and Industrial Chemistry), Dr. Chinyere Esimone (Music Department), Rev. Fr. Dr. I. Onwuatuegwu (Philosophy Department) and Dr. Godwin Obasikene (Medicine and Surgery Department).
Others include, Prof. Machebe Victor Ozioko (Faculty of Law), Mr. Paul Ifezue (Director, Internal Audit), Dr. Jude Okoye (Faculty of Law), Rev. Sr. Patricia Oranefo (Accountancy Department) while Mr. Edward Kalu Okereke of the Personnel Unit is acting as the Secretary of the committee.
Present during the inauguration were Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Prof. Frederick Odibo, SAVC on Academic Matters; Barr. Philomena Okoye, UNIZIK Registrar; Dr. Mrs. Roseline Obiozor-Ekeze, Ag. University Librarian and Mrs Gladys Chika Ene, Director of Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer.