Vows to sustain Great Zik, Tinubu’s principles
By Aloysius Attah
The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 11th Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barrister Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi has assumed duties in the university with a promise not to compromise on the ideals of competence, excellence , equity and fairness.
He said the Great Zik of Africa and Visitor of the University, President Bola Tinubu held those principles dearly.
Addressing members of the University Senate, Kukoyi said the Governing Council, under his leadership, would continue to work with the representatives of the Senate and other stakeholders to get the input of every critical segment of the university community in all they do.
He said the council would continually engage with the different stakeholders in the spirit of collective bargaining and in the overall interest of members of staff and students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as well as the host communities.
He, however, sounded a note of warning that the council would not sacrifice fairness, equity, justice, merit, competence, and above all, the Rule of Law, on the altar of some primordial considerations or sentiments.
“This is the way to go because these were the principles that the “Great Zik of Africa”, the man after whom this great university is named, was known for. And these are the principles that the Visitor to this great university, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holds dear”
“It is worthy to note that this great university was founded to inculcate and disseminate knowledge without let or hindrance to all Nigerians based on the principles of “discipline, self-reliance and excellence”.
He expressed regret that the university was in the news for not-so-ennobling reasons in the past and assured that working with the entire university community, the Governing Council would endeavour to make a clean break with the past, instil discipline and change the narrative.
The Pro-Chancellor also assured on sustaining the culture of collaborations and partnership but noted that such will be reviewed for greater productivity.
“Knowing the strategic importance of collaboration and partnership, we shall seek to foster a strong partnership between the university and private sector as well as relevant public institutions towards addressing the infrastructural challenges in the University while promoting a culture of maintenance and continuous improvement of the existing facilities. Towards this end, all existing and pending partnerships will be reviewed and/or pursued to ensure their realisation while we seek new ones”
He said the Council would strive to do things differently and try as much as possible to carry along all the critical stakeholders in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and service.
“We shall run an open-door policy and be receptive to new ideas, suggestions and constructive criticisms.
“Let us bid farewell to the days when the university was in the news for the wrong reasons. And let us embrace the present and future with Renewed Hope for academic excellence, research breakthroughs and other ennobling attainments worthy of a university of this stature and standing.
“Let us resolve to be the agents of the good and positive change or transformation that we desire. Let it be said that when we were here, we did our very best for the advancement of knowledge, research and development of this great university that is rightly named after the “Great Zik of Africa” he stated.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu while welcoming the Pro-Chancellor said the entire university family are united to forge a new synergy of productivity and excellence under the new leadership of the Pro-Chancellor.
