The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi on Wednesday August 6, 2025 received Mr Okpogba Chinedu, an alumnus of the university, in her office in recognition of his exceptional achievements during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.
Mr Chinedu’s achievements earned him the prestigious Presidential NYSC Honours Award.
He was recognized as the overall best corps member for the 2021 Service Year, 2nd overall best corps member for the 2020-2023 Service Year, and best corps member, Batch A Stream 1, Cross River State (2021).
During the reception, Professor Arinze-Umobi warmly congratulated Mr Chinedu on the outstanding accomplishments, commending his dedication and positive impact on community development services.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor emphasized the vital role corps members play in nation-building, drawing from her own experience as an overall platoon leader during her service year.
“On behalf of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University management, I want to use this opportunity to thank you for your dedication and commitment,” Professor Arinze-Umobi said.
Mr Chinedu, a graduate of Music from the Faculty of Arts, served at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army Barracks, Calabar. His exceptional year was marked by significant community development initiatives, including composing music albums, constructing infrastructure, and volunteering as a music teacher.
Some of his notable initiatives include composing the national music album project titled “I SERVED”; composing the Armed Forces Remembrance Day theme song; composing the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) School Anthem; constructing the Command Primary School Signboard within the barracks; constructing receptacles and providing waste disposal bins at 13 strategic points in the barracks.
Others are volunteering as a Music teacher and instructor at Command Primary School and NAOWA Primary School; providing 30 NYSC-branded hymn boxes and constructing a secure storage box for the Christ The King Chaplaincy, Akin Barracks.
He donated a bluetooth rechargeable public address system to the NYSC office at the Municipal Secretariat, Calabar.
He also produced 10 band sashes for the Band Community Development Service (CDS) group at the NYSC Secretariat, Calabar and volunteered as choir master and band musicologist for the Brigade Band office at 13 Brigade Headquarters and the Air Force Catholic Chaplaincy.
The reception was witnessed by several university officials, including Mr Victor Modebelu, Acting Registrar; Mr Gozie Egwuatu, University Bursar; Professor George Onwudiwe, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Dr Ikedimma Okeke, HOD, Music; and Professor Alvan Ikoku Nwamara.
