PROF CHARLES ESIMONE BECOMES NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA

Nnamdi Azikiwe University has appointed, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone as the new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Prof Esimone emerged winner after an extensive interview beating 30 other Professors. In the order of performance, Prof Charles Okechukwu took the first position while a female colleague, Prof Ifeoma Ezeani from Nnewi Campus came second and Prof Emeka Ezeonu came 3rd. Prof. Ezeonu is the current President of Unizik Alumni Association.

Prof Esimone has received his appointment letter as the new Vice Chancellor of Unizik amidst jubilation. He takes over from Prof. Joseph Ahaneku.

Before the announcement of the new VC by the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on Wednesday, there was palpable tension in the institution over who becomes the university boss.

Ten (10) Professors were interviewed by the Sixteen member Governing Council led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji Azeez Oladotun Bello to pick three best for onward presentation to the Minister for Education, Adamu Adamu.

But latest information from a member of the Governing Council who pleaded anonymity informed Radio Nigeria that sequel to the autonomy of Nigeria Universities, only the Governing Council determines who becomes the Vice Chancellor and no longer Ministry of Education and the Presidency.

Twenty eight (28) Professors applied for the position of the Vice Chancellor and search team constituted by the Governing Council got three other Professors making it Thirty one .

Those who were said to have applied for the top Unizik job to take over from Professor Joseph Ahaneku include Prof Charles Esimone, immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Unizik; Prof Godwin Onu former Rector Federal Polytechnic Oko; Prof Josephat Ogbuagu former Provost FCE(T) ,Umunze, former VC of a Federal University from Awka, Prof Okeke; Prof Au Nonyelu : Prof Emeka Ezeonu ,INEC REC Imo State and former VC of Hezekiah University .

After the screening the Governing Council shortlisted Ten (10) eminent Professors for the final interview Tuesday morning at the Council Chambers, Unizik Awka.

Consequently, the screening exercise which lasted till evening produced Prof Esimone as the preferred candidate for the top job.

Prof. Esimone who was the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, NAU, became a professor at the age of 37, emerging as the youngest professor in the university and first professor of Pharmacy. He is also the first Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology in south-eastern Nigeria.

EJIOFO UMEGBOGU