New UNIZIK VC pledges to prioritise staff, students’ welfare

The new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, has assured all that staff members employed since 2019 who have not received any salary will get their first payment before Christmas.

Anyaehie said student and staff welfare would be a top priority under his leadership, adding that students would be better engaged academically and in sports, so as to ensure that cultism and related activities are drastically curtailed.

The VC stated this during his post-resumption press briefing held at the Senate Chambers of the university on Tuesday.

He described the situation where some workers employed since 2019 have not received a salary as “deeply unfair,” adding that no worker deserves to be denied their wages for years, and pledged that the lingering salary impasse would be addressed in batches.

He said, “The Pro-Chancellor of the university is already in advanced discussions with relevant authorities to resolve the longstanding crisis and facilitate the release of funds for the affected workers.

“We cannot understand how such an employment arrangement was allowed to linger since 2019. A special committee would be set up to examine the circumstances and ensure a lasting solution.”

Anyaehie also reiterated his commitment to repositioning UNIZIK as the number one institution in Nigeria, noting that peace across the campus would be central to achieving his vision.
It is unpalatable that negative reports dominate the image of this great university. In one to two months, we shall begin commissioning projects on campus.

“The task is enormous, but we are prepared for it. What we need is peace. We are sure that in a few weeks, the desired peace will return, and we shall take off in earnest.

“Many stakeholders, including alumni and partners in the diaspora, had already indicated willingness to support this administration’s agenda.