Nnamdi Azikiwe University Pro-Chancellor Pledges Major Infrastructure Revamp for Nnewi Campus

 

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has reaffirmed its dedication to the expansion and enhancement of facilities at its Nnewi campus, home to the College of Health Sciences. This move is part of a broader commitment to align the institution's growth with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, made this declaration during the 54th induction ceremony of 125 medical graduates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi. The event, held over the weekend, marked a significant milestone for the new doctors, who were inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN).

In his address, Kukoyi highlighted the need for a swift and strategic approach to developing the university’s Nnewi campus, which currently lags behind the main Awka campus in terms of infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of providing modern facilities to support the growing needs of students and staff at Nnewi, particularly within the College of Health Sciences. The Pro-Chancellor said that the governing council is actively working with the university management to ensure that the Nnewi campus receives the necessary investments to elevate its status and bring it closer to the standards of the Awka campus.

 

“We recognize the urgency of upgrading, renovating, and rehabilitating the infrastructure at the Nnewi campus. This is in line with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Visitor to the university, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Kukoyi stated.

Kukoyi also underscored the critical need for institutions, particularly public ones, to maintain existing facilities. He pointed out that the days of neglecting infrastructure while continuously seeking more funding for new projects must end. The governing council is prioritizing a culture of maintenance, ensuring that the current resources and facilities are properly cared for to avoid deterioration.

The Pro-Chancellor’s remarks were framed within the broader context of the university's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and medical training, aligning with national goals to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria. He also pledged that the university would remain committed to developing a culture of ownership and responsibility towards public infrastructure, urging all stakeholders to actively maintain and preserve the facilities that have been established.

The induction ceremony, which marked the successful completion of the medical program by the 125 graduands, was attended by several distinguished figures, including Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, the acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital; and Prof. Jude-Kennedy Emejulu, Provost of the College of Health Sciences. Also present was Emeritus Prof. Joseph Adinma, a respected figure in medical academia, alongside Dr. Fatima Kyari, a representative of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), who administered the Medical Oath to the new doctors.

In his address, Kukoyi congratulated the graduands for their hard work and perseverance in completing their medical studies, while also commending their families and the university management for their unwavering support. He expressed confidence that the new doctors would make valuable contributions to the medical field and uphold the reputation of the university, urging them to go forth as proud ambassadors of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

The event concluded with a sense of optimism for the future, not just for the fresh graduates but also for the university, which is positioning itself for greater academic and infrastructural achievements in the coming years.