The Governing Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on Sunday, announced the appointment of Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie as new Vice-Chancellor  of the university.

Mr Anyaehie will assume office from November 19, and is be in office for a single tenure of five years.

Mr Anyaehie’s appointment was confirmed in Abuja, by pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Olugbenga Kukoyi.

Mr Kukoyi said that the appointment of the new VC, followed a thorough and transparent process.

“I am pleased to announce Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, after a thorough and transparent process,” he said.

Mr Anyaehie, a renowned professor of Physiology and Clinical Measurements, has about two decades of teaching experience from the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus.

He will take over from Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, who has been acting VC, after a reversal of the appointment of the former VC, Prof. Bernard Odoh.

Meanwhile, Mr Anyaehie has pledged to transform the university and put it on a global ranking.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport is one of the best in Nigeria, so UNIZIK should also be the best university in Nigeria. I guarantee you that in the next six months, UNIZIK will be well placed, its ranking will go to one of the best in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Anyaehie obtained his first degree in medicine and surgery from the Abia State University Uturu in 1998, a Masters’ degree in 2004, a Ph.D in 2009, and an MPH in 2011.

Mr Anyaehie served as Deputy Provost, College of Medicine University of Nigeria between 2018 and 2022.

He was acting Provost College of Medicine Imo State University as well as visiting professor from 2020 to 2022.

 (NAN)