– I will not be competing for the substantive VC position
The newly appointed acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, has affirmed her dedication to improving the welfare of both staff and students within the stipulated less than 6 months tenure on the leadership saddle. She gave this affirmation in an interview session on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Arising from a meeting with the Students Union leaders on Monday, Professor disclosed that she assured them of prompt response to their concerns. “Anything related to the students will be addressed within 24 hours. They are our priority and the reason we are here. They should be comfortable in their hostels, with adequate light and water”, She said.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi also emphasized her commitment to maintaining the university’s academic calendar, ensuring that it remains uninterrupted.
As a Professor of Rights Law, Family, and Gender Rights, she highlighted her commitment to staff welfare, particularly focusing on junior staff members. “Aside from the conditions of service, I will closely monitor staff welfare, especially those in the junior cadre.”
Addressing the Vice-Chancellorship race, Prof. Arinze-Umobi remarked, “The ccouncilis desirous to maintain a level playing field for all candidates. I am not competing for the substantive VC position but serving as an “interim agent. By virtueof my age, I am merely holding the baton by virtue for this relay race”.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi also outlined several initiatives for her administration, including a “Clean Up and Green Up UNIZIK” campaign, and seeking alternative power sources to address the current energy supply issues.
She underscored the need to improve the university’s global rating and visibility, noting that these assessments are based on visibility. “We will encourage colleagues to increase their visibility through publications,” she added.