ACCREDITING FOR EXCELLENCE
NUC Accreditation Team Visits UNIZIK for Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Programmes
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, received a National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation team for the assessment of its Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife programmes.
The visiting team paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Alex Asigbo, at the Council Chamber of the University.
In her opening remarks, the Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Prof. Angela Ufele Obiesie, welcomed the accreditation team and explained that the exercise was aimed at assessing the University's programmes in B Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife inviting the team leader to outline the purpose of their visit.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team leader, Prof. Camillus Ben-Bassey of the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Calabar, Cross River State, expressed appreciation to the NUC for the opportunity to participate in the exercise.
He also commended the University Management for the warm reception and excellent hospitality accorded the team.
Prof. Ben-Bassey emphasised that the accreditation exercise was not intended to intimidate the University but to serve as a collaborative process aimed at promoting academic standards and institutional development.
He assured management that the team would conduct its assessment objectively, adding that members were eager to visit the relevant facilities and evaluate the programmes firsthand.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anyaehie, represented by Prof. Asigbo, expressed delight at receiving the team and noted that he had academic and professional connections with some of the institutions represented by the assessors adding that such connections further strengthened the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the team of the University's full cooperation, noting that the institution was committed to maintaining high academic standards and improving its position among Nigerian universities.
He stated that UNIZIK was currently ranked fourth among Nigerian universities in one ranking system and second in the Google ranking, expressing confidence that the University would continue to work towards becoming the best in the country.
He further disclosed that the University's Faculty of Agriculture had facilities both within the main campus and at its permanent site, which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes' drive away.
He encouraged the assessors to examine the available facilities and make objective recommendations that would help strengthen the programmes.
Prof. Anyaehie also underscored the importance of Agriculture to Nigeria's economic development, describing the sector as a critical pathway to achieving food security, self-sufficiency and economic sustainability.
He encouraged academics and professional associations to work together towards advancing agricultural education and practice in the country.
He assured the accreditation team that members of staff were ready to provide the necessary assistance throughout the exercise.
He also welcomed the visitors to Anambra State, describing it as peaceful and safe, and encouraged them to feel free to explore the state during their stay.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Ufele Obiesie expressed gratitude to God for the safe arrival of the team and wished them a successful exercise and journey back.
She announced that the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Heads of Departments would lead members of the accreditation teams to their respective areas of assessment.
Other members of the accreditation delegation included:Prof. Dauda Tanko of Federal University, Lokoja; Mrs. Osuagwu Bernadine, NUC representative for Forestry and Wildlife; Prof. Richard Oyeyinka Akinwunmi of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; and Prof. Aminu Ali of Soil Science, Joseph Tansa University, Makurdi.
University officials present at the meeting included the Prof. Okolie Ndukwe, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Director of Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Chukwuemeka Attah; Head of Department, Agricultural Extension, Ven. Prof. I. A. Enwelu; Head of Department, Animal Science, Prof. J. C. Okonkwo; Head of Department, Crop Science and Horticulture, Prof. Christian C. Iwuagwu; Head of Department, Agricultural Economics and Extension, Prof. Chinyere C. Okeke; and other members of the University community.
Public Relations Unit, UNIZIK
(©2026)
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