History was made on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a landmark visit to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka to commission the newly completed building for the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy.
This visit marks the first time President Tinubu has visited any Nigerian University since becoming president. The last time a sitting President visited Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was in 2001 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited.
President Tinubu was warmly received by key dignitaries, including the University’s Pro-Chancellor, Barrister Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi; Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Sen. Dr. Ben Ndi Obi; Prof. Au Nnonyelu, Director, Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, members of the Governing Council; deans of all 17 faculties; heads of departments; friends and benefactors of the university, directors and coordinators, staff, and jubilant students.
In his welcome address, Prof. Ikechebelu expressed deep gratitude for the President’s historic visit and praised the Emeka Anyaoku Institute as a fitting tribute to the renowned diplomat. He commended the President for his student-friendly policies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and acknowledged the vital support of TETFUND in advancing higher education. The Acting Vice-Chancellor also thanked President Tinubu for his decisive intervention in November 2024, which he described as a rescue of the university system from “administrative rascality.”
President Tinubu, visibly pleased by the reception, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education and creating opportunities for young Nigerians. He praised Chief Emeka Anyaoku for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic journey and global diplomacy, describing him as a model of statesmanship whose legacy will inspire generations. The President noted that the institute would serve as a hub for nurturing future leaders and diplomats committed to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation.
The President was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and several governors: Charles Soludo (Anambra), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun). Ebonyi State was represented by its Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, while Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya also attended. Other key figures included Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu; Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Victor Umeh, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, and Mr. Seyi Tinubu.
President Tinubu’s visit to UNIZIK not only highlights his administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone of national development but also celebrates the legacy of Chief Emeka Anyaoku as a symbol of excellence in diplomacy and public service. With the commissioning of the Emeka Anyaoku Institute, they will start running higher degree programs at the Institute later this year.