THANK YOU, PROF. BOND FOR REMEMBERING DR. NNAMDI AZIKIWE – PROF. UCHE AZIKIWE
The wife of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, has expressed deep appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for honouring and remembering the legacy of the great Zik of Africa.
Prof. Uche Azikiwe made this known while receiving the Vice-Chancellor and his management team at her residence in Onitsha on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She described the visit as heartwarming and commendable, noting that it brings her immense joy to welcome individuals who continue to recognize and celebrate her late husband’s immense contributions to humanity, education, and nation-building.
She expressed optimism about the future of the University, praying that its rapid growth would soon position it among the leading universities in the world. Prof. Azikiwe also informed the Vice-Chancellor of the family’s plans to revive the Nnamdi Azikiwe Foundation, a non-governmental organization, and expressed her desire for the University to play an active role in its activities.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor thanked Prof. Azikiwe for the warm reception accorded him and his team. He described Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as a personal inspiration and a towering figure whose love for education and visionary leadership remains unmatched.
Prof. Anyaehie disclosed plans to institute the African Zik Leadership Fellowship, a programme designed to nurture and develop future leaders in Africa in honour of the late statesman. He also revealed plans to establish a Zik’s Garden within the University to further immortalize his legacy.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the rare privilege of sharing the same birthday with the late Zik, describing the visit as the most significant and fulfilling he has made since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor.
Members of the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage included the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hilda Osisioma; the Registrar, Dr. Chinyere Gloria Okeke; the Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu; the University Librarian, Prof. Stella Anasi; the Ag. Public Relations Officer, Mr. Njelita Louis; the Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on New Media, Mr. Ekene Prosper Ezeumenanya; and the Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Administration, Mr. MacAnthony Obiezeani, among others.