UNIZIK Celebrates Inclusion as ‘YES WE CAN’ Talent Showcase Highlights Excellence of Visually Impaired Students.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunities as the Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER), in collaboration with the Students’ Affairs Unit and the Department of Music, Faculty of Arts, successfully hosted the “YES WE CAN” Talent Showcase on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The programme, organised by CENDASNER and the Department of Music led by Dr. Ikedimma Nwabufo Okeke in partnership with the Visually Impaired Students Association of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, provided an inspiring platform for visually impaired students to showcase their talents, creativity, and resilience before a large audience of staff, students, guests, and well-wishers.
The event underscored the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where every student, regardless of physical ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
A major highlight of the programme was the attendance of Chief Sir Godwin Ubaka Okeke (GUO), Chairman of the GUO Foundation and GUO & Sons Transport Company, who was represented by his wife, Lady Patricia Okeke. Lady Okeke made generous financial donations to the visually impaired students and later paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie.
During the visit, Lady Okeke reaffirmed the GUO Foundation’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University in promoting infrastructure development and academic excellence.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the GUO Foundation for its continued support of the University. He particularly acknowledged the numerous investments and contributions of Chief Sir Godwin Ubaka Okeke towards the institution’s growth and development, describing the family’s generosity as worthy of commendation. He also called on other philanthropists and corporate organisations to emulate the Foundation’s example by supporting higher education and institutional development.
The Vice-Chancellor was represented at the event by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Angela Ufele-Obiesie
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER), Dr. Obinna Anachuna, described the “YES WE CAN” Talent Showcase as a celebration of courage, resilience, creativity, and excellence.
Dr. Anachuna noted that the programme was designed to provide a platform for visually impaired students to showcase their talents and demonstrate that disability is not a barrier to excellence or achievement. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to promoting an inclusive academic environment where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to realise their full potential.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for his unwavering support for disability inclusion initiatives in the University. He also thanked the programme’s partners, sponsors, members of staff, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the event.
The Director called for sustained collaboration among individuals and organisations to strengthen inclusive education and ensure that students living with disabilities continue to enjoy equal opportunities to thrive academically and socially within the University community.
Among other dignitaries in attendance were the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, represented by the Sub-Dean, Dr. Anthony Apiti; former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu; Prof. Stephen Ufearo; the former Chairperson of ASUU-NAU; the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor; Hon. Obby Nwankwo, former Commissioner in Anambra State and APGA Flag Bearer for Awka North and South Federal Constituency; as well as members of staff, students, and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, CENDASNER reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the academic, social, and welfare needs of persons living with disabilities. The Centre noted that continued collaboration with individuals and organisations would further strengthen the University’s drive towards building an inclusive academic community where every student is empowered to attain their full potential.
The successful hosting of the “YES WE CAN” Talent Showcase further reflects UNIZIK’s resolve to promote diversity, inclusion, and excellence while providing equal opportunities for all students to discover and maximise their potential.
