UNIZIK Establishes Prince Arthur Eze Annual Lecture Series.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has formally established the Prince Arthur Eze Annual Lecture Series, a landmark intellectual initiative designed to stimulate serious engagement with entrepreneurship, philanthropy, leadership, and development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Lecture Series reflects the University’s conviction that national and continental development is not driven by government alone, but by the combined influence of visionary individuals, strong institutions, innovative ideas, and responsible leadership. The initiative will provide a sustained platform where scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and business leaders can engage critically with the intersections of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and ethical leadership in advancing societal transformation.
Formally inaugurating the Committee charged with implementing the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, described the Lecture Series as a strategic instrument aligned with the University’s goals of strengthening postgraduate education, promoting interdisciplinary research, and enhancing its global academic standing.
“This is not merely a commemorative exercise,” the Vice-Chancellor emphasized. “It is an intellectual investment. The Lecture Series will provide a credible platform for rigorous engagement with development challenges and position the University as a serious convener of ideas that shape Africa’s future.”
Committee Membership
A distinguished Committee has been constituted to provide strategic leadership and oversee the implementation of the Lecture Series. Members include:
Ven. Prof. Anayo Nkamnebe – Chairman
Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu – Member
Prof. Faith Onwuchekwa – Member
Dr. Chika Priscilla Imoagwu – Member
Engr. Chioma Ezechukwu – Member
Prof. Emmanuel Uronnachi – Member
Mrs. Chioma Aguluefo – Member
Prof. Emeritus Silvia Anika – Member
Prince Emeka Eze – Member
Sen. Tony Nwoye – Member
Barr. Chukwudi Oli – Member
Mr. Macanthony U. Obiezeani – Member/Secretary.
At its inaugural meeting, the Committee adopted a comprehensive Concept Note positioning the Lecture Series as a prestigious and intellectually rigorous annual platform rooted in African realities while engaging global development conversations.
Strategic Vision and Objectives
The Lecture Series is conceived as a bridge between scholarship and practice, examining how entrepreneurial initiative, philanthropic commitment, and principled leadership contribute to sustainable development at individual, institutional, and societal levels.
It will also align closely with the University’s broader aspirations, including:
Strengthening postgraduate research capacity
Promoting interdisciplinary and development-focused scholarship
Enhancing industry and institutional partnerships
Increasing the University’s international visibility and academic influence
Preparatory activities are already underway for the inaugural edition scheduled for 2026, with the University indicating that the keynote address will be delivered by a globally respected thought leader whose work reflects the intellectual ambition and international outlook of the Series.
Beyond the annual lecture, the Committee is exploring complementary initiatives aimed at fostering research excellence, encouraging innovation-driven scholarship, and deepening engagement between academia and industry.
The Vice-Chancellor has urged the Committee to proceed with strategic clarity, efficiency, and purpose. Plans are also underway for a formal visit to Prince Arthur Eze to brief him on the progress and long-term vision of the initiative.
With the establishment of the Prince Arthur Eze Annual Lecture Series, Nnamdi Azikiwe University reaffirms its commitment to advancing development-oriented scholarship, nurturing visionary leadership, and serving as a leading intellectual hub for ideas that are locally grounded and globally relevant.