UNIZIK Holds Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected and Appointed Heads of Departments

UNIZIK Holds Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected and Appointed Heads of Departments

UNIZIK Holds Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected and Appointed Heads of Departments

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, through the Centre for Counselling and Career Development (CCCD), has held a one-day orientation workshop for newly elected and appointed Heads of Departments (HODs), with a charge on them to uphold academic standards, accountability and institutional regulations.

The workshop, held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the University Auditorium, was organised at the instance of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, to equip the new HODs with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their academic, administrative and leadership responsibilities.

Declaring the orientation programme open,   the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, , stressed the strategic importance of academic departments to the growth and reputation of the University.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, the Vice Chancellor noted that the quality of graduates produced by the University is largely determined at the departmental level, making the department a critical component of the University's academic system.

The Vice-Chancellor reminded the new HODs that leadership in the University is a responsibility rather than a position of privilege, describing them as “heads among equals” who must return to their academic duties after their tenure.

She urged them to understand what is happening within their departments, including students' academic records, staff activities and academic programmes, and to ensure strict adherence to University regulations.

Using a recent case involving students' academic records as an illustration, the Vice-Chancellor warned HODs against arbitrarily waiving courses or allowing personal interests, pressure or intimidation to influence academic decisions.

She appealed to the HODs to uphold the rules fairly and consistently, stressing that failure to follow established regulations could negatively affect students and the reputation of the University.

According to her, the HODs have been given an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in their respective departments and should strive to leave the departments better than they met them.

She congratulated the newly elected and appointed HODs and urged them not to compromise University regulations, but to lead with integrity, accountability and commitment.

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Addressing participants, the Director, Centre for Counselling and Career Development, Prof Harry Obi Nwosu explained that the workshop was designed to deepen the understanding of HODs on their academic, administrative and sociological responsibilities, as well as the proper functioning of the office of the Head of Department.

He emphasised that HODs have critical responsibilities in maintaining high educational standards, supervising staff, supporting students, promoting research and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

According to him, the responsibilities of HODs include effective administration of departments, preparation and management of departmental budgets, equitable distribution of teaching assignments, supervision of academic programmes, regular curriculum review, staff development and appropriate management of staff and student matters.

He urged the newly appointed and elected HODs to demonstrate competence, integrity, accountability and loyalty, stressing that the office requires individuals with strong leadership and organisational abilities.

The Registrar of the University, Dr. Chinenye Okeke, in a paper titled “Administrative Regulations and the Roles of Heads of Department in Fostering Excellence among Staff and Students, charged HODs to understand and comply with the University's administrative and regulatory framework.

Represented by the Deputy Registrar II , Personnel, Mr. Clement Nanimebila, the Registrar in her presentation highlighted the need for effective leadership, proper decision-making, accountability, documentation and compliance with institutional procedures.

She also emphasised the responsibility of HODs to manage staff and students appropriately, promote academic excellence and research productivity, resolve conflicts and misconduct in accordance with due process, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their departments.

The Registrar assured participants that the lecture materials would be circulated on the HODs' platforms for further reference and consultation.

The University Bursar, Mr. Gozie C. M. Egwuatu, FCNA, represented by the Deputy Bursar I (Student Accounts), Mr. Anene Alex N., Esq., delivered a presentation on “Financial Management of Academic Departments.”

The presentation focused on budget preparation, expenditure control, financial monitoring, approval limits, students' dues accounts, imprest advances and retirement procedures.

HODs were advised to ensure that departmental expenditure remains within approved budgetary provisions and that all financial transactions comply with the University's established procedures.

The presentation further explained the procedures for obtaining and retiring imprest advances, including purchases and touring advances, and warned that unretired advances could attract recovery through salary deductions in accordance with University regulations.

The Director of Academic Planning, Prof Angela Ufele-Obiesie in a remark urged the newly appointed HoDs to carry all staff members of the department along in their duties irrespective of who voted for them or not during the election.

She charged them to adhere to the curriculum guidelines in the departmental courses noting that deviating from the guidelines could cost such department loss of accreditation during such exercise.

The orientation exercise also featured interactive sessions and other high impact lectures geared to equip the newly appointed HoDs for a productive  and result oriented tenure.