UNIZIK Inaugurates Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Centre to Drive Trade, Regional Integration and Africa’s Economic Development
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has taken a significant step towards strengthening Africa’s economic integration and research capacity with the commissioning of the Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR).
The ultra-modern Centre was officially commissioned on Thursday, July 16, 2026, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, who described the project as a landmark achievement and a testament to vision, perseverance and excellence.
Commending Professor Ngozi Egbuna for her unwavering commitment to the project, Barr. Kukoyi expressed confidence that the Centre would become a leading hub for regional integration, policy research, innovation and strategic collaboration, making meaningful contributions to Africa’s economic growth and development.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, described the commissioning as another milestone in the University’s pursuit of academic excellence, impactful research and global relevance.
According to him, the Centre is more than a physical structure; it is a strategic investment that positions Nnamdi Azikiwe University at the forefront of research in trade policy, regional integration, industrial development and digital trade, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the Centre would provide a platform where scholars, policymakers, governments and the private sector would collaborate to generate innovative, research-driven solutions capable of accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
He stressed that while infrastructure is important, it is the quality of ideas generated within such institutions and the people who nurture them that ultimately transform societies.
Prof. Anyaehie expressed profound appreciation to Afreximbank for providing the financial support that made the project a reality. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Vice-Chancellors—Prof. Charles Esimone, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu and Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi—for sustaining the project through successive administrations.
He further commended Professor Ngozi Egbuna for her vision and resilience, while appreciating the Building Project Committee, Physical Planning Unit and contractors for successfully delivering the world-class facility. He called on governments, development partners and corporate organisations to partner with the University in expanding the Centre’s impact through research collaboration, talent development and sustainable funding before inviting the Pro-Chancellor to formally commission the building.
Delivering her welcome address, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a long-cherished vision inspired by a passion for advancing scholarship and promoting Africa’s economic integration through research and innovation.
She explained that the Centre symbolises far more than a completed building, representing a commitment to producing quality research, shaping public policy, promoting regional integration and developing future leaders capable of addressing Africa’s development challenges.
Reflecting on the journey, she recounted the challenges, sacrifices and moments of uncertainty encountered during the construction process, describing the successful completion of the project as a testimony to resilience, determination and divine faithfulness.
Professor Egbuna thanked the successive Vice-Chancellors who sustained the initiative, Afreximbank for its generous financial support, the contractors, Building Project Committee, Physical Planning Unit, Works Department, colleagues and numerous well-wishers whose collective efforts made the dream a reality.
She expressed optimism that the Centre would evolve into a globally recognised institution for excellence in regional integration and trade research, producing innovative ideas, influencing policy and providing practical solutions to Africa’s economic challenges.
Presenting the goodwill message of Afreximbank, the Manager, Client Relations, Anglophone West African Region, Mrs. Obioma Iweka, congratulated the University on the successful completion of the Centre, describing it as a strategic investment in knowledge creation, capacity building and policy development for Africa.
She reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening intra-African trade by supporting institutions capable of producing the research, innovation and skilled workforce required to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mrs. Iweka disclosed that Afreximbank looks forward to deepening its partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University through collaborative research, capacity-building programmes, internship opportunities, faculty sabbaticals and the annual Afreximbank-sponsored lecture series, all aimed at strengthening the link between academia, industry and public policy.
The commissioning ceremony attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including members of the Governing Council: Mr. Nujeeb Agunbiade, Dame Yakowa Amina, Mr. Lani Amao, Mr. Charles Ofoke, Prof. P. V. C. Okoye, Prof. Tracy Utoh-Ezeajughi, Engr. I. K. Onwuemene, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ikenga Oraegbunam, Engr. Prof. Paul Okolie, Chief Dr. Ndubusi Nwobu and Prof. Igwebuike Onyiorah. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Asigbo; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. J. K. C. Emejulu; HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi, Eze Ọnịcha Ado n’Iduu), represented by Chief Chuka Oboli (Osuma Affa); Chief Osita Anionwu (Ike Akata); and pioneer students of the Centre, Dr. Sulaiman Audu, Mr. Emeka O. Oboli and Mr. Dan Anazonwu, alongside other distinguished guests, all of whom described the Centre as a transformative investment that will enhance UNIZIK’s global academic profile while contributing significantly to Africa’s sustainable economic development.