HOSTING FOR EXCELLENCE
UNIZIK Marketing Dept. To Host 10th AMAP AGM, Seeks VCs support
The Department of Marketing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, to seek his support and blessings for the forthcoming 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Marketing Academic Professionals (AMAP) in Nigeria.
The visit, which took place on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, was led by the Head of the Department of Marketing, Dr. Lawrence N. Okeke.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Okeke expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for granting the department the opportunity to visit him, noting that the department had recorded significant progress since the unbundling exercise.
According to him, although the unbundling of the department had been less than three months, they had already embarked on initiatives aimed at improving the academic environment.
He disclosed that the department was installing a solar power system to enhance effective teaching, learning and other academic activities.
The HoD explained that the major purpose of the visit was to intimate the Vice-Chancellor about the forthcoming 10th AGM of AMAP, scheduled to hold at Nnamdi Azikiwe University on October 8 and 9, 2026,adding that the department was seeking the Vice-Chancellor’s blessings and requesting him to serve as the Chief Host of the conference.
Dr. Okeke introduced Prof. Promise Chika Oparah, a member of the Department of Marketing and pioneer President of AMAP, as well as Prof. Anayo Dominic Nkamnebe (in absentia), whom he described as the oldest professor in the Association of Marketing Academic Professionals in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Prof. Promise C. Oparah explained that AMAP comprises lecturers in Marketing from universities, colleges of education and polytechnics across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the forthcoming AGM, being organised in collaboration with the Department of Marketing, would focus on the future of marketing in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly how AI is revolutionising marketing education and practice in Nigeria.
Prof. Oparah said the Association had attracted prominent scholars and experts from Nigeria and across the world who would deliver lectures and participate in the conference sessions.
He explained that the opening ceremony would take place on October 8, while the technical sessions would hold on October 9, appealing to the Vice-Chancellor to support the event, serve as Chief Host and deliver the Vice-Chancellor’s address at the opening ceremony.
The formal invitation to the Vice-Chancellor was subsequently presented by the head of the department.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed members of the Department of Marketing and representatives of AMAP, expressing appreciation to the delegates for considering him worthy of serving as Chief Host of the conference.
Prof. Anyaehie, however, used the occasion to appeal to the academic community to prioritise the interests and welfare of students, particularly final-year students whose examinations, project defences and graduation processes could be affected by industrial actions.
He expressed concern over the impact of the current industrial situation on the University’s operations, noting that the institution had made significant financial commitments to meet its obligations despite the difficult circumstances.
The Vice-Chancellor said his administration remained committed to supporting staff, but stressed that staff agitations should be directed appropriately and should not cripple the academic activities of the University.
He particularly appealed for the final-year students to be allowed to complete their examinations, project defences and clearance processes without disruption so that they could graduate as scheduled.
He emphasized that his administration would continue to support staff but would always place the interest of students at the centre of its decisions.
Prof. Anyaehie also highlighted some of the administrative reforms introduced by his administration, including digital clearance for students, which he said was designed to make the clearance process faster and more efficient.
He explained that the University had also developed a mechanism through which funds generated from student clearance would be shared with faculties and departments to strengthen their capacity to meet basic operational needs.
According to him, the administration was also working on modalities for providing imprest to departments and faculties from the general purse, with appropriate spending limits to ensure that available funds were distributed equitably and managed throughout the academic sessions.
He stressed that the reforms were aimed at ensuring that resources trickled down to departments and faculties while reducing opportunities for mismanagement and corruption.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the visiting delegation that he would endeavour to support the AMAP conference and participate as Chief Host, while urging members of the University community to reciprocate the administration’s efforts by embracing accountability, proper resource management and the new systems being introduced.
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Oparah, who also serves as Head of the Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, commended the Vice-Chancellor for what he described as visible positive transformations in the University since his assumption of office.
He assured the Vice-Chancellor that members of the academic community would continue to support the administration’s efforts, adding that lecturers understood the importance of the issues raised during the meeting.
Prof. Oparah also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to consider outstanding requests relating to dual appointments and transfers into the newly established Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The Vice-Chancellor directed him to follow up with the Registrar on the matter.
He further appealed for consideration to be given to the welfare of Heads of Departments, particularly those heading new programmes and departments with limited avenues for internally generated revenue.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed that every department would receive an approved imprest as agreed to support its operations.
Prof. Oparah also disclosed that final-year students in the Department of Marketing were undertaking their project defences, after which their results would be moderated to enable them commence their clearance processes.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the development, assuring that the University would review the level of clearance achieved by the end of the month and release the appropriate funds to the departments in line with the new arrangement.
Among members of the delegation were Dr. Ifeanyichukwu N. Oranus, Prof. I. C. Nwaizugbo, Dr. Ngwube Angel Chinenye, Dr. Maduka Uche E., Dr. Promise Ebizie, Dr. Chikodiri Onuorah, Dr. Nwosu Kanayo Chike, Dr. Ekwunife Gabriel Okafor, Prof. Emma E., Dr. Chimezie A. O., Mr. Emeodi Emeka Leonard and Dr. Obianuju Vivian Dike, among others.
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