UNIZIK Pensioners Seek Enhanced Welfare Support as Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment to Due Process
The leadership of the Contributory Pension Welfare Association of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Friday, July 10, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, at his office to seek the University’s support in improving the welfare of retired staff.
The delegation was led by the Association’s Chairman, Comrade Linus Umeh, and comprised the Chief Financial Secretary, Comrade Gabriel Ezema, alongside Comrade Fred Muoghalu and Comrade Francis Ejekpe, who are members of the Association.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Umeh appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to consider measures that would enhance the welfare of pensioners, noting that many retired staff now face significant economic challenges after years of dedicated service to the University.
Among the requests presented was an appeal for the University to consider extending opportunities within its employment and admission framework to qualified children and relatives of retired staff as a gesture of appreciation for the retirees’ invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
The Association also urged the University to include retired staff among beneficiaries of its annual end-of-year productivity bonus. According to Comrade Umeh, such a gesture would provide much-needed relief to pensioners and serve as meaningful recognition of their years of selfless service to the University community.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and commended the Association for engaging the University through constructive dialogue. He acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the retirees that their requests had been noted.
Addressing the issue of employment, Professor Anyaehie explained that recruitment into the University is conducted only when vacancies are officially declared and advertised. He encouraged qualified children and relatives of retired staff to apply whenever such opportunities arise, emphasising that appointments are strictly based on merit, qualifications, and the manpower needs of the institution.
On the request relating to admissions, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the University operates within approved admission guidelines and quotas. He explained that while the concerns of the retirees were appreciated, it would not be practicable to reserve admission spaces for relatives of retired staff, as admissions must comply with established regulatory policies.
The meeting concluded on a cordial note, with both the University Management and the Contributory Pension Welfare Association expressing optimism for sustained engagement and continued collaboration in addressing matters relating to the welfare of retired members of the University community.