UNIZIK VC Reaffirms Commitment to Practical, Industry-Driven Education as Vocational Technology Department Unveils National Conference Plans
By Ebuka Nweke
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Bond Anyaehie, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening practical, industry-driven education as he received members of the Department of Industrial Technology Education on a courtesy visit to his office on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The delegation, led by the Head of Department, Dr. Peter I. Okoye, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for granting the department an audience despite his demanding schedule. He commended Prof. Anyaehie for his unwavering support and dedication to the growth of the department since assuming office as the University’s 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Dr. Okoye briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the department’s ongoing workshop activities and formally informed him of its forthcoming National Conference scheduled for October 29, 2026. He appealed for the University’s support towards the successful hosting of the conference and presented the official invitation letter to the Vice-Chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Prof. K. R. E. Okoye applauded the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, noting that his transformative achievements are evident across the University. He observed that although the department is less than a year old, it is strategically positioning itself as one of the institution’s leading academic units through innovative programmes and purposeful engagements.
He explained that the forthcoming National Conference would not only showcase the department’s academic strengths but also serve as a platform for forging strategic collaborations with foreign universities and international development partners, including the World Bank, while increasing awareness of its programmes and future aspirations.
In his response, Prof. Anyaehie thanked the delegation for the visit and reiterated the University’s unwavering commitment to promoting vocational and industrial technology education as a key driver of national development.
He noted that Anambra State’s reputation as Nigeria’s industrial hub places a responsibility on Nnamdi Azikiwe University to produce graduates equipped with practical competencies, entrepreneurial capacity, and industry-relevant skills capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the department of the University’s support for the successful hosting of its National Conference, stressing that practical education remains central to the University’s vision of producing innovative, self-reliant, and globally competitive graduates. He further pledged to work closely with the department to advance its programmes for the overall benefit of the University and society.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Anthony Okoroafor, Dr. Muhammed, Dr. Samson, Mr. Tolu (Technologist), Mr. James Obineche, and Mr. Samuel Akasi.