UNIZIK Ageing Research Centre Proposes Certificate Programmes in Gerontology, Caregiving and Rehabilitation Services.
UNIZIK VC TASKS AGEING RESEARCH CENTRE ON NEW PROGRAMMES, COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has charged the Research Centre for Ageing and Psychological Health to develop proposals for new academic programmes and community outreach initiatives to improve the well-being of older persons.
Prof. Anyaehie gave the charge on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when the Director of the Centre, Prof. Rita N. Ugokwe-Joseph, led the delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the Centre to submit proposals for certificate programmes in relevant areas, assuring them that they would be considered for approval.
The Vice Chancellor also encouraged the Centre to contribute to the development of undergraduate programmes in speech therapy, occupational therapy, autism, gerontology, medical social work and clinical psychology.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the university had established diaspora engagement platforms through which prospective international partners were willing to support the proposed programmes.
Prof. Anyaehie also directed the Centre to develop a community outreach plan for which the university would consider appropriate support.
Earlier, Prof. Ugokwe-Joseph traced the Centre's establishment to 2020, following her initiative and the financial support of His Royal Highness, Eze Chidubem Iweka III of Obosi who actually sponsored the initial construction of the center 's building.
Prof Ugokwe-Joseph said the Centre currently operates from the first floor of the CBN Building while awaiting completion of its permanent site.
According to the Director, the Centre promotes research and interventions in ageing and psychological health, with a focus on the cognitive and behavioural health needs of middle-aged and older adults.
Highlighting its achievements, she disclosed that the Centre had completed three years of a five-year longitudinal study investigating affordable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in Nigeria.
The Prof. disclosed that the university also received a $154,000 research grant through the Alzheimer's Association Clinical Scientists Fellowship in the United States, with Prof. Valentine Ucheagwu of the Department of Psychology, a former Deputy Director of the Centre, as the principal investigator associated with the grant.
Further on , Prof Ugokwe-Joseph said the Centre has also hosted activities marking World Alzheimer's Day and the International Day of Older Persons, held on campus on October 10, 2025 and that its journal, the African Journal of Ageing, Longevity and Psychological Health, had published its maiden edition and is preparing for the second.
The Director again announced plans for a one-day workshop on ageing, longevity and psychological health, alongside proposed certificate programmes in gerontology, caregiving and rehabilitation services.
Contributing to the discussion, Rev. Fr. Prof. C. C. Ajaelo, a Clinical psychologist and member of the delegation, emphasised the need for practical, people-centred programmes that address societal needs, highlighting opportunities for international collaboration in autism and clinical psychology, he added that Duke University in Atlanta was willing to partner with UNIZIK.
Prof. Ugokwe-Joseph appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to visit Eze Iweka III in recognition of his contribution to the Centre and to strengthen the relationship between the university and its benefactor as well as encourage the monarch to come and complete the construction of the permanent site building which he started.
Finally, the Director also sought consideration for the Centre's staff, who, she said, had continued working since 2020 without salaries.
In her vote of thanks, Prof. Ugokwe-Joseph expressed appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor's guidance and pledged the Centre's commitment to developing proposals that support the university's priorities and advance research, training and community interventions for older persons.
Other members of the delegation included: Dr Chris Okwuchukwu Obialor, Deputy Director 1
Dr Justina N. Okoli. Mr. Chukwuma Elijah. Mrs Anazonwu Ngozi ,Nnakianya Deborah and
Dr Cynthia Udeze.
Public Relations Unit, UNIZIK
(©2026)
← Back to News
