UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Visits Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari, Seeks Increased Partnership For Development.
In his sustained drive to advance infrastructural development and strengthen academic activities across Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, paid a working visit to the Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari Annex.
Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ndukwe Okorie, expressed appreciation for the visit and the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to inclusive development across all campuses of the University. He noted that the current student population at the Annex consists mainly of 400 and 500 level students, and highlighted key challenges facing the Faculty, including the absence of functional laboratories and hostel accommodation.
Prof. Okorie emphasized the urgent need for increased collaboration between the University and private investors to accelerate the Faculty’s growth and enhance teaching and research capacity. He also drew attention to the problem of poor energy supply, attributing it to the non-functionality of the existing 5KV solar power installation. The Dean further informed the Vice-Chancellor of a 200-bedroom private hostel in the community, constructed by an indigenous investor, which could serve as a potential support facility for students.
In his response, Prof. Anyaehie reaffirmed his strong commitment to transforming the Faculty into a vibrant hub of agricultural innovation and productivity. He stressed the importance of attracting investors to establish agricultural ventures such as rice milling facilities, greenhouse farming systems, poultry units, and piggery farms within the campus. According to him, such partnerships would not only enhance practical training for students but also contribute to the University’s internally generated revenue and food security initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor also undertook an inspection tour of the campus facilities, during which he reiterated his administration’s plans to construct student hostels, establish a central laboratory, and build new office complexes to support academic and administrative activities.
At a town hall meeting held with members of the Ifite-Ogwari community, the Vice-Chancellor received a warm reception and strong assurances of support. Community leaders expressed their readiness to partner with the University in advancing development projects and commended the Vice-Chancellor’s proactive leadership.
Prof. Anyaehie thanked the community for their hospitality and support, assuring them that his administration is committed to fast-tracking development initiatives at the Annex. He announced that “UNIZIK FARMS LTD” would soon become operational, serving as a major platform for agricultural production, training, and investment.
He also commended the community for its pioneering role in producing olive oil locally within the region, describing it as a significant achievement. The Vice-Chancellor specifically appreciated the support of the Traditional Ruler, HRM Igwe A.I. Ofuebe, Mr. Nweke Samuel—the landlord of the 200-bedroom hostel—and the Njikoka Age Grade for initiating the establishment of a piggery farm project.
The visit was attended by former Deans of the Faculty, including Prof. Nkiru Meludu and Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe, alongside other academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Agriculture.
The visit underscores the Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships, improving infrastructure, and positioning the Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari Annex, as a center of excellence in agricultural education and production.
