STUDENTS' FIRST PHILOSOPHY
VC reiterates Students-First Administration Philosophy as UNIZIK Inaugurates 33rd SUG Executives
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, has reiterated his administration’s students’ first adminiatration policy where the welfare and interests of the students takes paramount importance.
The Vice Chancellor spoke on Tuesday, 25th August, 2026 during the inauguration of the newly elected 33rd Executive Council of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka for the 2026/2027 academic session held at the Conference Room of the Student Affairs Unit
Prof. Anyaehie reaffirmed Management’s willingness to work closely with the new SUG leadership in addressing legitimate student concerns and promoting a vibrant, inclusive and progressive university community.
He noted that constructive engagement between the University Management and student representatives was essential to maintaining a peaceful academic environment and advancing the interests of students.
Prof. Anyaehie disclosed that the University currently has over 50,000 students and is poised to admit more following an impending resource verification exercise for 8 new academic programmes. He highlighted key efforts by his administration, including the construction of more hostels and the upgrade of infrastructure across campuses.
Prof. Anyaehie further emphasized that the University maintains zero tolerance for sexual harassment, extortion, and other vices, stressing that any reported case would be handled swiftly and decisively.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe University is named after a great man. Therefore, this University must reflect greatness in character and conduct,” the VC stated.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, charged the newly inaugurated leaders to uphold responsible leadership, represent students effectively and conduct themselves in ways that would make the University proud.
He particularly urged the new SUG President, Comrade Nnake Winston Chukwueloka, and Vice President, Comrade Angelica O. Adaeze, alongside other members of the executive, to prioritize the welfare and interests of the entire student body.
He assured that reforms would be introduced in the allocation of funds to student leadership bodies at departmental and faculty levels.
Prof. Ubaoji also announced that from the next academic session, course representative elections would be conducted to deepen leadership training and practice the ideals of student unionism.
Responding to the VC’s remarks, the Sub-Dean I of Student Affairs, Dr. Anthony Apiti, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for gracing the occasion. He noted that the new EXCO had pledged to be law-abiding.
Dr. Apiti described the current VC as a dynamic leader and the Dean of Student Affairs as energetic and grounded. He urged the new executives to leverage the ingenuity of the present administration and to lead with courage, humility, and accountability.
The Sub-Dean I reminded them that they would be managing students’ funds and should prioritize student welfare in all decisions. He also urged them to reside in University hostels as stipulated in their undertaking and to consult the Student Affairs Unit regularly for guidance.
In a lecture titled, “The Dynamics of Leadership: Interfacing SUG Demands with University Management,” a member of the University Governing Council and the Director of the Pre-Degree Programme, Engr. Prof. Paul Okolie, said leadership is about service, strategy, and sacrifice, not just titles.
Prof. Okolie stressed that the success of the 33rd EXCO over the next 12 months would depend on how well they bridge the gap between students and University management. He charged them to lead with courage, wisdom, and integrity, and to work toward leaving the institution better for future students.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of ASUU, UNIZIK Branch, Comrade Innocent Nnubia, in a lecture on “Unionism and Welfare,” said unionism is about positive change and not noise-making.
Comrade Nnubia noted that the core of unionism is welfare, which includes affordable education, adequate lecture halls, and conducive learning environments.
“Unionism is not about victimization but service. Leadership is not a position, but the responsibility and impact you make,” he said.
The union leader urged the new leaders to be attentive to students’ concerns and to make student welfare the compass of their administration.
The 31st SUG President, Comrade Izuchukwu Ejikeme, speaking on “Ethics and Privileges of the SUG,” said immunity granted to student leaders is temporal, but character endures.
He cautioned that the SUG is not a social club or a platform for settling personal scores, but an office of dignity, discipline, and service. He urged the new EXCO to maintain a cordial working relationship with University management.
Also, the immediate past SUG President, Comrade Chukwusom Samuel Ochuba, pledged his support and mentorship to the new executive, expressing optimism that the 33rd SUG would outperform the 32nd.
In his concluding remarks, the Sub-Dean II of Student Affairs, Dr. Segun Adeniyi, congratulated the new executives and assured them of the Unit’s readiness to collaborate for the success of their administration.
In his vote of thanks, the newly inaugurated SUG President, Comrade Chukwueloka Winston Nnake, appreciated students for their trust. He promised to provide servant leadership and to leave the Union better than he met it.
Also present during the inauguration is the Union Electoral Committee (UNECO) Secretary, Dr. Kitizo Okoli.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the University Management and the new student leaders to discuss key issues affecting students, including welfare, effective representation, peaceful engagement and initiatives capable of improving the overall student experience.
The newly inaugurated executives are expected to build on the relationship between Management and the student body by championing responsible leadership, constructive dialogue and initiatives that will contribute positively to the development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The inauguration therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter in student leadership at the University, with expectations of stronger cooperation between Management and the Students’ Union Government.
A stronger partnership. A stronger voice. A better UNIZIK.
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