From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

On June 10, 2014, when Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba mounted the saddle of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as vice chancellor, he reeled out a five-point agenda.

He pledged to uphold positive values, follow due process, ensure absolute discipline, transparency and accountability in discharge of duties to guild his administration.

And three years down the line, the renowned professor of gynecology has kept to his promises.

Hear him in this chat:

Peace on our campuses

When I came in 2014, the administration of this university was relatively unstable and there were loggerheads with the former Governing Council. I think it is remarkable to know that for these three years, the university has been in peace, making the academic activities to be conducive for learning.  It is very important to draw your attention to the announcement this morning (30th June) that among all the universities in this country, University of Nigeria, Nsukka came first in her rating in integrity index. This is a very good development and that summed up the quality of leadership, integrity and we have unqualified progress in all ramifications.

Staff welfare

When I assumed office, so many members of staff were owed arrears of salaries. There was nothing like promotion. In fact, welfare was almost at zero level. But today, all issues of arrears of salaries are being handled. The issue of promotion was also taken care of by my administration. Members of staff have been given the opportunity to go for further training overseas and locally. Salaries are now being paid as at when due. All the promotion matters have been handled. All the bottlenecks for staff progress have been uprooted.

Establishment of new institutes

We now have Institute of Climate change, Institute of Herbal Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine etc. We also have a brand new Faculty of Vocational/Technical Education, the only one in the country. The same way we have set up many new departments, these are avenue for intellectual improvement. In academic excellence, University of Nigeria, Nsukka has been consistently ranked number one in the past three years by Wold Webometric and the story is that UNN has excelled both at local and international level.

Students’ welfare

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Academic calendar in this institution now runs full cycle. There is no interruption.  Students now graduate when they are supposed to graduate. This is a mark of good administration.

Security

My administration has zero tolerance for cultism and corruption. In fact, it doesn’t even exist here. You can see that before my administration, the school was known as centre for study on corruption. That was how bad the school had gone then. But today, the story is different. We have not had cases of cultism since I assumed office. We have high level of both social and academic security. We also have plans to install CCTV throughout the length and breadth of this institution.

Sports

All works and no play makes a student a cultist. The institution has participated in West African University Games and won medals. The university has also participated in NUGA games and won tremendous metals. We also have a cordial relationship with the alumni. This made them to donate a brand new building and bus to the institution.

Agriculture

My administration has gone a little further by establishing poultry, aquaculture and piggery etc. This is to ensure food security in this country. Recently, the university launched Nigeria Incubation Hub, Roar Nigeria, whose mission is to create homegrown technology solutions with global impact, and would help in diversifying Nigerian economy.

Infrastructure

We have acquired new medical equipment in our medical centre for installation. Our pharmaceutical centre and the Biotechnology Centre have been completed. New buildings in our medical centre are also near completion.  When I came in, I discovered that there was no Internet access in some hostels. I made effort to see that this situation was reversed. Today, every hostel has access to Internet.

Challenges and projections

What people call challenges are stepping-stones for me. I will like to see the University of Nigeria, Nsukka be the best in the whole world in the next 10 years. It is possible. What it takes is determination and dedication. You know how it was before I came in. When you look at the situation now, you will agree with me that it is possible.