Ndidiamaka Ede
Prof. Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, the outgoing 15th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has boasted that he fulfilled all the pledges he made during inauguration five years ago.
Prof. Igwe, who is the first alumnus of the university to hold the position of Vice Chancellor, said the job has been very challenging but he was able to record significant success.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe stated this on Thursday, June 6, during the ‘grand finale’ of his end-of-tenure activities, which began on Friday, May 24, 2024.
“Five years ago, I stood here as your newly appointed Vice-Chancellor,” he said. “I had fewer gray hairs, and my blood pressure was much lower. Among other promises, I vowed to place the welfare of workers above other priorities. Without boasting, I can confidently say that I fulfilled this and other pledges made at my inauguration.”
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He recounted how he made promises during his inauguration at the same venue and took pride in fulfilling those commitments.
Appreciating the UNN community for their support throughout his tenure, which began in June 2019, the outgoing highlighted his achievement of ensuring over 900 newly employed staff, who were not on the payroll when he assumed office, were added to the payroll. He also noted that he holds the record for promoting the highest number of professors over a five-year period. “I also gave priority to promotions to other teaching and non-teaching positions while addressing several other issues that impact the welfare of staff and students,” he stated.
The Anambra State-born Professor of Soil Science mentioned that he commissioned various projects, including the new building for the ACE-SPED, and cited maintaining a peaceful and safe environment as one of the biggest achievements during his tenure.
He acknowledged the support of the UNN community, saying, “I am glad that my modest contributions have been acknowledged, appreciated, and even celebrated. Every one of us contributed to this success, from the security personnel to the medical staff, from the cleaners to deans and professors whose scholarly efforts earn us reputations. It would not have been possible without you all.”
He reminded the university community that the institution belongs to them, and they have a responsibility to leave it better than they found it. “I have played my role, and I am thankful to God Almighty for the opportunity to lead,” he said.
Prof. Igwe expressed his desire to be remembered as “the 15th and first alumnus Vice-Chancellor to lead the university” and “the Vice-Chancellor that did his very best to take our university to the next level.” He added, “I only wished we had more resources that would have enabled me and my team to achieve more than we did.”
During the event that held at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena in Nsukka campus of the university, Prof. Igwe said that leaving office will make him more accessible to everyone as he will no longer be bound by protocol.
He expressed his eagerness to be free from the constraints of his office.
Addressing the difficult decisions his administration had to make, he reminded the audience that leadership is not a popularity contest and that some actions were necessary to protect the university’s regulations and the authority of his office. He sought forgiveness and reconciliation for those he may have been offended while offering his forgiveness to those who offended him as well.
Igwe urged the school community to support his successor in achieving a bright and beautiful university. He discouraged the habit of denigrating the university as a way of settling scores with the Vice-Chancellor.
A documentary showcasing completed and ongoing renovation projects by Prof. Igwe’s administration was played at the event.
The series of end-of-tenure events, chaired by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uche Okpoko, will conclude on Friday, June 7, after which the university will expect a new Vice-Chancellor.
