UNIZIK Gets New Acting Vice Chancellor

The Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has ratified the appointment of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, as the Vice-Chancellor of the institution in acting capacity.

This was announced after a special meeting of the UNIZIK Senate held on Monday, 3rd June, 2024, at the University’s auditorium.

Prof. Ikechebelu’s appointment followed the expiration of Professor Charles Esimone’s tenure on Monday.

Esimone, a Professor of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, had been the Vice Chancellor since 2019.

Professor Ikechebelu’s appointment was in line with a directive from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to all outgoing Vice-Chancellors to nominate a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as recommended by their Senate, to temporarily oversee the office pending when a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

According to his profile on UNIZIK’s website, Ikechebelu is a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the University since 2008. He has trained over 300 medical doctors He is a member of several professional organisations, including International College of Surgeons, World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons, European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Ikechebelu is the Chairman of Faculty of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of West African College of Surgeons (WACS) since 2019 and serve as the Chief Examiner to all its Primary, Membership and Fellowship examinations for doctors specialising in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.