The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,(NAU), Awka, Anambra State,Prof Bernard Odoh has said that his vision is to transform the institution into a leading beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Africa.
Prof Odoh, a 49 year old Geologist from Ezza, Ebonyi state said this shortly after his inauguration as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the University on Tuesday.
He said that central to this vision is the commitment to nurturing graduates who are not just job seekers,but problem solvers,job creators, global entrepreneurs and market-ready innovators and catalyst for societal progress.
He said his administration will ensure that students are equipped with adaptability, critical thinking and enterpreneurial spirit to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
To achieve this, the University he said will reengineer it’s curriculum, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate life long learning culture.
The urgency of this mission he emphasized is underscored by Nigeria’s socio economic challenges which have seen youth unemployment rise to 53 percent in the country.
He said that the University under his watch must evolve into a powerhouse of innovation where industry related skills are honed, research addresses real world problems, and seeds of economic stability and self reliance are down.
The vice Chancellor made an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and that there would be efforts to broaden it’s definition to include impact, relevance and societal transformation.
He stressed that his administration will forge strong partnerships with industries, communities and government to ensure that the University research and educational programs directly contribute to national development goals.
The vice Chancellor commended his colleagues who contested the office with h for their courage and enjoined them to join hands with him to contribute to the institution’s excellence, adding that his appointment reaffirms Governing Council’s role did the highest administrative body and employer within the University system, prioritizing the University interest above all.
