By Ikemefuna Ikem
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam has promised to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning that will foster academic excellence in the institution.
He made the pledge in Nsukka on Thursday while receiving people from the Nsukka cultural zone who paid him a courtesy visit to his office.
Ujam, who was recently appointed by Bola Tinubu as the acting VC of UNN said that he will do his best to ensure that the university would remain a beacon of excellence and and proud for all.
"My administration is committed to transforming the university for the better by providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning that will foster academic excellence as well as promote innovation and research.
"We recognize the importance of unn to Enugu state and the nation at large as such we will do our very best to ensure that the university is moved to a greater height," he said.
The VC, however, assured the people of Nsukka cultural zone that in the process of appointing a substantive VC for the institution the interest of the Enugu people will be protected.
He expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit which was aimed at giving him solidarity and support to his administration, this was even as he pledged an open-door policy that will carry everybody along.
Speaking, Prof. Osy Okanya, former President, Association of Nsukka Professors, said that the was to congratulate Ujam on his recent appointment as the Acting VC of UNN as well as to pledge the support of Nsukka cultural zone to his administration.
"We are here as your brothers and sisters to congratulate you on your recent appointment, and more so assure you of our maximum support.
"We urge you to be courageous and strong in handling the affairs of the university as the people of Nsukka cultural zone are desirous of conspicuous progress in the university.
"We have no apology for calling for a paradigm shift in the management of the university that will restore the past glory and put the institution back on the right track.
"The people of Nsukka cultural zone do not doubt that you will perform and deliver to the admiration of everyone," he said.
In a remark, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Prof. Ujam as the Acting VC of UNN, as well as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for making the state enabling and viable for all institutions to thrive.
"We are here to identify with you and pledge our support for your administration, as well as express our readiness for more synergy with the university.
"UNN is the only industry in this cultural zone and the people are looking forward to privileges in the area of appointments, admission contracts, etc as the host community," he said.
Asadu, who is the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka LGA urged the Acting VC to reconsider the alleged plan by the school management to move away some faculties and departments of the institution from the Nsukka main campus, stressing that such would be unacceptable for the Nsukka people
He also expressed displeasure that nobody from the Nsukka cultural zone has occupied the office of the VC in UNN even in an acting capacity since 1960 the university was established.
Those who paid the courtesy visit to the VC were drawn from the seven local governments that made up the Nsukka cultural zone, namely: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uzo, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani.
The dignities include traditional rulers, Council Chairmen, past and present members of National and state assemblies members from the area, former and serving government functionaries, among others.
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