Nnamdi Azikiwe University names new head librarian, appoints five departmental heads

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The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has approved fresh appointments in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s administrative, academic and productive leadership structure.

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The appointments, ratified during the Council’s 21st Emergency Meeting held on Friday, filled critical vacancies in the Office of the University Librarian and six major directorates within the institution.

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University authorities described the selection process as rigorous, transparent, and merit-based, adding that the new appointees are expected to reposition the university for improved service delivery and institutional growth.

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The Governing Council approved the appointment of the following officers: Prof. Eze Jacintha Ukamaka as the University Librarian; Dr Jane Ezeonu as the Director of Medical Services; Ibe Obinna as the Director of Works Services; Akuma Paschal as the Director of Procurement; Ezeokafor Lawrence as the Director of Physical Planning; Obi Collins as the Chief Safety Officer and Aloysius Emeka Attah as the Director, Information and Public Relations.

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All appointments took effect from April 17, 2026, and will run for a single tenure of five years, in accordance with university regulations.

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Presenting the letters of appointment at the Council Chambers, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi, urged the new officers to justify the confidence reposed in them.

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Kukoyi emphasised diligence, integrity, accountability, and professionalism as non-negotiable values expected from those occupying such sensitive offices.

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“We encourage the appointees to uphold the institutional values of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and serve as ambassadors capable of projecting the university positively at national and international levels.

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“We also appreciated the Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for their sustained commitment toward revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through improved research funding, institutional reforms, and policy direction,” the pro-chancellor added.

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The UNIZIK appointments are seen as strategic, particularly at a time when Nigerian universities are under increasing pressure to improve governance standards, research output, infrastructure management, and global competitiveness.

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Responding on behalf of the newly appointed officers, the new Director of Information and Public Relations, who until now was a Correspondent of The Sun Newspaper, Aloysius Attah, commended the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, members of the internal and external Governing Council and the entire interview panel for conducting what he described as a painstaking, transparent, and merit-driven process.

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Attah noted that the exercise stood out for its professionalism and resistance to sectional interests, ethnic bias, and parochial considerations.

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According to him, the UNIZIK appointments reflect a deliberate attempt to strengthen institutional governance and reposition the university as a globally competitive citadel of higher learning.

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He assured stakeholders that the appointees would not only meet but surpass expectations in advancing administrative efficiency, academic excellence, and community engagement.

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The appointment letters were officially signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke.

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Education analysts say effective leadership in these offices will directly influence staff morale, student welfare, accreditation outcomes, and partnerships.

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The UNIZIK appointments serve as a pacesetter amid broader reforms across Nigeria’s tertiary education system, where governing councils are increasingly encouraged to prioritise merit, competence, and accountability.

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Stakeholders believe that strong administrative leadership is essential to achieving global ranking improvements, expanding research grants, and fostering innovation-driven growth.

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By filling these strategic positions, Nnamdi Azikiwe University signals its readiness to align with evolving academic standards while reinforcing internal governance structures.

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