The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, has issued a strong call for discipline, collaboration, and academic focus during a formal meeting with the university’s Senate.
Addressing the Senate on Friday in Awka, Kukoyi urged members of the academic community to prioritize their core mission of contributing to research and knowledge rather than engaging in divisive politics, mudslinging, or power tussles.
“This is an academic environment, and the primary reason for being here is to contribute your quota to the body of knowledge. Any other thing is secondary,” Kukoyi said.
He cautioned against turning academic processes and aspirations into “do-or-die” affairs, stressing that “attempts at mudslinging and attacking constituted authorities do the institution more harm than good.”
The meeting marked Kukoyi’s second official address to the Senate, following his initial visit on February 26, 2025. This time, he was accompanied by newly appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, and the full complement of newly inaugurated external members of the Governing Council, following their formal inauguration by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
Kukoyi praised the composition of the new Council, describing its members as “distinguished Nigerians passionate about education and the development of this great university.”
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fairness, merit, equity, justice, competence, and adherence to the Rule of Law in its decisions and operations. “We have tried to keep faith with these ethos even in the face of discontent and opposition,” he said.
Reiterating the autonomy and authority of the Governing Council, Kukoyi issued a stern warning: “The Council, working closely with the university management, shall not hesitate to take disciplinary measures against those who attack constituted authorities or bring the name of the university into disrepute.”
He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to elevate UNIZIK to a new level of national and global relevance. “Let us join hands to make UNIZIK not just the ‘University of the Moment,’ but the ‘University for all time,’” he concluded.
The meeting served as a platform to strengthen the relationship between the Governing Council and the university Senate, reinforcing shared goals of discipline, self-reliance, and academic excellence.