By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye; High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu); Ichie Ozo Ignatius Aguowo and many other business moguls, Captains of Industries, Philanthropists and numerous friends of the University were amongst those inducted into the Pioneer UNIZIK Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame and award presentation ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the University Auditorium as part of the programmes of the 17th Convocation ceremony witnessed the convergence of political office holders, captains of industries, principal officers as well as teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution in attendance.
In his address UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS stated that the event was an occasion to recognize in a special way personalities who have partnered with the institution towards her growth and development. Esimone averred that the event will now be an annual programme of the institution while also noting that the group will now be ambassadors of the institution and are well placed to offer advise and render services to the institution.
Also speaking, the Chairman Senate Ceremonials, Prof. Nnamdi Onuora-Oguno informed the awardees that they are being recognized because of their partnership with the fastest growing University in Sub-saharan Africa. He thanked Prof. Esimone for his vision and support towards the project.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Chief Legal Officer of the institution, Prof. Meshach Umenweke averred that the hall of Fame is an integral part of Project 200 of the present administration which has already launched the University into the Hall of Fame of the World Universities by placing the name of UNIZIK amongst the first 1500 Universities in the world and second in Nigeria.
Responding one of the awardees and General Managing Director, Volic Group of Companies, Ichie Ozo Ignatius Aguowo thanked the institution for the honour done to him with the induction and the award, the Founder and CEO of IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation commended Prof. Esimone for his giant strides through the vision of ‘Project 200’, he revealed that he is ready to do more in the areas of infrastructural development to accelerate the growth of education in the institution.
On his part, High Chief (Dr) Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu) described the VC as a man of honour whose dedication, resilience and commitment towards the growth of UNIZIK can be seen with his achievement through the vision of ‘Project200’, the business mogul and real estate developer promised to do more in the areas of support to the students and infrastructural development.
Also speaking, another awardee, Mr. Onyekwelu Okoye thanked UNIZIK for the honour and recognition, the chartered accountant revealed that he will continue to support the institution in many ways in her quest to attain greater heights. Okoye applauded the Vice-Chancellor for initiating such noble programme that will help to strengthen the ties between the town and gown.
Others who echoed their views were the coordinator, Fund Raising and Hall of Fame Committee, Engr. Dr. Paul Okolie and Chairperson Fundraising and Hall of Fame Committee, Reverend Sr. Dr. Adaoma Igwedibia.
