Address By UNN New VC on His Reception by the Varsity Community

Below is the address presented by the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) at his reception by the University Community.

THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
PROFESSOR BENJAMIN CHUKWUMA OZUMBA.
ADDRESS ON HIS RECEPTION BY THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014.

Principal Officers of the University,
Deans of Faculty,
Directors of Institute,
Heads of Academic and Administrative Units,
My Lord Spiritual & Temporal,
Lion and Lionesses,
Gentlemen of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed a great honour to address you on this occasion of my being received by the University of Nigeria community.  It is with a joyful heart and gratitude to the Almighty that my family and I are in your presence today. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this august occasion

You will recall that for the past one month, the Governing Council of the University had embarked upon the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This has culminated in my appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University, with effect from Friday, 6th June, 2014.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY. It is on this note that I am presenting myself officially to the University community for introduction and, also, a brief interactive session.

Firstly, I most respectfully thank my predecessor, Professor Bartho Okolo, for his positive contributions to the University during his five years in office, and for his efforts to ensure a smooth transition to this new Administration.  May the Almighty Father reward him in abundance.  I believe we shall continue to enjoy his cooperation as we consolidate on some of his achievements, and move the University forward for our collective interests in particular, Nigeria in general, and the entire world.

 I take this opportunity to congratulate all of you for your prayers, which have been answered today, and crave your continued loyalty to the University Administration, which created a peaceful and enabling environment for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for the University. I am fully aware that this mantle of leadership given to me by the Governing Council of the University is a unique privilege filled with challenges. I, therefore, solicit the cooperation and constructive contributions of all staff, students and other stakeholders, to enable us as partners in progress, develop the University to the highest position envisioned in the philosophy of the founding fathers.

I have no doubt in my mind that the University community is eagerly looking forward to a new dawn of policy-making and implementation that will usher in academic excellence, research-oriented democratic style of Administration, as well as positive staff and students’ welfare. May the Almighty guide and bless the vision and mission of the new Administration, as it works to usher in an era of hope, satisfaction and fulfillment in the lives of the staff and students.

The vision of the new Administration is to position the University to become an academic giant, the pace-setter among Universities in the Third World, in the quality of its scientific research, the level of its innovative teaching, and the robustness of its community service. In the process, my Administration will uphold positive values, due process, absolute discipline, recognition of competence, transparency and accountability, as guiding principles.  The mission of the University is to contribute liberally and significantly (through the type, quality and orientation of higher education that it offers), to the increased prosperity and improved quality of life of Africans in particular, and humanity at large and, by so doing, RESTORE THE DIGNITY OF MAN.

I intend to achieve the above objectives, by:

• Advocating convincingly for the UNN, in a complex and competitive national and international environment.
• Harnessing the enthusiasm, energy and skills of all members of the UNN community to contribute to the realization of a shared mission.
• Articulating an ambitious strategic plan, informed by a profound and broad understanding of the role and responsibility of a University in the modern world.
• Recognizing the importance of the student experience, with a practical desire to encourage official involvement in student-led activities.
• Building on the cumulative achievements of the UNN, so as to maximize its distinctive contributions to the society and the world, and attract the necessary resources to enable it realize its stated mission.

I am, therefore, once again, soliciting for your co-operation and support to enable my Administration succeed. On this note, I state that the past is history, the present is for all of us, and the future is for God!

CONCLUDING REMARKS

May I conclude by urging stakeholders to join hands with the new Administration in moving the University to an enviable position.  The Administration will be fair and just in carrying out its responsibilities. As the chief servant of the University, my Administration will exhibit the fear of God, and treat all stakeholders as people of one family under my care. Thanks for listening, and God bless you all.
PROFESSOR B. C. OZUMBA
Vice-Chancellor