University Of Nigeria Nsukka - Information Bulletin August 2 July...the University of Nigeria,...

Information BulletinOFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

NO. 472 July, 2013 ISSN: 03311-1139

the possibilities of harnessing thepotentials of UNESCO Category IIBiotechnology centre in UNN toimprove crop and livestockproduction in Nigeria.“We are here to look at thepossibilities of agriculturaldevelopment with the applicationof biotechnology to improve cropand livestock production inNigeria. This is because we seebiotechnology as a tool for the

improvement of agriculturalproduction, so we want to assesswhat is on ground at the Universityof Nigeria” he said.Dr Mignouna noted that Bill andMelinda Gate Foundation hadpursued its global development andhealth programmes with theconviction that human beings areentitled to good life and betterstandard of living, and remarkedthat Nigeria was key to theimplementation of the Foundation'shealth and agricultural programme.A biotechnology expert attached tothe foundation, Prof . IvanIngelbrecht added that thefoundation was in the University toweigh the opportunity of applyingbiotechnology to improve localcrops in Nigeria instead of relyingon imported seeds which do notadapt to Nigerian climaticconditions.The Director General of theN a t i o n a l B i o t e c h n o l o g yDevelopment Agency (NABDA),Professor Bamidele Solomon, said

Delegates from Bill and MelindaGate Foundation, arrived theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka,recently , to explore the possibilityof using available biotechnologyresources in the Institution as a baseto l aunch i t s ag r i cu l tu ra ldevelopment programme, targetedat improving food security inNigeria.Dr Jacob Mignouna said that thepurpose of the visit was to consider

Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation plans partnership with UNN on food security

honour of Professor Isaac Asuzuwho was appointed the Vice-Chancel lor of the FederalUniversity, Oye-Ekiti in March2013. Until his appointment, Prof.Asuzu was serving his secondtenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka.Speaking at the dinner, the Vice-Chancellor of the University ofNigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolodescribed Prof. Asuzu as adedicated academic and an astuteadministrator who had contributedto the development of the UNN.“As you all know, today's dinner isbeing held in honour of one of our

UNN holds farewell dinner for Asuzuvery best – a fine academic and apleasant administrator. I amreferring to no less a person thanour immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), who hadto leave to assume a higher positionas Vice-Chancellor of FederalUniversity, Oye-Ekiti, ProfessorIsaac UzomaAsuzu,“It is, therefore, a happy and anemotional evening for all of us. It isa happy day because we are allhappy for him that the FederalGovernment of Nigeria has foundh i m w o r t h y o f s u c h a nappointment, and emotional in thesense that we already miss him, hisexperience and his unique

Contd. on page 2

Contd. on page 2

University Administration with the team from Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation

Prof. Isaac U. AsuzuVice-Chancellor,

Federal University of Oye-Ekiti

The management of the Universityof Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) recentlyorganised a send-off dinner in

Information Bulletin, The Official newsletter of University of Nigeria

2

Chancellor of the University ofNigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolowelcomed the Foundation forcoming to the University, and saidthat he was happy that the povertyeradication target of Bill andMelinda Gate Foundation was inconsonance with the aspiration ofthe founding fathers of theUniversity of Nigeria, which is torestore the dignity of man byeliminating all forms of humandeprivations, including and

.Further, Prof. Okolo said that

although there was need forretraining of staff, the University ofNigeria has enough human

povertyhunger

attributes which endeared him to allthose who had the opportunity tointeract or work closely with him.“Today, ProfessorAsuzu is not onlya t w o - t e r m D e p u t y Vi c e -Chancellor but he is also a Vice-Chancellor. The story of ProfessorAsuzu ' s r i s e i s a pe r f ec tdemonstration of the saying that, “agold fish has no hiding place” andthat “authority derives from theAlmighty God”. I am sure we cansee the inherent lessons in how hegot his priorities right and in hiseventual, but guaranteed rise to thetop of his career.“I can tell you that Professor Asuzudid an amazing job as our DVC(Academic) for the past four years.I often wonder what a greatuniversity we would have here ifwe all went about our duties likeProfessor Asuzu. He gaveeverything to ensure that the jobwas done and done properly. Hewas dedicated, principled andupright. For this reason, we all owea debt of gratitude to him and hisbeloved wife, Chinwe, for herunflinching support,” he said.Prof. Okolo challenged other staffof the University to emulate goodvirtues of Prof. Asuzu, and prayedGod to grant him (Prof. Asuzu)more grace to accomplish greaterfeats in his new appointment.In his response, Prof. Asuzu saidthat he was overwhelmed by the

level of honour accorded him byProf. Okolo and his othercolleagues at the University ofNigeria, Nsukka, stating that heenjoyed his stint as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in UNNbecause of the team spirit thatexisted among the principalofficers.“As an alumnus of this University, Igrew up here, I must say that I havenever witnessed the type ofInfrastructure development goingon under the current administrationof the University of Nigeria. I praythat God will continue to strengthenyou, what you are doing is for ourgood and the good of our children.“I will be sixty this year, what weare doing this evening is likecelebrat ing my birthday. Iappreciate you all, what you have

done, I will not forget,” he said.Prof.Asuzu, who was accompaniedby the Principal Officers of theFederal University of Oye-Ekiti,urged people to be dedicated totheir duties in order to attract God'sfavour that would take them to thepeak of their careers.Prof. Asuzu joined the services ofthe University of Nigeria in 1981 asLecturer II; he rose through theranks to become a Professor ofVeterinary Pharmacology andToxicology in 1992. He served as atwo time Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic) from 2009 to March2013 before he was appointed tosucceed Prof. Chinedu Nebo as theVice-Chancellor of FederalUniversity Oye-Ekiti.Inya,Agha E.

capacity to drive the struggle forfood security in Nigeria if theneeded equipment are provided.Some faculty members of theUniversity who shared theirconcern expressed their readinessto do more cutting edge researchesto solve food challenge in Nigeriabut lamented the paucity oflaboratory equipment. Theytherefore pleaded with the Bill andMelinda Foundation, governmentand other concerned agencies, toassist the university management toprovide the needed researchequipment.Inya,Agha E.

that the agency had takencognisance of the decision of Billand Melinda Gate Foundation touse biotechnology to improveNigerian agricultural lot, andassured that his organisation wasworking with universities in thecountry to ensure that theinnovation would be applied.He added that the University ofNigeria had been involved incapaci ty bui lding and hadpartnered with his agency todevelop a robust programme inbone-marrow transplanting whichwould be presented to FederalExecutive Council for approval.In his response, the Vice-

Contd. from page 1Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation...

... Contd. from page 1farewell dinner for Asuzu,

UNN Administration with FUOYE Principal Officers at the dinner


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informed their choice.“My name is Cyprian Chukwuebuka,I hope to study Medical LaboratoryTechnology in UNN because it is oneof the most prominent universities inNigeria. Considering when it startedtill now, the University has notfaulted in producing quality andrespected graduates. I think it is oneof the best in Nigeria. The screeningwas well organised, I don't know ofother candidates but I was able tofinish my questions within the

Over 52 years of its existence, theUniversity of Nigeria has remainedthe preferred institution forprospective university students, asmany candidates jostled for a chanceto study in the institution during its2012/2013 post UTME screeningexercise, held recently.Some of the candidates who sharedtheir views about the universityunanimously stated that qualityacademic record and unrivalledreputation of the University

Barely 24 hours after his ordination,the new Catholic Bishop of Nsukka,Rt. Rev. (Prof.) Godfrey IgwebuikeOnah, interfaced a collaborationbetween the University of Nigeria,Nsukka , and the Pont i f ic iaUrbaniana University, Vatican, in theareas of staff and students exchangeand development of religion andcultural studies.Speaking during a courtesy visit tothe Vice-Chance l lo r of theUniversity of Nigeria, Prof. BarthoOkolo, a day after his ordination,Bishop Onah sa id tha t thecollaboration was based on themutual aspiration shared by the UNNand the Catholic university.“Relationship of this kind can beexpanded when there are commoninterests, given the motto of theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka-“torestore the dignity of man”- and theobject ive of the Pont i f ic ia ,Urbaniana Universi ty-humanpromotion and salvation- the firstway of deepening the relationship isto concentrate on the values that arecommon to us”, he said.Bishop Onah, who was a Professor inthe Pontificia Urbaniana University,said that although the Vaticanregretted that he was leaving theUniversity, they were comforted thathe was coming to the environment ofthe University of Nigeria, Nsukka.He thanked the Vice-Chancellor ofthe University of Nigeria for hishospitality to him and his guestsduring the ordination period and saidthat the gesture was a sign of gooddays ahead with the Institution.Also speaking, the Rector of thePontificia Urbaniana University,Vatican, Alberto Trevisiol, urgedacademics to maintain close ties withtheir students through lectures andmentorships, stating that a studenttoday may be a colleague tomorrow.He expressed satisfaction that theBishop, who was once a student ofhis University, had developed tobecome a colleague capable ofoffering good suggestions andadvice.The Rector, who was particularlyinterested in the study of Nigerianindigenous language at UNN,indicated his willingness to attend

the commissioning of the Institute ofAfrican Studies Complex, which iscurrently under construction at theUNN.In his response, the Vice Chancellorof the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,Prof. Bartho Okolo, thanked theBishop and the Principal Officers ofthe Pontificia Uninversity, forextending a hand of friendship to theUNN. He noted that the University ofNigeria had remained focused to thevision of its founding fathers byempowering youths to restore thedignity of man.

Prof Okolo maintained that although

the Bishop was the second to be

ordained in the Catholic Diocese of

Nsukka, his (Bishop's) status as a

Professor made the appointment

historical in the context of university

business.He therefore urged people tocontinuously pray for the newBishop to enable him accomplish hisapostolic, academic and socialmandate in the community.In the entourage of the Bishop wereother principal officers of thePontificia Urbaniana University,Vatican, including; the Vice-Rector,Pontificia University, Prof. LorellaCongiuti, the secretary/Registrar, Fr.Roberto Cherubini , the Bursar,Monsignor Bellizio Reiligio, and ahost of other Catholic priests.Inya,Agha E.

UNN forges alliance with Vatican University

UNN still the preferred Institution for university candidates

Contd. on page 4

UNN Management with Principal Officers of Pontificia Urbaniana University L-R front row:Mr. A.I. Okonta (Registrar, UNN), Rev. Fr. Alberto Trevisiol (Rector, Urbaniana University),Prof. Bartho Okolo (VC, UNN), Rt. Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah (Catholic Bishop of Nsukka),Prof. Lorella Congiuti (Vice Rector, Urbaniana University) & Prof. M.I. Okwueze(DVC, Admin., UNN) )


4

UNCTAD Virtual Institute's aim is tohelp higher institutions strengthentheir teaching and research capacityin the area of trade, investment anddevelopment, and increase the policyorientation and relevance of theirwork.This development comes as a boostto the institution as it serves as a stepfurther toward achieving its goal ofbeing a globally competitive,research- focused univers i ty,responsive to the needs of societyand delivering world-class educationand knowledge, according to theVice-Chancellor Prof. Bartho Okolo.

Okolo said that as part of itsinstitutional advancement andinternationalization scheme, UNNhad signed alliances or affiliationswith over 110 global institutions,from universities to researchinstitutes. UNN is hosting theUNESCO Category2 InternationalCentre for Biotechnology.Congratulating UNN on theenrolment, Nigerian Ambassador tothe United Nations, Dr. UmunnaOrjiako urged the University to usethe opportunity to further the missionof the founding fathers of theinstitution.In a message to Vice-ChancellorProf. Bartho Okolo, Dr. Orjiakostated that the development provideopportunity for global exposure andcompetitiveness in research andtraining. “It is my hope thatmembership of the Virtual Institutewill reposition the university toachieve its foundational goal ofdelivering world-class education andimparting the skills and knowledgedirely needed by Nigeria to upgrade

its place in the Community ofNations.”The United Nations Conference onTrade and Development (UNCTAD)was established in 1964 as apermanent intergovernmental body.It is the principal organ of the UnitedNations General Assembly dealingwith trade, investment, anddevelopment issues. It provides aforum where developing countriescould discuss problem relating totheir economic development.The organization's goals are to“maximize the trade, investment anddevelopment opportunities ofdeveloping countries and assist themin their efforts to enter into the worldeconomy on an equitable basis.” Thecreation of the conference was basedon concerns of developing countriesover the international market, multi-national corporations, and greatdisparity between developed nationsand developing nations.In 1970s and 1980s, UNCTAD wasclosely associated with the idea of aNew International Economic Order(NIEO).UNCTAD grew from the view thatexisting institutions like GATT (nowreplaced by the World TradeOrganization WTO, the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF), and WorldBank were not properly organized tohandle the particular problems ofdeveloping countries.The primary objective of theUNCTAD is to formulate policiesrelating to all aspects of developmentincluding trade, aid, transport,finance and technology. TheConference has its permanentsecretariat in Geneva.

The United Nations Conference onTrade and Development has enrolledUniversity of Nigeria Nsukka as the

39 member of its Virtual Institutewith the Department of Economicsas lead representative.UNN brings the number of countriesrepresented in the Virtual Institute to13 in Africa and 42 worldwide. TheVirtual Institute will cooperate withUNN's Department of Economics inthe Faculty of Social Sciences.A foundation department in theins t i tu t ion s ince 1960 , theDepartment of Economics offersB.Sc., and M.Sc. and Ph.D degrees ineconomics, with courses available ininternational economics, monetaryeconomics, financial markets andinstitutions, fiscal policies, problemsand policies of development, andpetroleum economics. The researchcovers a range of macroeconomicand trade issues, such as economicpar tnership agreements , theECOWAS common external tariff,foreign portfolio investment,exchange rates, and the linksbetween trade policy, gender andpoverty.UNN's cooperation with the VirtualInstitute will be coordinated byHyacinth Ichoku, a senior lecturer atthe Department of Economics who isrespons ib le fo r courses onmacroeconomic policies, economicsof international trade, and foreigndirect investment. His researchcovers health economics as well asvarious aspects of poverty analysis.The Virtual Institute is a capacity-building and networking programmefor academic insti tutions indeveloping and transition countries.

th

UNCTAD enrols UNN as 39 member of Virtual Instituteth

stipulated time, I look forward to agood score”.“I am Eze Uchechukwu Nicolas, Ipreferred to study Medicine andsurgery in UNN because of thereputation of the University. Frommy childhood, I have been hearingabout Lions and Lionesses, I alsoheard that graduates of this universityare regarded as superior to theircounterparts, so I made up my mindthat I must study in this Universityregardless of what it will cost me.The exam was fine and I am hoping to

come out in flaying colours”.Suzan Uzoamaka, a prospective lawstudent enthused, “I made UNN myfirst choice because it is the bestschool in Nigeria, I can't wait to becalled a lioness”.Also, EsterAgbo , who aspires to be alawyer said; “ I like everything aboutUNN, the environment is calm andconducive for learning, theUniversity has a good reputation, Ijust like to be called a lioness. As forthe exam, I like the way it wasorganised, I had no problems in

locating my centre, and everythingwas just smooth. I am expecting afavourable result”.Mr Mmekwa Henry, a parent whoaccompanied his son to thescreening, said; “arrangement for theexam was very standard, I like whatthe University of Nigeria is doing.You cannot beat UNN when it comesto academic standard, my wifeschooled here, and I will like all mychildren to pass through theUniversity as well”.The 2012/2013 screening exercise of

Contd. from page 3UNN still the preferred Institution...


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dedicated and put in their best in theirwork as they were the lucky few thatsurvived the rigorous tests beforetheir engagement.Furthermore, Prof. Oyeoku in hislecture titled “StudentAffairs Staff asa Mentor, Parent and Security Officerof the Hostels” explained that theywere the managers of students andthe hostels and as such they shouldhandle problems with an open mind.He added that while ensuring thelives and properties of students, theyshould be vigilant and securityconscious. He charged them to begood counselors and properly guidethe students who are mostlyteenagers.The Senior Assistant Registrar, Mrs.Nkechi Ezeasor in her lecture titled“Schedule of Duties and Channel ofCommunication in the Department”remarked that it was the duty of HallSupervisors to ensure that studentsobey the rules and regulations of theuniversity and are protected fromdevourers. She encouraged them tocarry out their duties with the fear ofGod.W h i l e c o m m e n t i n g o n t h eorientation exercise, one of the

beneficiaries, Mr. Eke Ndukwe whosecured appointment as a senior hallsupervisor said “I am elated about theorientation”. He thanked theorganizers and promised on behalf ofhis colleagues that they would bediligent and dedicated to their work.Also Mrs. Ijeoma Uzoeshi, a seniorhall supervisor remarked that theorientation was an eye opener. “It hasmade the job easier as I have learntfrom other peoples experiences. It isindeed a good way of starting,” shesaid.While Mrs. Ifeoma Obasi, a seniorporter said “the orientat ionprogramme is very nice, educativeand rewarding”.Olanrewaju Ajala and UcheEmenako

The University of Nigeria, Nsukkahas engaged 50 new staff in theStudent Affairs Department in orderto improve service delivery forstudents in the new academic year.The Department organized a one-dayorientation programme for the newlyrecruited staff. The orientationprogramme covered various areassuch as Scope and attitude to work inStudent Affairs Department, StudentAffairs staff as a mentor, Schedule ofd u t i e s a n d c h a n n e l o fcommunication in the Department,among others. The event took placeat the Faculty ofArts Lecture Theatrein the Nsukka campus of theuniversity.Addressing the new staff during theorientation programme organized forthem, the Dean, Student Affairsdepartment said that over 5000candidates sat for the aptitude testwhile 150 scaled through interviewand only 50 secured an appointmentwith the university. He congratulatedand welcomed the new staff for theirperformance. He revealed that the 50candidates were sub divided into 21Senior Hall Supervisors, 14 HallSupervisors and 15 Senior Porters.He implored them to be committed,

UNN engages 50 staff for Student Affairs Department

Alumni Relations Unit of theUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka iscurrently tying up loose knots inp r e p a r a t i o n t o l a u n c h a ninformation data base that willhouse the names and contactaddresses of alumni of theUniversity from 1963 to date.The head of the unit, Miss ChiomaOnyenwe revealed that the data basewould be launched by October 2013to mark the 50 years anniversary ofalumni activities in the institution.“For some time now, the AlumniRelations Unit has been focused inissuing alumni clearance andidentity card, but now we want totake it further by building acommunication data base that willcontain the names, phone numbersand email addresses of our alumni toenhance interaction between themand the University and amongthemselves”, she said.Miss Onyenwe said that an

enhanced alumni relationship willbe mutually beneficial to both theuniversity and its alumni byst rengthening the f inancia lresilience of the university andoffering opportunities to the alumnito reconnect with classmates andschoolmates as well as faculty andstaff of the University.Further, she said that as thedeve lopment off ice of theUniversity, the alumni relations unitwas committed to developing anenhanced participation of thealumni in the development of theInstitution. According to her, theparticipation could be in form offinancial donation, sponsoring aproject, mentoring students andscholarship awards.Miss Onyenwe, who had worked inthe alumni relations unit of ImperialCollege, London, before joining theservices of the University in

October 2012, said that her targetwas to build a viable and effectiverelationship between the Universityof Nigeria and its alumni, whichcould serve as a template for thedevelopment of alumni relations inother universities in Nigeria.

She lamented the overdependence

of Nigerian universities on

government subvention and said

that the time was ripe for Nigerian

universities to toe the steps of

renowned global universities who

derive the bulk of their revenue from

their alumni donations.

The alumni relations Head therefore

called on distinguished alumni of

the University to identify with

development activities in the

Ins t i tu t ion and make thei r

contributions toward the restoration

of the dignity of man.

Inya,Agha E.

Alumni Relations Unit to launch communication directory

Prof. O.K. OyeokuDean, Students’ Affairs


6

Committee of the faculty, Dr. C. U.Agbo and other members of thecommittee as well as the Coordinatorof the fourth year programme, Dr. S.C. Eze.He added that food security couldonly be guaranteed when all people,at all times, have physical andeconomic access to sufficient, safeand nutritious food to meet theirdietary needs and food preferencesfor an active and healthy life.In his own contribution, Dr. AustinAni of the Department of AnimalScience remarked that the new effortin reviving agriculture is indeed awelcome idea. He extolled the Deanfor his determination to revive notonly crop production but also animalproduction in the faculty. Heremarked that if the land was put intofull use, there would be guaranteedfood security for the universitycommunity as well as revenue for theuniversity.In addition, the Farm Manager, FarmOperations Department, Mr. ChikaAbacha Kanu said that the success oftoday's event would encourage thefourth year students to work harderand give them a sense of belonging astheir effort was being recognized.

Mr. Kanu appealed to the University

Modum,” he said.In his acceptance speech, Prof. Modumexpressed happiness for beingrecognised by the French government,and noted that his decision to studyFrench Language in 1962, was bornout of his love for languages notbecause he had no alternatives. Herecalled how he turned down an offerto study law at the University of Lagosbut opted to study languages at theUniversity of Ibadan.He urged the French Government torevitalize the scholarship given toFrench students to study one year inFrance or other francophone countries,that enabled them gain exposure andhad contact with French speakingpeople and their ways of thinking.He thanked the Vice-Chancellor of theUniversity of Nigeria; Prof. BarthoOkolo for enhancing the academic andaesthetic standard of the University, adevelopment he said had impactedpositively on the academic and socialwell-being of staff and students of theInstitution.Earlier in his welcome address, theVice-Chancellor of the University ofNigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo expressed

on Prof. Modum by the Consul-

General of France, His Excellency,

Francois Sastourne at the Princess

Alexandra Unity Hall and theatre,

UNNSpeaking at the event, the Consul-General said the French governmentwas pleased to honour Prof. Modumbecause of his unrelenting promotionof the study of French language inNigeria. “Generations of studentsstudied under you, many occupy veryimportant positions in life today, youcontributed to their growth byexposing them to have contact withFrench and French Literature. It isimportant and we are impressed by thiseffort.”“You have also opened the doors ofsophisticated world culture, which inother words could be called thefrancophone world, to hundreds ofyoung people, who by this opportunityare now well informed. For thissingular act, we say thank you Paul

The French government, recently,decorated a Professor of the Universityof Nigeria, Nsukka, Paul Modum, witha French national award of PalmesAcademique (Order of AcademicPalms), for his dedication to promotingFrench Language and culture.

The award, which is the first of its kind

to a Nigerian Professor, was conferred

administration to come to their aid by

assisting them with manpower and

electricity. He pointed out that

without adequate manpower, output

will be low.

It would be recalled that UNN was

established as a land grant university.

The aim was not only to provide food

for its immediate community but also

to the external publics.

Highpoint of the occasion was the

plucking of a maize cob by the Vice-

Chancellor and subsequent eating of

both cooked and roasted maize.

OlanrewajuAjala

The Faculty of Agriculture,University of Nigeria, Nsukkarecently took a step towards boostingfood security in the country when itheld a flag off ceremony for the 2013harvest season in the University. TheFaculty usually engages its fourthyear students in practical farming inthe Nsukka campus of the Universityin order to make them accomplishedfarmers upon graduation.Speaking during the flag offceremony for the harvest of thisyear's crops, the Vice-Chancellor,Prof. Bartho N. Okolo who wasrepresented by the Ag. Dean, Schoolof Postgraduate Studies, Prof. A. A.Ubachukwu commended the facultyof Agriculture for bouncing back tothe things they were known for. Hesaid “The faculty is getting back to itslost glory in food production”.According to the Dean, Faculty ofAgriculture, Prof. Simeon O Ugwu,various crops such as garden eggs,maize, cassava, seed yams weregrown on the farm and some of themwere ready for harvest. Among thecrops harvested were maize andgarden eggs.Prof. Ugwu lauded the efforts of theChairman, Agriculture Productivity

UNN Faculty of Agriculture boosts food security

Contd. on page 7

French Government honours UNN Don

Prof. Paul Modum receiving the award ofPalmes Academique from the Consul-Generalof France, His Excellency Francois Sastourne

Prof. S.O. UgwuDean, Faculty of Agriculture


7

exercise, which took place simultaneouslyin the south-East, south-South and South-West zones of the country, the 36 states ofthe federation and FCT were expected toreplicate and fund similar programme intheir three selected Local GovernmentsAreas using 400 output of the trainedfacilitators.He emphasised that the success of the adultliteracy project depended on the effectiveinvolvement of the state and localgovernments who are expected to providethe necessary logistics for the programme.He therefore called on state governors andlocal government chairmen to key into theimportance of the programme to enable itachieve the desired objective.Speaking at the event, the Vice-chancellorof the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof.Bartho Okolo, lauded the initiative, andsaid that the University was committed totraining personnel that would advance thecourse of adult literacy in the country.His words; “it is in the spirit ofcommitment to promoting literacy in itsentire ramification that the University ofNigeria is leading the way in Training- of-Master Trainers for this Revitalizing Adultand Youth Literacy in Nigeria (RAYLN)programme. Our Department of AdultEducation and Extra Mural studies is

poised for training the needed humanresources who will implement theprogramme”.

Prof. Okolo who spoke through the DeputyVice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof.M a l a c h y O k w u e z e , c o m m e n d e dUNESCO, National Commission for MassEducation (NMEC) and South-Eastgovernors for the bold move to revitalizeadult and youth literacy in the zone.Head, Department of Adult Education andExtra-Mural Studies, Prof. Pat Ngwu,urged government at all levels to investmore in adult literacy in order to promotedevelopment in the country and engendercommunity-based services.Also speaking, the Director, MonitoringEvaluation and Accreditation, NationalCommission for Mass Literacy, Adult andnon Formal Education, Dr. M.I Onu,lamented the high rate of adult illiteracy inNigeria and the increase of out-of-schoolmale children, especially in the South-East.A development he said was responsible forincrease in social vices in the country.Dr. Onu, however expressed the belief thatthe revitalization of adult and youthliteracy in the country would help solve theproblem of illiteracy in the country.

Inya,Agha E.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),recently held a three day workshop meantto train people that will champion therevival of adult and youth literacy in theSouth-East zone of Nigeria.The exercise, named; “Training- of-Master Trainers workshop ” was organisedunder the partnership of the Department ofAdult Education and Extra-Mural Studies,University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UnitedNat ions Scient i f ic and Cul tura lOrganisation (UNESCO), and the NationalEducation Management Commission(NMEC).Speaking at the opening ceremony of theworkshop, the Minister of State forEducation, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said thatthe programme was part of a three yeardesign of the Federal Government torevitalise adult and youth literacy inNigeria.“The programme has the overall objectiveto strengthen National capacity for thedelivery of quality literacy programmes tothe estimated 40 million illiterate personsin Nigeria so as to achieve the education forall (EFA) goals and education relatedMDGs, by the 2015 target.“The aim of the training exercise is todevelop the capacity of the estimated 400master trainers needed to kick-start thenational programme which targets thetraining of one million youths and adultlearners each year. To serve as a model forimplementation at the state and localgovernment levels,” he explained.Barr. Wike, who spoke through Mr. SimonEssiet said that at the completion of the

UNN facilitates revival of Adult literacy

his pleasure to the French Governmentfor the conferment of the prestigiousaward on a faculty member of theUniversity. He said that the award wasa reflection of the value of excellencewhich the University of Nigeria wasreputed for.“In my opinion, the award is truly well-deserved, because Prof. Modum hasbeen on the staff of the University forover three decades during which he hastaught many students and contributedsignificantly to the development ofteaching and learning of Frenchlanguage and literature.“This award does not only celebrate

this bright , hardworking andpassionate scholar, Prof. Modum, butalso our University, which providedthe platform on which he achieved thisfeat. Today's award is gladdeningbecause it serves to remind us of thevalue of excellence for which ouruniversity is known. It also shows thatwe can achieve excellence in ourvarious disciplines despite the not-so-ideal conditions under which weoperate,” he said.The Vice-Chancellor expressed thereadiness of the University of Nigeriat o c o l l a b o r a t e w i t h F r e n c hUniversities to enable French

nationals teach French Language in theInstitution.Palmes Academique award is an Orderof Chivalry of France for academics,cultural and educational figures. It wasoriginally a decoration founded byEmperor Napoléon to honourdistinguished members of theUniversity of Paris. It was changedinto its current form as an order onOctober 04, 1955 by President RenéCoty. Since then, French Governmenthas used the award to honourindividuals who had made significantcontribution to the promotion ofFrench Language and cultureInya, Agha.E

Prof. P.N.C. NgwuHead, Dept. of Adult Educ. & Extra-Mural Studies

French Government honours UNN Don; Contd. from page 6

Group photograph of diginitaries that graced the workshop withProf. M.I. Okwueze (Middle) DVC, Admin., UNN


8

w i t h i n d i g e n o u s m u s i c a linstruments, as some of theproblems to efficient performanceof musical arts in the country.The music Don therefore called fort h e e n c o u r a g e m e n t o ftechnological innovations in musict h r o u g h i n t e r d i s c i p l i n a r yc o l l a b o r a t i o n s a n d t h eestablishment of community musicprogrammes/centres in all the localgovernment areas in the federation.That according to him would helpimprove the state of musicaleducation in the country.On measures to enhance thecompetence of trained musicians,Prof. Nwankpa advocated for acompulsory internship /industrialt r a i n i n g b e f o r e a w a r d i n gcertificates to graduates of thedepartments of music in thecountry.Also, he suggested that curriculumfor the teaching of music in thecountry should be designed to be intune with the culture of the people,their contemporary needs andshould be able to address societalchallenges.While receiving Prof Nwankpa andother music scholars in hisconference room, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of

Nigeria, Prof Bartho Okoloexplained that the recognition ofmusic as important to thedevelopment of life was the reasonthe founding fathers of theUnivers i ty es tab l i shed theDepartment of Music in 1961.Prof Okolo, who spoke through theD e p u t y V i c e - C h a n c e l l o r(Administration) Prof. MalachyO k w u e z e , c h a l l e n g e dprofessionals in the field of musicto use their compositions to fosterpeace and unity in the country.Also speaking, the Dean Faculty ofArts, Prof Uchenna Anyanwu,lamented the infiltration ofama teu re s in to the mus icprofession, but expressed the beliefthat the conference would provide aplatform for scholars in the field tofine-tune gray areas in theprofession and chart a way toexpunge junks in the musicindustry.The head, Department of Music,Dr. Sam Chukwu, said the theme ofthe conference was aptly selected toaddress the problems bedevillingmusic profession in the country,and hoped that the outcome of theconference would have a positiveimpact in the world of music.Inya,Agha E.

Williams Shakespeare once said““If music be the food of love, playon, give me excess of it; thatsurfeiting that appetite may sicken,and so die”That was exactly what happened asboth staff and students of theDepartment of Music, Universityof Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),enthralled the audience with soul-stirring renditions as part of the

events at the 2 Biennial NationalConfe rence of Mus ic andPerforming Arts (NACOMPA)held in the University recently.Delivering a keynote address at theconference, the Head, Departmentof Music, University of PortHarcour t , P rof . Onyee N.Nwankpa, bemoaned the poor stateof musical arts in Nigeria, which heattributed, in part, to lack ofgovernment investment in theestablishment of a functioningstate-of the-art departments ofmusic in the country.Prof. Nwankpa, who spoke on thetheme; “Pass over Pedantry:Contesting the State of MusicalArts in Nigeria” further blamed theabsence of Musical Laboratories,Inadequate Music TechnologicalInnovation and Advancement, andthe absence of national orchestra

nd

Scholars call for development of native musical instruments at UNN

FACULTY OF VETRINARY MEDICINE

S/NO HEAD OF DEPARTMENT NAME ACTING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS

1 Veterinary Pathology &

Microbiology

Prof. K.F. Chah Substantive

2 Veterinary Parasitology and

Entomonology

Prof. D.N. Onah Substantive

3 Veterinary Animal Health &

Production

Dr. P.A. Nnadi Acting

4 Veterinary Physiology/

Pharmacology

Dr. I.R. Obidike Acting

5 Veterinary Surgery &

Obstetrics

Dr.C.A. Eze Acting

6 Veterinary Medicine Dr. (Mrs) N.E. Nweze Acting

7 Veterinary Public Health &

Preventive Medicine

Dr. J.A. Nwanta Acting

8 Veterinary Anatomy Prof I.C. Nwaogu Substantive

9 Veterinary Obestetrics &

Reproductive Deceases

Prof. J.I. Ihedioha Substantive

To continue in the next edition

Appointments: Cont. from page 10


9

APPOINTMENTS OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENT FOR THE 2013/2014 AND 2014/2015 SESSION.

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

S/NO. HEAD OF DEPARTMENT NAME ACTING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS

1 Agric.Economics Prof. E.C. Okorji Substantive

2 Agric. Extension Prof. A.E. Agwu Substantive

3 Home Science, Nutrition and

Dietetics

Prof. N.M. Nnam Substantive

4 Animal Science Dr. A.E. Onyimonyi Substantive

5 Crop Science Prof. M.I. Uguru Substantive

FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

S/NO. HEAD OF DEPARTMENT NAME ACTING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS

1 Accountancy Dr. (Mrs.) G.N. Ofoegbu Acting

2 Marketing Dr. A.E. Ehikwe Acting

FACULTY OF ARTS


1 Mass Communication Dr. R.A. Udeaja Acting

2 Music Dr. A.O. Adeogun Acting

3 Theatre & Film Studies Prof. Emeka Nwabueze Substantive

FACULTY OF DENTISTRY


1 Restrorative Dentistry Dr. C.I. Udoye Acting

2 Child Dental Health Dr. Nkiru I. Folaranmi Acting

3 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark C. Nwoga Acting

Acting4. Preventive Dentistry Dr. E.A. Akaji

FACULTY OF EDUCATION


1 Adult Educ. & Extra Mural

Studies

Prof. P.N.C. Ngwu Substantive

2 Health & Physical Education Prof. O.C. Ene Substantive

3 Arts Education Prof. Uju Umo Substantive

4 Science Education Prof. D.N. Ezeh Substantive

5 Social Science Education Prof. S.A. Ezeudu Substantive


1 Urban & Regional planning Prof. S.N. Uchegbu Substantive

2 Architecture Arc. C.A. Udeh Acting

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

S/NO CO-ORDINATOR NAME ACTING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS

1 Natural Science Dr. V.C. Ejere Acting

2 Social Science Dr. Peter -Jazzy Ezeh Acting

SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES N/C

S/NO CO-ORDINATOR NAME ACTING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS

1 General Studies Dr. (Mrs) N.E.E.E. Achebe Acting

SCHOOL OF GENERAL STUDIES E/C.


10


1 Surgery Dr. W.C. Mezue Acting

2 Medical Microbiology Prof. U.C. Ozumba Substantve

3 Medical Biochemistry Prof. Patrick O.J. Ogbunude Substantive

4 Ophthalmology Prof. (Mrs) C.M. Chuka -Okosa Substantive

5 Medicine Prof. Chinwuba K. Ijoma Substantive

6 Pediatrics Prof. I.J. Emodi Substantive

7 Physiology Prof. Uchenna I. Nwagha Substantive

8 Chemical Pathology Dr. M.C. Ugonabo Acting

9 Psychological Medicine Prof. Jude Ohaeri Substantive

10 Anaesthesia Dr. Fidelia Onyekwulu Acting

11 Radiation Medicine Dr. A.C. Onuh Acting

12 Morbid Anatomy Dr. O.C. Okafor Acting

13 Pharmacology/Therapeutics Dr. C.P. Chjioke Substantive

14 Otolaryngology Dr. Foster Orji Acting

15 Sub-Paediatric Surgery Dr. S.O. Ekenze Acting

16 Community Medicine Prof. (Mrs) M.N. Aghaji Substantive

17 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr. S.N. Obi Acting

18 Dermatology Dr. Laura Chinwe Onyekonwu Acting

19 Anatomy Dr. G.E. Anyanwu Acting

20 Haematology/Immunology Prof. Iheanyi Emeka Okpala Substantive

21 Pharmaceutical & Medicinal

Chemistry

Prof. J.C. Mbah Substantive

22 Pharmacognosy &

Environmental Medicine

Prof. S.I. Iya -Agha Substantive

FACULTY OF MEDICINE

FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES


1 Computer Science Dr. Agozie Eneh Acting

2 Physics & Astronomy Prof. (Mrs) R.U. Osuji Substantive

3 Mathematics Prof. F.I. Ochor Substantive

4 Geology Prof. (Mrs) O.P. Umeji Substantive

5 Pure & Industrial Chemistry Prof. P.O. Ukoha Substantive

6 Statistics Mr. W.I.E. Chukwu Substantive

FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES


1 Microbiology Prof. A.N. Moneke Substantive

2 Plant Sciences and

Biotechnology

Prof. C.E.A. Okezie Substantive

3 Biochemistry Prof. Okwesili Fred C. Nwodo Substantive

4 Zoology & Environmental

Biology

Dr. N. Ivoke Acting

FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICS SCIENCE


1 Pharmaceutical Technology &

Industrial Pharmacy

Dr. V.I. Onyishi Acting

2 Pharmaceutics Dr. K.C. Ofokansi Acting

4

3

Pharmacology & Toxicology

Pharmaceutical & Medicinal

Chemistry

Dr. Mrs. A.C. Ezike

Prof. J.C. Mbah

Acting

Substantive

5 Clinical Pharmacy & PharmacyManagement

Dr. J.M. Okonta Acting

Contd. on page 8


11

the subject. This he said would helpto eliminate the stigma ofMathematics and Science as beingtoo difficult or irrelevant.On the other hand, he noted thatgender inequality in science hass e v e r a l o b v i o u s n e g a t i v econsequences for the womenaffected, for the scientificcommunity in particular and fornations in general. Professor Ezehbelieved with Dr. James EmmanuelKwegyir-Aggrey who said that, “ifyou educate a man you educate anindividual but if you educate awoman, you educate a family and a

nation, because women educationimpacts positively on the health ofchildren, and by implication, that ofthe adults, and adult fertility”.On a larger level, he continued that“excluding women from science inthe classroom sets the stage for ahuge decline in scientific literacywhich is most needed forsustainable socio-economicdevelopment”. He thereforeconsidered formal education forwomen as indispensable for thedevelopment of the human society.The one time Director, Institute ofEducation, UNN further suggested

that participation of women in theM a t h e m a t i c s a n d S c i e n c ee d u c a t i o n w o u l d i n c l u d einvolvement of accomplished malescientists and science educators, asit would be of great benefit ineducating the females that sciencecould equally be studied and itsknowledge equally applied by boththe males and females.More so, he recommended thatusing women as resource personscould serve as effective role modelsand psychological therapy towardsboosting female students' self-esteem, thereby helping to raise theaspi ra t ion , mot ivat ion andacademic levels of female sciencestudents, adding that involvingsuccessful female scientists asguest speakers would be a potentialstrategy of promoting girlseducation in Mathematics andScience. He encouraged schools toinvite women who have excelled inthe field of science and technologyto talk about their experiences inScience and Mathematics.Science teachers, Professor Ezehremarked, should adopt the habit ofpraising and verbalizing theirexpectations of both male andfemale students, which would bec r i t i ca l in fos t e r ing se l f -confidence, particularly among thefemales, and encouraging theirparticipation through givingconsistent positive reinforcementfor their responses to questions insciences.

Attah, Chidiebere H.

A Professor of Science Educationof the University of Nigeria,Professor David Nwoye Ezeh hasreiterated the need for criticalexamination of the existing sciencec u r r i c u l u m s o a s t ocommensurately accommodatescience learning experiences thatwould be meaningful, practical andrelevant not only to the immediategrowing needs of both males andfemales but also to ensure genderbalanced lifelong aspirations andengagements.Professor Ezeh of the Departmentof Science Education made theremark while delivering the 75Inaugural Lecture of the Universityof Nigeria, which took place atPrincess Alexandra Auditorium &Unity Hall, Nsukka campus.Presenting his lecture titled

Professor Ezeh said thata well-designed curriculum withemphasis on the scientif iccomponents of a general educationwould help students of allbackgrounds to explore theirgeneral disposition towardsscience, and ultimately promotetheir performance in the discipline.According to him, engaging bothgenders in the on-the-spot quickthinking arithmetic acumen ofmarket men and women incomputing costs and so on, thechemistry associated with soupmaking and illicit gin production,the nature of geometry involved inhair styles, basket weaving, potmaking, bead work and clothweaving, among others would alsoengender early exposure to theapplications of science concepts tolife-learning and life-skills, therebycreating and sustaining students'interests, particularly females inscience.Though the problem of disparity inaccess to science against the femalefolk, the Lecturer noted, may besaid to have its most profoundeffec ts on the sus ta inabledevelopment of nations, addressingthe issues he continued, wouldrequire a mix of approaches atevery stage of education. Hestressed that younger students mustbe introduced to the subjects ofmathematics and science in a waythat would make it so clear andrelevant to their daily experiences,thus striving to attain excellence in

th

“Science without Women: AParadox”,

Science without women: UNN don advocates well-designed curriculum to ensure gender balanceInaugural Lecture

Prof. D.N. Ezeh at the lecture

Cross section of participants at the lecture


process.He continued that, “the country hasvery low Universal FinancialCoverage (UFC) levels; less than 5%of the population is covered byfinancial risk protection mechanisms(such as health insurance) andcoverage areas with most healthcareservices are very low”, adding that“the achievement of the UC is a task

that must be accomplished in Nigeriaif the health indices are to improvefrom their current sub-optimallevels”.The fundamental problems that deterNigeria and other countries frommoving closer to UC, according tothe Lecturer include: lack ofresources, over dependence on directpayment at the time people need careand inefficient and inequitable use ofresources. These conditions, he saidexist substantially in Nigeria system.Professor Onwujekwe classifiesNigerian health system as weak as itparticularly manifests in the poormaternal and child health indices.The country has a very highmaternity mortality ratio (630 per100,000 live births, 58% ante natalcare [ANC] coverage, 45% deliveryby skilled birth attendants, very high

under-5 mortality rate, 153 per 1000live births in urban areas and 243 per1000 live births in rural areas.Furthermore, it was also estimatedthat every day, 2300 children agedless than 5 years and 145 women ofchildbearing age die in Nigeria, headded.Having discussed health as a state ofcomplete physical, mental, andsocial wellbeing, and not merely theabsence of disease or infirmity,Professor Obinna Onwujekwe calledfor a complete reconstruction of theNational Health Policy and theenactment of enabling laws in theconst i tut ion or Health Bil l ,contending that the country neededas a matter of urgency, a new healthsystem backbone, which would bedependent on the primary healthsystem, and also the establishment ofmechanisms to ensure equitableaccess to essential health servicesincluding social health insurance,while ensuring effective safety netsto protect vulnerable individuals,households and communities.Professor Obinna Onwujekwetherefore advised that HSR inNigeria would involve a totaloverhaul of the healthcare system,with emphasis on grassroots' healthcare provision and delivery. Equityissues must be an integral part of theplanning process which would implystrengthening health systems at alllevels (including LGAs, State andNational), based on the WHObuilding blocks, Nigeria buildingblocks and other appropriate healths y s t e m f r a m e w o r k s , u s i n ginnovative mechanisms and re-jigging of some existing structures tosupport, deliver and sustain UC.Attah, Chidiebere H.

A University of Nigeria don hascalled for significant health sectorreform (HSR) in Nigeria in order toprime the country's health system toperform better and achieve UniversalHealth Coverage (UHC), simplycalled Universal Coverage (UC).Professor Obinna EmmanuelOnwujekwe, a Professor of HealthEconomics and Policy of theUniversity of Nigeria made the callwhile delivering the 74 InauguralLecture of the University at the MootCourt Complex, University ofNigeria, Enugu Campus.While delivering his lecture titled,

Professor Onwujekweremarked that, “HSR is a sustainedprocess of the fundamental change inthe policy and inst i tut ionalarrangement, guided by government,designed to improve the functioningand performance of health sector andultimately the health status of thepopulation”.This, he suggested include theintroduction of a new cadre of healthworkers in the area of healthadministration and managers withBachelor of Science degree in HealthAdministration and Management,stressing that there was a growingneed for the injection of trainedhealth administrators and managersin the country's health system whichis currently dominated by medicalpersonnel, who act as both providerof care and manager.The Inaugural Lecturer moreoveridentified UC as a global movementand the likely post MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDG) globalhealth target focused majorly onreduction of reliance on out-of-pocket payments and promotion ofpre-payment health care financingmechanism.Analyzing the state of UC, ProfessorOnwujekwe lamented that Nigeriahas not made much progress towardsachieving UC since 2005 it wasadopted, adding that the coveragelevels with most healthcare services(including free services) and pre-payment financing mechanism werevery low, remarking that the effect ofthe scheme on access, financialprotection, and health status variesacross content, UC scheme design,and UC scheme implementation

th

“Moving Nigeria from LowCoverage to Universal HealthC o v e r a g e : H e a l t h S y s t e mChallenges, Equity and Evidence-Base”,

Professor Onwujekwe calls for health sector reform in NigeriaInaugural Lecture

Cross section of participants at the lecture

Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe at the lecture

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