The new vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, has lauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the good governance initiatives of his administration in the state, including in the university and its environs.
Prof. Igwe, who is the 15th substantive and first alumnus vice chancellor of UNN, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his intervention in water reticulation on the Enugu campus of the institution, UNEC.
The vice chancellor made the commendations when he led principal officers of the university and some members of the Governing Council, to pay a courtesy call on Governor Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.
Prof. Igwe told Governor Ugwuanyi that he was at the Government House, Enugu, to formally introduce himself to him as “our landlord” and “a super Lion occupying the Lion Building”, stressing that “there is no way we can take off without first of all calling on you to give us your blessings”.
He used the opportunity to express the profound gratitude of the management and students of the university to the governor for addressing the problem of water scarcity in UNEC.
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The new VC appreciated the existing working relationship between the governor and the federal university, saying: “you have always been one of us; you have always shown interest in the events and happenings at the University of Nigeria”.
Prof. Igwe, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a brother, humble and visionary leader, maintained that the university “will continue to talk about the water reticulation at UNEC”.
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi who welcomed the vice chancellor and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, on behalf of the Government and the people of Enugu State congratulated him on his recent appointment to “the revered and highly coveted office”.
The governor expressed delight at the numerous accomplishments of the university in the “educational and intellectual advancement of our people” despite many challenges since its establishment 59 years ago.
Governor Ugwuanyi who opined that tertiary educational institutions hold the key to the nation’s economic and technological advancement, added that he was impressed UNN was recently ranked as the number one University in Nigeria and 17th in Africa coupled with its recent feat of producing the nation’s first electric car.
He pointed out that the feats bear eloquent testimony to the efforts that are being made to reposition the University for greater accomplishments, stating that “as a government, we have continued to place a very high premium on the improvement of the quality and standard of education in Enugu State”.
“One of the focal points of this drive has been the development and implementation of policies designed to revitalize educational institutions at all levels in the state.
“In this regard, we want to assure you of our commitment to strengthening the existing relationship, partnership and cooperation between the state and the University of Nigeria.
“It is certainly in our interest that the institution attains the desired heights in academic and technological excellence that would help stimulate the significant transformation of our society”.