Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka has officially named Prof. Bond Anyaechie as its new substantive Vice Chancellor, filling the position roughly a year after President Bola Tinubu, in his role as Visitor to federal universities, revoked the earlier appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh.
The decision to cancel Odoh's selection stemmed from disputes surrounding the hiring procedure and doubts about his qualifications. Local branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria criticized the process as flawed and biased, pointing out that related legal challenges were already underway in court.
During a media session in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Olugbenga Kukoyi, revealed the new appointment, emphasizing that the selection was conducted with full rigor and openness.
"We are delighted to confirm Professor Bond Anyaechie as the permanent Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University following a meticulous and open selection process," Kukoyi stated.
Prof. Anyaechie is an expert in Medical Physiology and Clinical Measurement with close to 20 years of academic experience at the University of Nigeria's College of Medicine on the Enugu Campus.
He obtained his MBBS in Medicine and Surgery from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1998, followed by a master's degree in 2004, a PhD in 2009, and a Master of Public Health in 2011.
His lecturing journey started in 2002 as a part-time instructor at Imo State University's College of Medicine, where he later transitioned to a full-time role. In 2007, he moved to the University of Nigeria's College of Medicine, advancing to Reader before earning a full professorship in Physiology and Clinical Measurement in 2013.
From 2018 to 2022, he held the position of Deputy Provost at the University of Nigeria's College of Medicine. He also served as Acting Provost at Imo State University's College of Medicine and acted as a visiting professor there voluntarily from 2020 to 2022.