The new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, has assured all that staff members employed since 2019 who have not received any salary will get their first payment before Christmas.
Anyaehie said student and staff welfare would be a top priority under his leadership, adding that students would be better engaged academically and in sports, so as to ensure that cultism and related activities are drastically curtailed.
The VC stated this during his post-resumption press briefing held at the Senate Chambers of the university on Tuesday.
He described the situation where some workers employed since 2019 have not received a salary as “deeply unfair,” adding that no worker deserves to be denied their wages for years, and pledged that the lingering salary impasse would be addressed in batches.
He said, “The Pro-Chancellor of the university is already in advanced discussions with relevant authorities to resolve the longstanding crisis and facilitate the release of funds for the affected workers.
“We cannot understand how such an employment arrangement was allowed to linger since 2019. A special committee would be set up to examine the circumstances and ensure a lasting solution.”
Anyaehie also reiterated his commitment to repositioning UNIZIK as the number one institution in Nigeria, noting that peace across the campus would be central to achieving his vision.
“It is unpalatable that negative reports dominate the image of this great university. In one to two months, we shall begin commissioning projects on campus.
“The task is enormous, but we are prepared for it. What we need is peace. We are sure that in a few weeks, the desired peace will return, and we shall take off in earnest.
“Many stakeholders, including alumni and partners in the diaspora, had already indicated willingness to support this administration’s agenda.
“Student and staff welfare will be a top priority under my leadership. Students would be better engaged academically and in sports, to ensure that cultism and related activities are drastically curtailed.
“Graduates of the university in my tenure would earn three certifications upon completion of their programmes—it is part of efforts to make UNIZIK students more competitive nationally and globally,” he added.
PUNCH Online on Sunday, November 16, 2025, reported that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has announced the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor, one year after the reversal of Prof. Bernard Odoh’s appointment by the President and Visitor to all federal universities, Bola Tinubu.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olugbenga Kukoyi, announced the appointment of Prof. Bond Anyaechie as the new Vice Chancellor, describing the process as “thorough and transparent.”
“I am pleased to announce Professor Bond Anyaechie as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University after a thorough and transparent process,” Kukoyi said.
Anyaechie, a specialist in Medical Physiology and Clinical Measurement, has nearly two decades of teaching experience at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
He earned his first degree in Medicine and Surgery from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1998, a master’s degree in 2004, a PhD in 2009, and a Master of Public Health in 2011.
Anyaechie began his teaching career at the College of Medicine, Imo State University, in 2002 as a part-time lecturer before becoming a full-time lecturer. He joined the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine in 2007, rising to the rank of Reader and was promoted to Professor of Physiology and Clinical Measurement in 2013.
He served as Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, he was Acting Provost at the College of Medicine, Imo State University, and a visiting professor from 2020 to 2022 on a pro bono basis.
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