By Ovat Abeng
AWKA (CONVERSEER) – The new Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, has assured that staff employed since 2019 who have not received any salary will get their first payment before Christmas this year.
Prof. Anyaehie gave the assurance on Tuesday during his post-assumption press briefing held at the Senate Chamber of the university.
Describing the situation as “deeply unfair,” he said no worker deserves to be denied their wages for years, and pledged that the lingering salary impasse would be addressed in batches.
According to him, 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.
The Vice Chancellor, who said he could not understand how such an employment arrangement was allowed to linger without pay since 2019, disclosed that a special committee would be set up to examine the circumstances and ensure a lasting solution.
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Prof. Anyaehie 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,” he said. “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.”
He revealed that many stakeholders, including alumni and partners in the diaspora, had already indicated willingness to support his administration’s agenda.
On student and staff welfare, he said it would be a top priority under his leadership.
Prof. Anyaehie added that students would be better engaged academically and in sports, ensuring that cultism and related activities are drastically curtailed.
He further announced that graduates of the university under his tenure would earn three certifications upon completion of their programmes—part of efforts to make UNIZIK students more competitive nationally and globally.
