By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The management of Amadeus University Amizi led by its Proprietor, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka and management team on Thursday, 27th June 2024 visited Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and were received by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu at his office.

The visit by the Abia State based institution was to strengthen the bond and cement the mentor-mentee relationship between the institution and UNIZIK based on the National Universities Commission's directive that Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka should mentor the new University.

In his address during the visit, Dr. Nwabunka noted that the National Universities Commission (NUC) assigned Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka to mentor the institution and the visit was timely to establish the connection with management of UNIZIK as he has been in touch with the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

Dr. Nwabunka disclosed that the new institution will commence her programmes in the month of September 2024 and the visit is to seek guidance from a foremost institution such as UNIZIK. The Amadeus University Proprietor said the institution is poised to change the narrative in education by providing a platform driven by entrepreneurship, innovation and research. He affirmed that UNIZIK is vastly experienced in research, teaching, administration and community service and expressed optimism that under their guidance the institution can commence smoothly in September.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Amadeus University, Professor Samuel Nzotta informed that the NUC approved nineteen (19) programmes with four (4) faculties for the new institution. Prof. Nzotta disclosed that the University have also set in place a conducive environment with learning facilities such as well equipped classrooms, State-of-the-Art laboratories, workshops, studios, office buildings and dynamic ICT centre to enhance digital learning and communication.

The Amadeus University VC noted that the programmes in place are going to be digitalized which is unique as the management of the University want the students to have information at their disposal at all times and more importantly during the examination period. He outlined the four faculties as the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Computing Sciences. 

Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu welcomed the team to UNIZIK appreciating their effort in strengthening the mentor-mentee relationship kicking off between the two Universities. Prof. Ikechebelu congratulated the proprietor for the vision of keying into education by setting up a higher institution which is no mean feat, he also affirmed that the institution has started well with housing accommodation for her principal officers as UNIZIK which is the mother institution is yet to have one.

Prof. Ikechebelu emphasized that the admission quota of 500 given to Amadeus University for the upcoming admission year alongside the existence of 4 faculties with 19 programmes is also good for the institution. The Ag. VC assured that UNIZIK will assist the Amadeus University in the area of admissions by giving them access to her database to reach out to potential students as UNIZIK currently has 12,000 quota for admission for the upcoming admission year with over 50,000 applicants seeking to gain admission into the programmes of UNIZIK.

The Acting VC who disclosed that UNIZIK currently mentors some new Universities such as the University on the Niger, Umunya; Shanahan University, Onitsha; Peter University, Achina and Legacy Unity, Okija further assured that UNIZIK will assist also in the area of teaching staff via secondment, adjunct and visiting scholars to the Abia State based institution. He prayed the University will achieve her set goals, mission and aspirations.

Other members of team from Amadeus University present during the visit were the institution's Registrar, Mr. Ernest Onuoha; University Bursar, Mr. Augustine Ugorji; Librarian, Dr. Ngozi Blessing Ukachi; IT Director, Mr. Chijioke Okafor; Trustees, Mr. Alexander Enyinnah and Mr. Nnaemeka Nwachukwu as well as the Visiting Researcher (Germany), Dr. Unoaku Unije.