By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu on Friday, 22nd November 2024 visited the Physiology Department at the University's Okofia Nnewi Campus to assess the recent fire incident that razed down the Department.

This was the first assignment of Prof. Ikechebelu shortly after assumption of office as the institution's Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Prof. Ikechebelu who was received by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Gerald Udigwe alongside Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and students in the course of the visit conducted a detailed inspection of the affected areas, engaged with staff of the department and interacted with students to understand their challenges.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ikechebelu expressed concern over the incident and reassured the university community of swift measures to restore normalcy.

Prof. Ikechebelu said: "We are here to assess the situation and I must say that this is quite unfortunate as valuables were lost during this unfortunate fire incident. The College of Health Sciences is also my place of primary assignment as we all know.

"We thank God that no life was lost during this incident.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain a top priority. We will expedite our efforts toward rebuilding this place and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future," The Acting Vice-Chancellor stated.

In his response, Prof. Udigwe thanked the Acting Vice-Chancellor for his swift and prompt response as shown with the visit. The scholar stated that he and his team will assess the level of damages during the fire incident and also work on the safety of the College especially during this period of  dry season in order to avert future occurrences. He also congratulated Prof. Ikechebelu on his recent reappointment as the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Highpoints of the visit was tour of the affected buildings and other locations at the college by the Acting Vice-Chancellor and his entourage, felicitations from the college staff members to the acting Vice-Chancellor and session of photo shots with the Ag. VC and members of the staff at the college.