Exclusive News
By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Director, Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies (CITS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Engr. Dr. Paul Okolie has eulogized the institution’s benefactor Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, CEO and Chairman, Chisco Group, for his immense contribution towards the education sector by keying into the proposal for an institute for transportation studies at UNIZIK and doling out huge funds for the actualization of the dream.
Dr. Okolie made the remarks in the aftermath of an official tour of the institute on Thursday, 11th May 2023 by Chief Anyaegbu and his crew as well as the top brass of the Institute.
Dr. Okolie expressed his delight that the managers of the institute were highly commended by Chief Anyaegbu for the proper utilization of the funds earmarked for the project while narrating the journey so far up till this moment.
“We are delighted that our benefactor, Chief Anyaegbu came on a courtesy visit to our hardworking Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS and thereafter embarked on a tour of the Transportation Studies Institute for which he donated a building in 2009 to see towards the commencement of his vision and actualization of the dream of setting up the Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies which is about the only one existing in Anambra State.
“During the time of Prof. Ahaneku we kickstarted this noble course with the support of the then VC but had some challenges which were administrative in nature in attaining the full potentials as then I was the Deputy Coordinator with Prof. Solomon Nwigbo as the Coordinator. However when Prof. Esimone came on board, I studied the proposal from Prof. Matthew, a consultant to the institute, on a smart initiative programme tilting towards technical and vocational education training which got the nod of the Vice-Chancellor before we met our benefactor who keyed into the proposal by doling out some millions of naira for the actualization of the dream and we are happy that from his visit today, he gave us a pass mark based on what we have been able to achieve,” Okolie said.
The scholar informed that in weeks to come the institute will start reaping the dividend of the set up in place at the institute. Dr. Okolie further stated that the institute is set for a 12 to 14-day intensive training made possible by the Vice-Chancellor’s approval as they intend to bring in National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQ) into the University that will ensure that those who undertake the training will be equipped in line with global best practices.
Okolie disclosed the different trades offered at the Chisco Institute for Transportation Studies in areas such as Electrical Electronics; Heat Ventilation, Air Condition and Refrigeration (HVACR); Welding and Fabrication; Automative Technology as well as Office Technology Management (OTM) to train typists and imbue trainees on ICT.
He called on the youths of the state to take advantage of the existing institute to equip themselves with necessary skills that will enable them earn a living and contribute their quota towards societal development.
