By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo has been elected as the new Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka at the extraordinary Faculty Board meeting chaired by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, on Tuesday, January 11th, 2025 held at the NEEDS Assessment Building of the Faculty.

Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo from the Department of Mechanical Engineering polled a total of 70 votes to emerge victorious out of 147 accredited voters, beating Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Anazia of Electrical Engineering Department who polled a total of 35 votes; Engr. Prof. Akaolisa Ezeagu of the Department of Civil Engineering who polled a total of 21 votes and Engr. Prof. Chukwuka Nwoye of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department who polled a total of 19 votes.

In his opening remarks, UNIZIK Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor (SAVC) on General Duties, Prof. Austin Nonyelu stated that the extraordinary board meeting is part of academic and administrative process where there must be a leader of the Faculty for a single term of two years. The Acting VC also shared his BLESSed UNIZIK vision, outlining key goals for the institution.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his faculty colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Faculty. The scholar called for oneness, collaboration and a spirit of unity to achieve shared goals of moving the faculty to an accelerated levels.

On his part, the outgoing Dean, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo appreciated the faculty members for their support throughout the duration of his tenure, the scholar admonished the faculty members to extend the support they gave him during his term to the incoming Dean while wishing his successor a fruitful tenure.

Also present during the Extraordinary Faculty board meeting was the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor Modebelu represented by the Deputy Registrar I, Personnel Units, Dr. Blessing Ezeobi.