By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone has bagged an award on Dependable Leadership from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The latest award to the institution's numero uno was on the occasion of the valedictory board meeting and commissioning of the solar energy project of the Faculty of Social Sciences held on Tuesday, 14th May, 2024 at the new Faculty Conference Hall.

In his address, UNIZIK VC Prof. Esimone described the Faculty of Social Sciences as a family that have lived and worked in peace without any form of rancour and tension in their daily administrative and academic affairs. The VC stated that hitherto on the advent of his administration, he promised the Faculty a new state of the art building which by the grace of God today is a promise fulfilled.

Prof. Esimone also narrated his ordeal and that of the management in ensuring that over a thousand staff who are yet to be paid owing to non-capturing of their bio-data into the IPPIS platform are paid in no distant time. The scholar urged them to be prayerful, steadfast and eschew any form of negative reports which can scuttle the efforts made thus far in the aspect of their welfare. He thanked the Faculty for their immense support to his administration and dedication during his tenure and ensure to replicate such when a new VC takes the mantle of leadership.

The VC while commissioning the Solar Energy Project of the Faculty advised the Dean to ensure that the project is properly utilized in solving the energy needs of the Faculty both now and in the future.

Earlier in his opening renarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu described the extraordinary faculty board meeting as an opportunity to interact with the VC. The DVC informed that a journey with a beginning will have an end which is an opportunity to appreciate what the VC has done in the five years of his administration.

Prof. Ikechebelu stated that the Faculty of Social Sciences is one that benefitted immensely from Esimone's administration in terms of infrastructural development urging them to keep the standard and ensure the Faculty rise from strength to strength.

On his part, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his support while stating that the Faculty gained immensely under his administration. Prof. Okafor highlighted other needs of the Faculty while pleading with the VC for continuous support in other areas that will make the Faculty stand out among other faculties in the institution. He prayed God for more prominent positions for the VC at the end of his tenure.

The Dean in company of the Head of the five departments of the Faculty gave an award of Dependable Leadership to Prof. Esimone while also presenting gift items for his wonderful contributions to the growth of the Faculty and the institution at large.

Prof. Uche Nwaogwugwu gave the vote of thanks as commissioning of the Solar Energy Project, award presentation and photo sessions formed the highpoints of the valedictory board meeting.