UNN VC Restates Commitment to Excellence at Medical School

Uchechukwu Nnaike The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, has re-affirmed his determination to continue providing a conducive atmosphere for academic and non-academic staff, as well as students to excel in their research and studies.

He said as Nigeria’s first university, the current administration would not only improve on its excellent research credentials, but venture to break new grounds.

Speaking at the 10th Emeritus Prof. Chukwuedu Nwokolo annual lecture series for academic excellence and award of prizes, held at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Hall, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Ozumba, who was chairman of the occasion, recalled with delight that surgeons at the UNN College of Medicine pioneered open heart surgery in Africa in 1974, performed the first separation of Siamese twins in 1976 and recorded the first delivery of quintuplets by caesarian surgery in 1987.

“As the college is advancing to 41 years of existence, I charge all to re-enact those virtues that made these feats possible in the past and I re-assure you that the university will support you.

“I see this occasion as homecoming for me, having held several key positions in the college, including that of provost; in fact it was as a result of my performance as provost that enabled me to rise to my present position of vice-chancellor.

“During my tenure as provost, the college not only recorded the highest score among medical schools in the country, but also I went further to secure accreditation for the faculty of dentistry, and instituted the Nwokolo lecture,” he said.

While describing Emeritus Prof. Chukwuedu Nwokolo, as the most decorated Nigerian physician, having received national and international honours in medicine and research, Ozumba said the institution would continue to reward university personnel who excel in their chosen fields, like it’s being done to Nwokolo, even as the VC had announced that the foundation stone for an ultra modern college of medicine complex would soon be laid at its UNTH new site at Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.

In his remarks, the new Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Ernest Onwasigwe, said the 10th Prof Chukwuedu Nwokolo lecture was unique, as it is the first to be held since his death last year, adding that the huge success achieved by the college since its establishment in 1970 was as a result of the solid foundation laid by Nwokolo.

Onwasigwe, re-stated that the college board would continue to invest in research in line with the dreams of Nwokolo, who he described as an excellent researcher and medical giant of the 21st century.

Also speaking, the Nwokolo family, represented by Dr. Uche Nwokolo, called for the immortalisation of his late brother by re-naming one of the tertiary institutions after him, as a mark of honour for his numerous contributions to society.

He commended the current provost of the college for his role at the burial of the ‘Iroko’ at Oraifite, Anambra State, as well as the Chairman, Organising Committee, Prof. Ben Anisiuba for the excellent events, saying adding that the family would remain grateful to the college for the honour done to his brother.

In his lecture, ‘Nanoscience in Medical Practice and Research in Nigeria’, the former President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, Prof. Alex Animalu, blamed lack of research studies by the academia for the poor technological and science development in the country.

He said for Nigeria to achieve greatness in science, government and institutions must invest in research and collaborate with foreign universities on staff development, and engage in students’ exchange educational programmes.

Chinwendu Uchechi and Dr. Ubesie Agozie won the best student and best academic staff awards, 2015 respectively.

The occasion was attended by principal officers of UNN; past provosts of the College of Medicine; past Prof Nwokolo lecturers; and the Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Dr. Chris Amah; the Chairman of Memfus Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam; former Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Linda Oge Okoye and her husband Emeka, a pastor of the Living Praise Worship Centre, Maryland, Enugu; former Provost, Prof. Martin Aghaji.

Others were Prof. Chuba Okoye and Prof. Wilson Onuigbo of the Medical Foundation and Clinics, Uwani, Enugu; Peter Ebigbo, the Eze of Amofu, Imo State; Prof John Oli, Dr. Anthony Mba; former provost College of Medicine, Prof. Basden Onwubere, Prof. Etisiobi Ndiokwelu, Dr. Okey Onwasigwe, and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the lecture, Prof. Ben Anisiuba.