Emma Elekwa
Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Prof Bond Anyaehie has disclosed plans to upgrade the University Pre-Science Centre, Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA, into a mini-campus structure with attendant facilities upgrade and student enrolment.
The VC disclosed this during a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Mbaukwu, Igwe Peter Anugwu in his palace.
Anyaehie disclosed that the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) new intakes will commence their programme at the centre in September.
According to him, the step would boost the number of students in the centre to over 2000 numbers.
He noted that works to that effect had already commenced in the study centre .
The VC described Mbaukwu as great community with a great Traditional Ruler.
Anyaehie called for greater partnership and collaboration between the university and members of the community.
Acord time, areas of collaboration include: hostel development, security among other services.
“Mbaukwu will be placed in digital world map as an educational centre and mini campus of the great Nnamid Azikiwe University.”
Excited with development
Responding, the monarch, Igwe Peter Anugwu who was highly elated on the good news expressed gratitude over the development.
He described seeing the Mbaukwu campus developed to the best global standard as the greatest wish of his lifetime.
He prayed against efforts to thwart the plan, assuring the community’s preparedness to preserve the centre’s legacies and prospects.
The traditional ruler also commended the vice chancellor for his administrative foresight and vision for the university.
An indigene, Prof. Austin Odum, said any Mbaukwu person dreams to see the Pre-Science centre upgraded to a campus structure.
He recalled its growth trajectory which he disclosed rose up to 3000 students at a time but later declined to hundreds.
The monarch hoped that with the determination of the management to upgrade it, the centre will bloosom again.
Prof Adum reassured the university delegation of maximum cooperation.
He affirmed that the land offered to the University for the Centre remains free of any encumbrances or dispute.
This demonstrated that the community members are united in their support to the university.
The delegation included Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji , Director of Pre-Science programme, Prof Paul Okolie, the JUPEB team, among others.
