Awka, March 16, 2016 (NAN) Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau Council of Chiefs, was on Wednesday installed the 3rd Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

President Muhammadu Buhari performed the investiture as part of activities commemorating the 10th convocation of the institution.

Buhari, who is the visitor to the university, was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie.

The president said that the Federal Government was working hard to address the challenges facing educational development in the country.

The president expressed confidence in the ability of the UNIZIK`s new chancellor to discharge his duties creditably.

Buhari said that through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), more than 11,000 academics had benefitted from research funds, attendance of conferences and opportunity for staff sabbaticals.

He said that government was aware of the infrastructural deficits in the universities, pointing out that government would set up staff and students audit on infrastructural development to ensure judicious funds’ utilisation.

The president challenged universities in Nigeria to be at the vanguard of research, teaching and community service to enhance the nation`s development in all fields of human endeavours.

Responding, the Gbong Gwom Jos promised to leverage on the goodwill of the various stakeholders in diverse fields of knowledge to move the university forward.
He assured of the advancement of the noble goals of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, whom the university was named after.

“Nigerians must never forget this giant of Nigeria`s independence struggle, along with other contemporaries who are known as the founding fathers of independent Nigeria, “ he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, said that the chancellor would be an invaluable asset to the institution.

Dignitaries at the event included Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, represented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, members of the university`s Governing Council, among others. (NAN).

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Buhari installs Gbong Gwom Jos as 3rd UNIZIK Chancellor