The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Sunday, announced the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor, one year after the reversal of Prof. Bernard Odoh’s appointment by the President and Visitor to all federal universities, Bola Tinubu.
Odoh’s appointment was rescinded following controversies over the recruitment process and questions regarding his academic profile.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities and the university’s chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria had raised concerns, describing the appointment as irregular and prejudicial, noting that the matter was already before a court.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olugbenga Kukoyi, announced the appointment of Prof. Bond Anyaechie as the new Vice Chancellor, describing the process as “thorough and transparent.”
“I am pleased to announce Professor Bond Anyaechie as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University after a thorough and transparent process,” Kukoyi said.
Anyaechie, a specialist in Medical Physiology and Clinical Measurement, has nearly two decades of teaching experience at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
He earned his first degree in Medicine and Surgery from Abia State University, Uturu, in 1998, a master’s degree in 2004, a PhD in 2009, and a Master of Public Health in 2011.
Anyaechie began his teaching career at the College of Medicine, Imo State University in 2002 as a part-time lecturer before becoming a full-time lecturer. He joined the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine in 2007, rising to the rank of Reader and was promoted to Professor of Physiology and Clinical Measurement in 2013.
He served as Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, he was Acting Provost at the College of Medicine, Imo State University, and a visiting professor from 2020 to 2022 on a pro bono basis.
