Prof. Anyaehie of Imo State University Emerges UNIZIK Substantive Vice-Chancellor on His Birthday

Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie

After months of controversy, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has finally announced the appointment of Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

He was announced as Vice-Chancellor on his birthday, 16 November, and his appointment takes effect from Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

According to reports, the Council approved his appointment for a single tenure of five years.

Professor Anyaehie is a renowned scholar of Physiology and Clinical Measurements. His appointment was formally announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Barr. Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi.

Shortly before making the announcement, the Council Chairman stated that the Council remained resolute in completing the selection process in strict compliance with the law and the regulations guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, in line with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Statutes.

He disclosed that Professor Anyaehie emerged the top candidate among the three shortlisted applicants, surpassing Professor Joseph Ikechebelu and Professor Emeka Ezeonu.

Until his appointment, Professor Anyaehie served as Provost, College of Medicine, Imo State University. He was also a former Deputy Provost, College of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. He hails from Umuchukwu Village, Nkwerre, Imo State, and shares the same birthday 16 November with the great Nnamdi Azikiwe, after whom the university is named. Coincidentally, his appointment as UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor also took place on his birthday.

In a brief acceptance speech, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor pledged close collaboration with the Governing Council and expressed his commitment to elevating UNIZIK to the ranks of the best universities in Nigeria.

“I’ve always felt universities can be better, and God has given me the opportunity to make one better. This is an institution I feel aligned with, and each time I pass here, I remember the great Zik. Incidentally, the great Zik founded my university, the University of Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe University should be the best, and I can guarantee you here today that we will begin work immediately. Within six months, the ranking will move into the first 10 in Nigeria as we work toward making it the best,” he said.

Professor Anyaehie will take over from Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, whose tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor ends on 18 November 2025.