Community Excited as UNIZIK Upgrades Mbaukwu Pre-Science Centre to Mini Campus

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has concluded plans to upgrade its Pre-Science Centre located in Mbaukwu community into a full-fledged mini campus.
The university has also embarked on the upgrade of structures and facilities at the centre in preparation for increased student enrolment.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area, Igwe Peter Anugwu, at his palace on Wednesday.
Prof. Anyaehie further revealed that newly admitted students of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme would commence studies at the Mbaukwu Study Centre from September this year. According to him, the development is expected to increase the student population of the centre to over 2,000.
Describing Mbaukwu as a great community blessed with a visionary traditional ruler, the Vice-Chancellor noted that work towards the transformation of the study centre had already commenced.
He called for stronger partnership and collaboration between the university and the host community, especially in the areas of hostel development, security, and other support services.
Prof. Anyaehie added that with the ongoing developments, Mbaukwu community would soon be placed on the global digital map as an emerging educational hub and an official mini campus of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Responding, the traditional ruler, Igwe Peter Anugwu, who expressed great excitement over the development, conveyed profound gratitude to the university management for the initiative.
Speaking emotionally, the monarch described the transformation of the Mbaukwu campus into a world-class educational centre as one of the greatest dreams of his lifetime.
He noted that he had long awaited such progress, especially after spending 51 years on the throne.
He prayed against any forces that might attempt to frustrate the laudable initiative and assured the university management that the Mbaukwu community remained fully committed to protecting the institution and preserving its legacies and future prospects.
The royal father also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his foresight, leadership, and developmental vision for the university.
Also expressing appreciation on behalf of the Mbaukwu community, an indigene and Professor of Accounting, Prof. Austin Odum, described the upgrade of the Pre-Science Centre as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of the people.
He recalled that the centre once had a student population of about 3,000 before it declined to only a few hundreds over the years.
He, however, expressed optimism that with the renewed commitment of the university management, the centre would regain its former glory and experience rapid growth once again.
Prof. Odum further assured the university delegation of the total cooperation and support of the community, affirming that the land allocated to the university for the centre remained free from encumbrances or disputes, as the people of Mbaukwu were united in their support for the institution.
Members of the university delegation during the courtesy visit included the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; Director of the Pre-Science Programme and member of the University Governing Council, Prof. Paul Okolie; members of the JUPEB team; and other university officials.