By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
VICE-CHANCELLOR, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, has signed an agreement to set up the Confucius Institute, a teaching centre, at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu in Ebonyi State with the Provost of the College, Prof. Justina Uzoma Mgbada.
Signing the Agreement, Prof Ahaneku explained that this would afford the people of the region the opportunity to learn the Chinese language which would go a long way in assisting most of them in doing business with the Chinese.
He noted that the establishment of the teaching point is in line with the administration’s resolve to give the Chinese programme a national outlook. He urged the people of Ebonyi State and environs to utilise the opportunity that the programme affords. Prof. Ahaneku noted that the signing of the agreement commences the operation of the teaching centre in the College.
In her remarks, the College Provost, Prof. Mgbada expressed joy at the fruition of the process which according to her seemed impossible at the onset. She thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his magnanimity and assistance which culminated to the success of the entire process.
Prof. Mgbada assured the Vice-Chancellor of the preparedness of the College to abide by the regulations of Hanban, as its headquarters is called. She said that as the first non-affiliated institution to be accorded the privilege, the College will live up to expectation even as she thanked the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi for his support.
Meanwhile, Professor Ahaneku has asked members of the Board of Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, to set out modalities that would ensure quick movement of the hospital to its permanent site.
He spoke when members of the board led Chief Ezekiel Afukonyo paid him a courtesy call in his office.
Receiving the visitors, Prof. Ahaneku expressed his joy at the calibre of personalities making up the board noting that they exude great capacity and capabilities to take the University teaching hospital to enviable heights.
In his remarks, the board chairman, Chief Afukonyo commended the Vice-Chancellor on the massive infrastructural developments in the University and for his unrelenting support to the teaching hospital.
Chief Afukonyo disclosed that the burden of moving the hospital to its permanent site has increased so much that the board members need the support of the University management to actualise the goal.
The members of the board include:NAUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Alexander Nwofor; Dr. Joseph Ugboaja, Dr. Barthy Okorochukwu, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Prof. Prince Unekwe, Mrs. Rosemary Okieghazi, Dr. Toyosi Raheem, Hon. Prof Umar Adam Katsayal, Hon. Tunde Balogun, Dr. John, Pharm Olubukola Ajayi, Mrs. C.O Nwofor and Hon. Umar Haruwa Doguwa.
Vanguard recalls that the board was inaugurated in Abuja on March 12, 2018.