Tinubu Commissions Anyaoku Diplomacy Institute at UNIZIK, Hails Elderstatesman’s Patriotism

By Praise Chinecherem

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra state.

The institution was one of the legacy projects commissioned by the president during his visit to the state.

The president described Anyaoku as a patriotic man with commitment to values and nation building.

He also commended him for promoting democracy, good governance and world peace in course of his over 50years’ service.

He said: “We must invest in education as greatest weapon against poverty. We’re doing so believing we have leaders like Emeka Anyaoku.

“Here is a man who helped tremendously to bring about constitutional democracy, freedom and stability.

“His patriotism is boundless. His commitment to values and Nation building is invaluable. I’m glad he’s alive.

“I’m glad my friend, the governor, Charles Soludo, his team and many of you are here to honor him, immortalize him and ensure he remains a fulcrum of our learning and intellectual development, diplomacy and success of the nation.”

Reassuring his administration’s commitment to development of the education sector, Tinubu said his government has continued to commit lots of resources to the sector in general and tertiary education in particular.

He however warned against wrong use of autonomy to derail his administration, stressing that such would not be tolerated.

He said: “Let me divert attention to the Governing Council and Management of the university.

“In recent times, we have had cause to intervene in the affairs of this university and a few others, to arrest what could be described as administrative rascalities.

“My government is commiting lots of resources to the education sector in general and tertiary education in particular. We shall not allow wrong use of autonomy to derail us.”

The president further charged the institution management to ensure adequate maintenance of the building and its facilities.

He attributed bane of public institutions with regards to infrastructure to poor maintenance culture.

“While private funding has gifted this building to the university, the onus now lays on the university management to ensure the building is properly maintained,” he noted.

Earlier, Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu expressed appreciation to the President for honoring the institution with his physical presence.

Describing Tinubu as education and university friendly, Ikechebelu specifically praised him for his intervention to what he termed as administrative rascality last year in the university.

He listed some of the benefits the university had enjoyed from the federal government to include funds through TETfund, CNG buses, and other educational initiatives.

“This facility is built by contributions from friends of Anyaoku to immortalize and internalize his diplomatic activities. We’re going on a forward tragectory and by God’s grace we’ll get to our promised land,” he stated.

On his part, Anyaoku, former Secretary General of Commonwealth of Nations expressed joy the institute was named after him, and that the president was present to commission it.

“I’m quite happy the institute is named after me and today, Mr president has come to commission it,” he added.

Director of the Institute, Prof Nkemdili Nnonyelu said the institute was a product of efforts and commitment of successive administrations of the university as well as testament to the continuity and progressive nature of its leadership.

“Within a few years, the institute has not only successfully developed and received approval for a host of degree and certificate programmes which will be kicking off in the state of the art, permanent facility largely supported by Gen T.Y. Danjuma, host of other friends and select state governments, in record time,” he added.

Present at the event included all Southeast governors, excluding Ebonyi, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Sen. Victor Umeh, Uche Ekwnife and host of others.