Prof. Anyaehie, who took office recently, said student and staff welfare would be a top priority under his administration. He emphasized plans to engage students more effectively in academics and sports to curb cultism and related activities across the campus.
Speaking at a post-resumption press briefing in the university’s Senate Chambers on Tuesday, the VC described the long-standing salary delay as “deeply unfair” and pledged to resolve the matter in batches.
“The Pro-Chancellor of the university is already in advanced discussions with relevant authorities to resolve the longstanding crisis and facilitate the release of funds for affected workers,” Anyaehie said. “We cannot understand how such an employment arrangement was allowed to linger since 2019. A special committee will be set up to examine the circumstances and ensure a lasting solution.”
Anyaehie also highlighted his commitment to repositioning UNIZIK as Nigeria’s leading university, noting that campus peace would be essential to achieving this vision. He said projects on campus would begin to be commissioned within the next one to two months and that alumni and diaspora partners had already expressed willingness to support his agenda.
“Student and staff welfare will be a top priority under my leadership. Graduates of the university in my tenure will earn three certifications upon completion of their programs, enhancing their competitiveness nationally and globally,” he added.
The appointment of Prof. Anyaehie follows a year after the reversal of Prof. Bernard Odoh’s appointment by the President and Visitor to all federal universities, Bola Tinubu. At a press briefing in Abuja, Pro-Chancellor Olugbenga Kukoyi described the process of appointing Anyaehie as “thorough and transparent.”
Prof. Anyaehie, a specialist in Medical Physiology and Clinical Measurement, brings nearly two decades of teaching experience. He earned his MBBS from Abia State University, Uturu (1998), a Master’s (2004), a PhD (2009), and a Master of Public Health (2011).
He began his academic career at Imo State University College of Medicine as a part-time lecturer in 2002, later joining the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine, Enugu Campus in 2007. He rose through the ranks to Professor in 2013, and has served as Deputy Provost and Acting Provost at various institutions.