UNIZIK Explores Partnership With Chinese Investors for Vehicle, Motorcycle and Tricycle Assembly

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, is exploring a potential partnership with Chinese investors for the establishment of vehicle, motorcycle and tricycle production and assembly operations within the university.

The proposal was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Chinese investors to his office at the Administrative Building on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The delegation was led by Engr. Ochiagha Chikelue Edward, Chief Executive Officer of Three Series Premium Ltd, an alumnus and Ambassador of the UNIZIK Business School. He introduced the Chinese investors, Mr. Chen Ke and Mr. Chen Jie, to the university management.

A Nigerian-Chinese translator, Mr. Ifechukwude Harrison, also accompanied the delegation and facilitated communication during the meeting.

The proposed collaboration would provide opportunities for the production and assembly of vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles, with the broader objective of making the products more accessible and affordable to university staff, students and members of the public.

Speaking during the visit, the Director of the UNIZIK Business School, Prof. Pius VC Okoye, described the proposal as a potentially beneficial partnership for the university.

He said the proposed venture could involve the Faculty of Engineering, while also exploring collaboration with the university's Chisco-related operations and other relevant units to provide technical and practical expertise.

Responding to the proposal, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the initiative and disclosed that the university was already exploring innovations in a similar direction.

Prof. Anyaehie said the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering would be invited to brief the university management on existing plans in the area, including the progress that had already been made.

The Vice-Chancellor also assured the delegation of UNIZIK's openness to international partnerships, noting that the Chinese investors would not be the only Chinese partners engaging with the university.

He further highlighted the UNIZIK Confucius Institute as an existing platform for educational, cultural and institutional interaction between Nigerians and their Chinese counterparts through the teaching of Chinese language and culture.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Uju Ezenekwe, Deputy Director of the UNIZIK Business School; Engr. Ochiagha Chikelue Edward; Mr. Chen Ke; Mr. Chen Jie; Orizu Tochukwu, ICT Officer of the Business School; and other members of the visiting delegation.

The proposed collaboration is expected to undergo further consultations with relevant university authorities and stakeholders to determine its feasibility, structure and possible areas of implementation.