UNIZIK Launches Prof Onyeyili Memorial Lecture Series to Honor Late DVC
Nnamdi Azikiwe University inaugurates a lecture series commemorating the esteemed legacy of Prof Innocent Osita Onyeyili, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, emphasizing collaboration in academia-industry-government sectors for socio-economic solutions.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a bid to immortalize the impactful legacy of the late Prof Innocent Osita Onyeyili, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, UNIZIK has inaugurated the Prof Onyeyili Memorial Lecture Series. The inaugural event, organized by the Faculty of Engineering, featured a keynote lecture focusing on the imperative of collaboration among academia, government, and industries to address Nigeria's socio-economic challenges.
At the heart of the lecture, themed 'The Making of Practicing Engineers in Nigerian University System: A Task for Embedding Industrial Revolution in Nigeria,' was the call for a paradigm shift in university education towards equipping graduates with practical problem-solving skills. The guest lecturer, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, emphasized the need for universities to prioritize collaboration over individualism and territorialism among disciplines.
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Prof Ahaneku advocated for the adoption of Apprenticeship Model learning to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, urging universities to align their curricula with industry needs. He also stressed the importance of University-Industry-Government Interaction, proposing a Triple Helix Model approach to solving societal problems and commercializing technologies.
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In recognition of Prof Onyeyili's contributions to UNIZIK, the university management unveiled the Prof Innocent Onyeyili Avenue at the Faculty of Engineering, a symbolic gesture honoring his legacy. Prof Charles Esimone, the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to its growth, promising to endow a professorial chair in Prof Onyeyili's name.
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The event, attended by prominent figures including Prof Solomon Nwigbo, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Engr Victor Chiwuzie, Chairman of ENPLAN Consulting Firm, showcased the enduring impact of Prof Onyeyili's service and dedication. Friends, colleagues, and mentees fondly remembered his exemplary conduct and professional integrity.
With the establishment of the Prof Onyeyili Memorial Lecture Series, UNIZIK pays tribute to a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire future generations of engineers and academics. The presence of Prof Onyeyili's family members, Mrs. Nkechi Margaret Onyeyili and Dr. Tochukwu Onyeyili, alongside numerous students and mentees, underscored the enduring impact of his contributions to the university community.
