UNIZIK VC Backs Stakeholder Initiative to Improve Welfare of Off-Campus Students

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, has pledged the university's support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, security, and living conditions of students residing off-campus, particularly within the Ifite axis and surrounding host communities.

Prof. Anyaehie gave the assurance during the inauguration of a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Awka South Local Government Area, and the University's Student Affairs Unit. The meeting, held on June 19, 2026, focused on addressing the welfare, security, and accommodation challenges facing students living outside the university campus.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of proper planning, accountability, and transparency in implementing welfare programmes for students. He cautioned against indiscriminate collection of funds and advocated a structured approach to financing initiatives designed to improve students' living conditions.

According to him, managing student welfare would be less challenging if accommodation was fully controlled by the university. However, he noted that the realities of off-campus living require a collaborative approach involving the university, government agencies, landlords, and community stakeholders.

Prof. Anyaehie also proposed engagement with landlords in the Ifite community to explore the possibility of more affordable rental arrangements for students, describing the move as a practical solution to reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Uboji, explained that the committee was established following the intervention of the Anambra State Government to address issues affecting students living within the Ifite axis and other university host communities.

He said the committee's mandate includes improving living conditions, safeguarding lives and property, and addressing welfare concerns affecting students residing outside the university campus.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, stated that the initiative was designed to establish a Students' Welfare and Regeneration Committee that would focus on creating a cleaner, safer, and more conducive environment for students.

According to him, the committee will also serve as a platform for dialogue between students, landlords, community leaders, and government authorities on matters affecting student welfare and community development.

He added that the initiative would strengthen cooperation among stakeholders while promoting improved living standards within host communities.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor; ACTDA Managing Director, Mr. Ossy Onuko; Mr. Nwafor Christopher, representing Awka South; and other government and university officials.

The engagement concluded with a collective commitment to fostering stronger collaboration among the university, government institutions, landlords, and community leaders to enhance the welfare, security, and overall well-being of students living within the Awka capital territory.