UNIZIK VC Storms Ifite-Ogwari Annex, Drives Investment Push for Agricultural Transformation

In a strategic move to fast-track infrastructural development and deepen academic excellence across campuses of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, embarked on a working visit to the Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari Annex.

Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ndukwe Okorie, commended his administration’s inclusive development agenda. He disclosed that the Annex currently accommodates mainly 400 and 500 level students, while drawing attention to pressing challenges such as the absence of functional laboratories, inadequate hostel facilities, and poor energy supply resulting from the non-functional 5KV solar power installation.

Prof. Okorie stressed the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the University and private investors to accelerate infrastructural growth and boost the Faculty’s teaching and research capacity. He also highlighted the availability of a privately owned 200-bedroom hostel within the community, constructed by an indigenous investor, as a viable accommodation support for students.

Responding, Prof. Anyaehie reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the Faculty into a dynamic hub for agricultural innovation, practical training, and productivity. He emphasized the importance of attracting investors to establish agro-based ventures such as rice mills, greenhouse farming systems, poultry units, and piggery farms within the campus—initiatives he noted would enhance hands-on student training, improve internally generated revenue, and strengthen food security.

The Vice-Chancellor also inspected key facilities at the Annex, reiterating plans by his administration to construct modern student hostels, establish a central laboratory, and develop new office complexes to support academic and administrative activities.

At a town hall meeting with members of the Ifite-Ogwari community, Prof. Anyaehie received a warm reception and assurances of partnership in driving development projects. He announced that UNIZIK FARMS LTD would soon become operational as a platform for agricultural production, training, and investment.

He further applauded the community’s pioneering efforts in local olive oil production, describing it as a remarkable achievement, and appreciated the support of the Traditional Ruler, HRM Igwe A.I. Ofuebe, Mr. Nweke Samuel—landlord of the 200-bedroom hostel—and the Njikoka Age Grade for initiating a piggery farm project.

The visit had in attendance former Deans of the Faculty, including Prof. Nkiru Meludu and Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe, alongside other academic and non-academic staff.

The engagement underscores the Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering drive to strengthen partnerships, improve infrastructure, and position the Faculty of Agriculture, Ifite-Ogwari Annex, as a centre of excellence in agricultural education and production.