UNIZIK, ZITELLE Group Explore Strategic Partnership to Boost Student Welfare, Industry Collaboration

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, has visited ZITELLE Group at its headquarters in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as part of efforts to strengthen university-industry collaboration and create new opportunities for students and the institution.

Prof. Anyaehie made the visit on August 25, 2026, to explore strategic areas of partnership with companies operating within the University’s immediate environment and identify opportunities capable of contributing to the development of the University and benefiting its stakeholders.

During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between UNIZIK and ZITELLE Group.

He identified potential areas of collaboration, including the construction and development of student hostels, provision of Industrial Training (IT) opportunities and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and productivity of students.

Prof. Anyaehie noted that stronger partnerships between the University and companies within its immediate environment would benefit both parties while giving students greater access to practical experience, professional exposure and opportunities to connect classroom learning with industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of ZITELLE Group, Chief Okechukwu Dominic Anolue, who received the Vice-Chancellor and his delegation, expressed his willingness to explore possible areas of partnership with the University.

Chief Anolue, however, raised concerns about the sustainability of agreements that could be affected by changes in University administration. He stressed the need to ensure that any partnership established would continue beyond the tenure of the current leadership.

Responding to the concern, Prof. Anyaehie assured the management of ZITELLE Group that any partnership reached would be properly documented and made legally binding through formal agreements between the University and the company.

According to him, documenting the terms of the collaboration would ensure continuity and provide a solid foundation for both parties to achieve their shared objectives, irrespective of future changes in administration.

The delegation included the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; Director, Information and Public Relations, Comrade Emeka Attah; and Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on New Media, Ekene Ezeumeanya.

The partnership initiative was facilitated by Ugwu Ndubuisi Anthony and Dr. Nweke Chibuzor Chigozie, both of the Department of Political Science, UNIZIK, whose efforts helped bring the two parties together.

With discussions now underway, the proposed ZITELLE-UNIZIK partnership is expected to open a new chapter in university-industry collaboration by combining private-sector investment with the University’s academic and human-capital development objectives.

The visit ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism that a stronger and sustainable partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe University and ZITELLE Group would emerge.

The proposed collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for students, particularly in industrial training, accommodation and practical engagement, while strengthening the relationship between the University and businesses operating within its environment.

The initiative further reflects Prof. Anyaehie’s commitment to improving student welfare and positioning Nnamdi Azikiwe University for stronger engagement with industries and the wider community.