WHISF Commends UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor’s Support, Honours 19 First-Class Graduates

The Watchman Higher Institution Staff Forum (WHISF) has commended the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for supporting its activities and promoting godliness, academic excellence and responsible leadership in higher institutions.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the forum to the Vice-Chancellor on Friday, October 9, 2026, at his office, as part of activities marking its Third Annual International Conference and Award-Giving Ceremony for First-Class Graduates.

The conference was themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for Church and Educational Advancement.”

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of WHISF, Associate Professor Johnbosco Umunnakwe, explained that the forum comprises academics committed to promoting godliness among members, students and the wider university community.

He noted that the forum had previously held conferences at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as part of efforts to advance its vision across higher institutions.

Umunnakwe said the forum's objectives aligned with the broader mission of university education, particularly the development of students who combine academic excellence with sound moral values and responsible leadership.

The Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Sebastine T. Hon, thanked Anyaehie for his hospitality, financial donation and other forms of support towards the successful hosting of the conference.

Hon emphasised the importance of collective efforts to ensure students receive quality education and are adequately prepared to become future leaders.

In a message delivered on behalf of the General Superintendent, Pastor Aloysius Chukwuemeka Ohanebo, the forum also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his generosity, describing his support as the beginning of a stronger relationship between the ministry and the university.

The message reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to praying for the university's leadership and encouraging its members on campus to respect constituted authority and maintain good conduct.

Similarly, the General Campus Coordinator, Dr Edwin Onyeabor, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his assistance and appealed for mentorship and sustained collaboration to advance educational development and the promotion of godliness in Watchman-affiliated higher institutions.

Responding, Anyaehie expressed appreciation for the visit, describing his support for the forum as a contribution to the work of God. He reaffirmed his willingness to support initiatives that promote education, spiritual development and the well-being of future generations.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted UNIZIK's experience in mentoring other institutions, noting that the university had established affiliations with several nursing schools and continued to receive requests for institutional mentorship.

He cited Evangel University as one of the institutions that had benefited from UNIZIK's mentorship and expressed the university's readiness to extend similar support to the institution associated with the forum.

As part of the conference activities, WHISF honoured 19 outstanding graduates who earned First-Class honours from various higher institutions in Nigeria and India.

Among the award recipients mentioned were Ezekwe Chika Lucia of Ekiti State University and Mbidom Miracle Oluebubechukwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The recognition highlighted the forum's commitment to celebrating academic excellence and encouraging young scholars to achieve outstanding results in their respective fields.

Other highlights of the courtesy visit included the presentation of a plaque and bags containing conference materials to the Vice-Chancellor by members of the forum's executive council. Prayers were also offered for Anyaehie and the university community by Professor Charles Agbaegbu.

Those present during the visit included the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Chukwuemeka Attah; Professor Mrs Elizabeth Igba; Professor Godwin Iwuchukwu; Associate Professor Hyginus Uzegbu; Pastor Dr E. M. Okejim; Professor Daniel Igba; Barrister Dr Dominic Akabuiro; Pastor Winner Ifeanyi Orji; Dr Mrs Blessing Nzeh; and other members of the university community and the visiting delegation.