Nnamdi Azikiwe UniversityAwka, entered history on Thursday, May 28, 2026, when its vice-rector, prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, has announced plans to convert the University’s Pre-Science Centre, located in Mbaukwu Community in Awka South Local Government Area, into a mini-campus structure with associated facility upgrades and increased student enrolment.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed this during a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Peter Anugwu, at his palace.
Prof. Anyaehie also disclosed that new admissions for the Joint University Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) will commence their programs at the Mbaukwu study center in September this year, increasing the number of students at the center to over 2,000.
He lauded Mbaukwu as a great community with a great traditional ruler, saying work on the plan had already started at the study centre.
Anyaehie advocated for greater partnership and collaboration between the university and community members in areas such as hostel development, security and other services, noting that with the latest development, Mbaukwu community will be recognized as an educational hub and mini campus of the great Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Responding, the traditional ruler, Igwe Peter Anugwu, who was overjoyed at the good news, expressed deep appreciation for the event.
He stated that seeing the Mbaukwu campus built to the highest global standards would be his greatest ambition in life, which he is eagerly anticipating after witnessing it all in his 51 years on the throne and beyond.
He prayed against any evil force that could undermine such a lofty plan of action, pledging that the community is always ready to protect the legacy and prospects of the Mbaukwu-based institution.
In another development, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU) in Haryana, India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote teaching, learning, research and development.
The MOU signing ceremony, which was broadcast live online in real time, was a significant step towards promoting global academic excellence, research collaboration and cultural exchange. Collaboration includes a variety of cooperative events, exchange programs, sharing of educational resources, and partnerships.
Speaking at the online event, prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Bond Anyaehie, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, emphasized the immense potential of the institution based on existing statistics.
He was optimistic that the relationship with Chaudhary University in India would further encourage staff growth and development.
Prof. Vijay Kumar, vice-chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, gave a brief history of the institution, which he said was named after a former deputy prime minister of India.
He expressed delight at the coincidence that both universities were named after statesmen who served their people honorably.
He said that the relationship with UNIZIK has huge potential and promised to support the partnership for the mutual benefit of both schools.
The ceremony was led by prof. Charles Nwadigwe, Director of International Cooperation and Liaison at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Prof. Anu Shukla, Dean of International Relations and External Affairs at Chaudhary Devi Lal University.
During the online ceremony, both vice-chancellors signed their personal copies of the MOU live, while other staff members watched and applauded.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Mirian Alike from the Department of Philosophy, who offered communication support during the cooperation negotiations.
