The Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative (CKOi) Okunenyeife Foundation, led by Dr. Charles Kenechukwu Ojukwu, a British-trained Consultant Family Physician based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, has made a significant donation of N5 million to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. This donation is aimed at reconstructing the walkway pavilion that links the old Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Medical Centre with the newly constructed University Medical Centre building.
The donation was facilitated by Mr. Ekene Prosper Ezeumeanya, Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on New Media, ahead of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) accreditation exercise. During the presentation at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the Manager of the CKOi Okunenyeife Foundation, Mr. Sylvester Ojiugo, and Dr. Chibuike Abunike, a lecturer at the University and confidant of Dr. Ojukwu, presented the N5 million donation on behalf of the Foundation’s founder.
Dr. Abunike stated that the donation is one of several interventions Dr. Ojukwu intends to make in support of his alma mater, noting that the philanthropist has remained accessible and interested in initiatives capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of the University. The Foundation had, during Dr. Ojukwu’s visit to the University in June 2023, pledged to support the institution, particularly the development and upgrading of the University Medical Centre.
The CKOi Okunenyeife Foundation is an NGO focused on community health insurance, scholarships, youth empowerment, and other development initiatives across Anambra State, while also supporting strategic institutional projects. Dr. Ojukwu has expressed his desire to deploy his professional expertise and philanthropic resources towards supporting institutional development and healthcare infrastructure.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, expressed the University’s appreciation to the Foundation for redeeming its pledge and supporting the development of the Medical Centre. The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Jane Ezeonu, also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for partnerships and collaborations.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, joined the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in expressing the University’s appreciation to the donor. He stated that UNIZIK remained on a progressive path under his administration and would continue to welcome development partners, alumni, and friends of the University who are willing to contribute to its growth and advancement.
The reconstruction of the walkway pavilion is expected to improve connectivity and ease of movement between the old and new Medical Centre buildings, providing greater convenience for staff, students, patients, and visitors to the facilities. This intervention underscores the growing role of UNIZIK alumni and development partners in supporting the University’s infrastructure and institutional development agenda.
Key points
- Dr. Charles Kenechukwu Ojukwu, a Canada-based doctor, donated N5 million to Nnamdi Azikiwe University for the reconstruction of a walkway pavilion at the university's medical centre.
- The donation was made through the Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative (CKOi) Okunenyeife Foundation, an NGO focused on community health insurance, scholarships, and youth empowerment.
- The reconstruction of the walkway pavilion aims to improve connectivity and ease of movement between the old and new Medical Centre buildings.
