The Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative (CKOi) Okunenyeife Foundation has made a significant donation of N5 million to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, to support the reconstruction of the walkway pavilion linking the old University Medical Centre with the newly constructed Medical Centre building. This generous contribution comes at a critical time as the university prepares for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) accreditation exercise. The donation was facilitated by the special adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on New Media, Mr Ekene Prosper Ezeumeanya.
The donation was presented at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office by the manager of the foundation, Mr Sylvester Ojiugo, and a lecturer at the university, Dr Chibuike Abunike, on behalf of the founder, Dr Charles Kenechukwu Ojukwu. Dr Ojukwu, a UNIZIK alumnus and Canada-based medical doctor, had earlier been introduced to the vice chancellor, Prof Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, by Ezeumeanya. The foundation had pledged to support the institution, particularly the development and upgrading of its medical centre, during Ojukwu’s visit to the university in June 2023.
According to Dr Abunike, the donation is part of further interventions Ojukwu planned for the university. The N5 million will specifically be used to reconstruct the walkway pavilion connecting the old and new Medical Centre buildings. This upgrade is expected to enhance the overall infrastructure of the medical centre, potentially improving the learning environment for students and the quality of healthcare services provided.
The deputy vice chancellor (Administration), Prof Hilda Osisioma, expressed gratitude to the foundation for fulfilling part of its pledge and supporting the Medical Centre. She appreciated the donor for the timely intervention, which aligns with the university's efforts to meet the accreditation requirements. The Director of Medical Services, Dr Jane Ezeonu, also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for fostering partnerships and collaborations that benefit the university.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anyaehie, appreciated the donor and emphasized that the university would continue to welcome support from alumni and development partners towards its development. He acknowledged the importance of such partnerships in enhancing the institution's infrastructure and services. The accreditation exercise by MDCN is a critical milestone for the university's medical programmes.
The MDCN accreditation exercise is a rigorous process that evaluates the quality of medical education and services provided by institutions. By upgrading its medical centre, UNIZIK aims to meet the stringent standards set by MDCN, ensuring that its graduates are competitive and well-prepared for the medical profession. The donation by the CKOi Okunenyeife Foundation is a significant boost to these efforts.
The collaboration between UNIZIK and the Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative reflects a broader trend of alumni and external partners contributing to the development of Nigerian universities. Such partnerships are crucial for addressing infrastructure and resource gaps, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and healthcare services in the country. The impact of this donation will be closely watched as UNIZIK prepares for its accreditation exercise.
Key points
- The Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative donates N5 million to UNIZIK for medical centre upgrade.
- The donation supports the reconstruction of the walkway pavilion linking the old and new Medical Centre buildings.
- The upgrade is part of UNIZIK's preparations for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) accreditation exercise.