The Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has named Prof. Bond Anyaechie as its new substantive Vice Chancellor, one year after President Bola Tinubu canceled the earlier appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh over controversies surrounding the selection process.

Prof. Odoh’s appointment had drawn strong criticism from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, who described the process as irregular, prejudicial, and already subject to litigation. The concerns eventually led to the reversal of his appointment.

Announcing the new VC at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olugbenga Kukoyi, said Anyaechie emerged through a “thorough and transparent” recruitment process.

“I am pleased to announce Professor Bond Anyaechie as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University after a thorough and transparent process,” Kukoyi stated.

Prof. Anyaechie, an expert in Medical Physiology and Clinical Measurement, brings nearly 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. He earned his MBBS from Abia State University in 1998, followed by a master’s degree in 2004, a PhD in 2009, and a Master of Public Health in 2011.

His academic career began at the Imo State University College of Medicine in 2002 as a part-time lecturer before transitioning to full-time. In 2007, he joined the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, where he rose to the position of Professor of Physiology and Clinical Measurement in 2013.

Anyaechie has also served in notable administrative roles, including Deputy Provost of the UNN College of Medicine from 2018 to 2022, Acting Provost of the Imo State University College of Medicine, and visiting professor between 2020 and 2022.