UNN holds Black Tie Dinner for Asuzu
The atmosphere was convivial as policy makers of the University of Nigeria gathered at Princess Alexandra Unity Hall and Theatre, to celebrate a Black Tie Dinner in honour of Prof. Isaac Asuzu, who was recently appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. Until his appointment, Prof. Asuzu was serving his second tenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Speaking at the dinner, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo described Prof. Asuzu as a dedicated academic and an astute administrator who had contributed to the development of the UNN.
“As you all know, today’s dinner is being held in honour of one of our very best – a fine academic and a pleasant administrator. I am referring to no less a person than our immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), who had to leave to assume a higher position as Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu,
“It is, therefore, a happy and an emotional evening for all of us. It is a happy day because we are all happy for him that the Federal Government of Nigeria has found him worthy of such an appointment, and emotional in the sense that we already miss him, his experience and his unique attributes which endeared him to all those who had the opportunity to interact or work closely with him.
“Today, Professor Asuzu is not only a two-term Deputy Vice-Chancellor but he is also a Vice-Chancellor. The story of Professor Asuzu’s rise is a perfect demonstration of the saying that, 'a gold fish has no hiding place' and that 'authority derives from the Almighty God'. I am sure we can see the inherent lessons in how he got his priorities right and in his eventual, but guaranteed rise to the top of his career.
“I can tell you that Professor Asuzu did an amazing job as our DVC (Academic) for the past four years. I often wonder what a great university we would have here if we all went about our duties like Professor Asuzu. He gave everything to ensure that the job was done and done properly. He was dedicated, principled and upright. For this reason, we all owe a debt of gratitude to him and his beloved wife, Chinwe, for her unflinching support,” he said.
Prof. Okolo challenged other staff of the University to emulate good virtues of Prof. Asuzu, and prayed God to grant him (Prof. Asuzu) more grace to accomplish greater feats in his new appointment.
In his response, Prof. Asuzu said that he was overwhelmed by the level of honour accorded him by Prof. Okolo and his other colleagues at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stating that he enjoyed his stint as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in UNN because of the team spirit that existed among the principal officers.
“As an alumnus of this University, I grew up here, I must say that I have never witnessed the type of Infrastructure development going on under the current administration of the University of Nigeria. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you, what you are doing is for our good and the good of our children.
“I will be sixty this year, what we are doing this evening is like celebrating my birthday. I appreciate you all, what you have done, I will not forget,” he said.
Prof. Asuzu, who was accompanied by the Principal Officers of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, urged people to be dedicated to their duties in order to attract God’s favour that would take them to the peak of their careers.
Prof. Asuzu joined the services of the University of Nigeria in 1981 as Lecturer II; he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1992. He served as a two time Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2009 to March 2013 before he was appointed to succeed Prof. Chinedu Nebo as the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
Inya, Agha E.