University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Founded in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, the University of Nigeria has four campuses – Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku-Ozalla – located in Enugu State and one in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
The University of Nigeria was the first full-fledged indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria, modeled upon the American educational system. It is the first land-grant university in Africa and one of the five elite universities in the country. The university has 15 Faculties and 102 academic departments. The University offers 82 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programmes.
The university celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2010.

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History

A law to establish a University in the Eastern Region of Nigeria was passed on May 18, 1955. While that date marks the formal beginning of the history of the University of Nigeria, the enactment of this legislation by several Nigerian leaders, and inspired particularly by the then Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
One of the first steps taken by the Eastern Nigeria Government towards the implementation of its commitment was an invitation to both the United States of America and the United Kingdom to send advisers to help in the planning of physical and educational aspects of the proposed university.
Under the joint auspices of the Inter-University Council for Higher Education and Overseas and the International Co-operation Administration (now the United States Agency for International Development), J.W. Cook, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Dr John A. Hannah, President of Michigan State University and Dr Glen L. Taggart, Dean of International Programs at the same university, came to Nigeria in 1958. The team surveyed the site at Nsukka, and extensively investigated a great variety of factors pertinent to the establishment of a new university.
The results of their efforts were contained in a white paper issued by the Eastern Nigeria Government on 30 November 1958. They had recommended "that the development of the University of Nigeria based upon the concept of service to problems and needs of Nigeria, is a desirable project and one that should receive support from any source which could help to make it a sound endeavor".
They further recommended that a provisional council be established to "draw upon the technical and consultative resources available throughout the world for help in planning the institution".
The provisional council, authorized by the Eastern Nigeria Legislature, was appointed by the Governor in Council in April 1959, and given necessary financial and administrative powers to build a sound university. It reflected the spirit of international cooperation which has given birth to the institution. It consisted of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chairman, Dr. T. Olawale Elias and Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani from the Federation of Nigeria, J.S. Fulton from the United Kingdom, Dr. Margueritue Cartwright and Dr. Eldon Lee Johnson from the United States of America.
The University was formally opened on 7 October 1960, as the climax to the Nigerian independence celebrations in the Eastern Region. Her Royal Highness, Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Nigerian independence celebrations, performed the opening ceremonies and laid the foundation stone of one of the University's early buildings.
Classes began on 17 October 1960 with an enrollment of 220 students and 13 members of the academic staff. The opening convocation addresses were delivered by the Chairman of the Provisional Council, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of the Federation of Nigeria, and by Dr John A. Hannah, President of Michigan State University, USA.
The university was fully autonomous, with the power to grant its own degrees. Technically speaking, therefore, it became the first fully-fledged university in Nigeria, since Ibadan was still at that time a university college granting London degrees. It also became the first university established by a Nigerian Regional Government. The University College Ibadan, the oldest university institution, cut its umbilical cord with London in October 1962, becoming the University of Ibadan. In July 1965, it turned out the first graduates holding Ibadan (rather than London) degrees, by which time Nsukka had produced two crops of graduates and taken all the publicity for turning out the first graduates of an autonomous Nigerian university.

Campus

The University has four campuses – Nsukka (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN), Enugu (University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC), Ituku-Ozalla (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH) and Aba (University of Nigeria Aba campus, UNAC).
The main campus of the University is located on 871 hectares of hilly savannah in the town of Nsukka, about eighty kilometres north of Enugu, and enjoys a very pleasant and healthy climate. Additionally 209 hectares of arable land are available for an experimental agricultural farm and 207 hectares for staff housing development. There is regular road transport between Nsukka and Enugu, and Nsukka is also quite easily accessible from all parts of Nigeria. There are modern shopping facilities and a large market in Nsukka town. The Nsukka campus houses the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Biological Sciences, Education, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
The former Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Enugu, was incorporated into the University in 1961, and its buildings now form the Enugu Campus (200 hectares) of the University located in the heart of Enugu, the administrative capital of Enugu State of Nigeria. Enugu is a modern city, accessible by air, rail and road. The Faculties of Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Law and Medical Sciences are located at the Enugu Campus.
The teaching hospital (UNTH) attached to the University is presently sited at Ituku-Ozalla (25 kilometres south of Enugu) on a 500 hectare site. It also hosts the Faculty of Dentistry and Health Sciences and Technology.
The Aba campus (UNAC) hosts the Institute of Nigerian Languages.
A former campus was opened in October 1973 in Calabar, Cross River State. The campus at Calabar became a full-fledged University of Calabar in October 1977.

Academics

Noted author Chinua Achebe has held research and teaching appointments at the university since the early 1970s. Renowned Astrophysicist Sam Okoye founded the Space Research Center in 1972. The SRC remains one of the few institutions in Africa that researches and offers courses in astronomy at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The medical school, in Enugu, has most of it activities in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), where doctors and other health workers are trained with high standards and have proven over the years that they can effect a significant positive change in Africa and the entire worlds' healthcare system. Doctors and nurses trained in the institution have contributed to the advancement of medicine.
The first open heart surgical operation in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa was undertaken in 1974 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu. The team was led by visiting Professor Yaccoub from the UK and others in the team included Professors F.A. Udekwu and Anyanwu. The College of Medicine has since evolved into the center for cardiothoracic surgery and tropical cardiology excellence for the West Africa region with the siting of the National Cardiothoracic Center at UNTH Enugu. A lot of medical research is also being carried out in the college. Most of the projects are nearing completion, but it is pertinent to note that some too, have fallen short of completion due to lack of finances and the Government's reluctance to fund private research.
The Department of Fine and Applied Arts is renowned for the Nsukka group – seven artists associated with a system of traditional Igbo designs and styles known as uli. The seven artists are Uche Okeke,^[ Chike Aniakor,Obiora Udechukwu, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe.
The Law Faculty of the University is the oldest in Nigeria, having been established in 1960. It has contributed immensely in legal education in Nigeria.
The Department of Electronic Engineering was named a Center of Excellence in Electronics by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1982. It is renowned for its prestigious graduates and is one of the most sought after programs to study at the university. The department has consistently produced the Best Graduating Student of the University and Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Engineering.
Of recent a lot of work has emanated from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics where a new agent against HIV was derived from a local plant source. Named "irab" the new agent is thought to be a fusion inhibitor and studies in initial clinical trials have shown astounding results. Noteworthy also is finding a novel application for an otherwise old drug. Piperazine citrate which is a cheap and safe anthelmintic agent that has almost gone into disrepute was shown to have anti-arryhthmic properties by studies in the department. The investigators have also established that piperazine can protect the heart against sudden cardiac death from ventricular fibrillation.

Library

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka Libraries consist of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, the Enugu Campus Main Library and the Medical Library located at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Alumni

Politics, Law and Government

• Lam Adesina, pioneer class of 1963; Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria (1999–2003)
• Olisa Agbakoba, class of 1977 (Law); Senior Advocate of Nigeria; founder of Nigeria's foremost human rights organization, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (2006 - 2008)
• Gabriel O. Ajayi, class of 1965 (Physics); Professor of Communications, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; first Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Abuja
• Dora Akunyili, Federal Minister of Information and Communication, Nigeria (2008–2010) and Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)(2001 – )
• E.C. Amucheazi, former Director-General, National Orientation Agency
• Sullivan Chime, Governor of Enugu State, Nigeria (2007 – date)
• Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, Nigeria
• Joy Emordi, class of 1979; Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Anambra State) 2003 -
• Akpan Isemin, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (1992–1993)
• Ousman Jammeh, Gambian Foreign Minister (2009–2010)
• Gregory Ngaji, class of 1977; Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Cross River North Senatorial constituency, Cross River) 2003 -
• Chris Ngige, Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria (2003–2007) and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Anambra State, Anambra Central Senatorial District), 2011 – date
• Chimaroke Nnamani, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Enugu East Senatorial District, Enugu State) and Governor of Enugu State (1999–2007)
• Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria (2006 – date)
• Peter Odili, Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria (1999–2007)
• Osita Ogbu, Former Economic Adviser to the President and Minister of National Planning Commission of Nigeria
• Kanayo KGB Oguakwa, class of 1987, Member, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria(Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Enugu State) 2003 -
• Fabian Osuji, former Federal Minister of Education
• Oserheimen Osunbor, Governor of Edo State, Nigeria (2007–2008) and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Edo State, Edo Central Senatorial District), 1999–2007
• Niki Tobi, first person to earn a PhD in Law from University of Nigeria (1983); Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria (2002–2010)
• G.T.G. Toby, pioneer class of 1963 and former Deputy Governor, Rivers State, Nigeria
• Patrick Utomi, Presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Nigerian April 2007 elections and former Director of the Center for Applied Economics, Lagos Business School, Pan African University

Business

• Michael Ade-Ojo, class of 1965 (Business Administration); founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, major distributors of Toyota Motors in Nigeria
• Assisi Asobie, Chairman of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and former President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nigeria
• Cathy Echeozo, Deputy Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
• Godwin Emefiele, Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria
• O'tega Emerhor, class of 1983 (Accountancy); Vice Chairman/Group CEO, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc
• Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President (Africa Region), World Bank and Federal Minister of Education (2006–2007) and Solid Minerals Development (2005–2006), Nigeria
• Chima Ibeneche, former Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited and former, Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO)
• Gerald Ilukwe, Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Plc and former, General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria
• Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, Businessman
• Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor (Operations), Central Bank of Nigeria and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria
• Okey Nwuke, Executive Director, Institutional Banking, Access Bank Plc, Nigeria
• Emeka Onwuka, Chairman, Enterprise Bank and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Nigeria
• Arunma Oteh, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria and Vice-President for Corporate Services, African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (2006–2009)
• Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (2004–2009)
• Herbert Wigwe, Group Deputy Managing Director and Co-founder, Access Bank Plc, Nigeria

Cyril N Enweze, Director IMF -Fmr, Vice President ADB-Fmr, Vice President IFAD, Rome - Fmr

Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine

• Chukwuma Anyanwu, Pharmacist, Epidemiologist and Zoologist
• Charles Chidume, Professor of Mathematics, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Nigeria and Mathematician, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy
• Okwesilieze Nwodo, Governor of Enugu State, Nigeria (1992 – 1993)
• Pius N. Okeke, Professor of Physics and first person to earn a PhD in Physics (1975) from the University of Nigeria
• John Obinna Chukwu, Director of Procurement Federal Ministry of Works

Academia

• Ola-Rotimi Matthew Ajayi, pioneer Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State (2011 - ); Professor of Political Science
• Abhulimen Richard Anao, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Nigeria (1999–2004)
• Christian C. Anieke, pioneer Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu (2009 - ); Professor of English and Catholic Priest
• Boniface C.E. Egboka, Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State (June 2009 - ); Professor of Environmental Hydrogeology
• James Epoke, Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (2010 - ); Professor of Microbiology
• Chibuzo Ogbuagu, Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State; Professor of Economics
• Ogwo Ekeoma Ogwo, pioneer Vice Chancellor, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State (2006 - 2011) and former, Vice Chancellor, Abia State University (2000 - 2005); Professor of Marketing
• Austin Ilochi Okafor,(SAN), former Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka;Former Attorney General in the old Anambra state; Profesor of Law.
• Jacob K. Olupona, Professor of African Religious Traditions and Chair of the Committee on African studies at the Harvard Divinity School with a joint appointment as Professor of African and African American Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University
• J.O. Onah, former Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria; Professor of Marketing
• Celestine O. E. Onwuliri, former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State (2006 - 2011) and acting Vice Chancellor, University of Jos; Professor of Zoology

Art & Architecture

• Ossie Onuora Enekwe, class of 1971 (English), Professor of Dramatic Arts
• Marcia Kure, artist
• Meki Nzewi, Professor of Music
• Olu Oguibe, Best graduate of all time of the University of Nigeria, Professor of Art and African-American Studies and interim Director of the Institute for African American Studies at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States of America
• Ola Oloidi, Professor of Art History
• Obiora Udechukwu, class of 1972 (Fine Arts); Head, Fine Arts Department, St. Lawrence University, New York

Entertainment

• Glory Chuku, former MBGN
• Aituaje Iruobe (WAJE), singer and songwriter
• Jide Obi, former singer
• Chris Okotie, Televangelist and pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries
• Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Nigeria; Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 1988, Miss Intercontinental 1989
• Zack Orji, actor
• Uzo, New York based film director and producer
• Aroma Ufodike, Top prize winner on Nigeria's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire^[17]
• Nnaemeka Ubaekwena, Representative in the Zain Africa Challenge 2009 and Second prize winner on Nigeria's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire^[18]

Faculty (Past and Present)

• Chinua Achebe, Emeritus Professor of English, 1985
• Adiele Afigbo, renowned Professor of History (1966–1992)
• Samuel A. Aluko, professor of Economics and Chairman of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC)
• El Anatsui, Africa's most famous artist and Professor of Sculpture
• Alexander Animalu, Emeritus Professor of Physics and former Research Scientist, Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America; former President, Nigerian Academy of Science and Director-General, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja
• Anya O. Anya, Professor of Zoology and former, President, Nigerian Academy of Science
• Eme Awa, Professor of Political Science and Chairman, National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), 1987 – 1989
• Michael J.C. Echeruo, pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University (1981 - 1988); Professor of English
• James O.C. Ezeilo, Professor of Mathematics, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria and Bayero University Kano; pioneer Director-General, National Mathematical Center, Abuja; one of a trio of mathematicians (with Chike Obi and Adegoke Olubummo) who pioneered modern mathematics research in Nigeria
• Babs Fafunwa, Emeritus Professor of Education; First Dean of the Faculty of Education and Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria (1964 - 1966); Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the first Nigerian recipient of a doctoral degree in education; former Federal Minister of Education
• Gaius Igboeli, Professor of Animal Science, Vice-Chancellor, Paul University; former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State and former, Pro-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology
• O.C. Iloeje, Professor of Mechanical Engineering; former Commissioner (Research and Development), Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abuja; former Director, Energy Planning and Analysis, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Abuja
• Eni Njoku, Professor of Botanist; First Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, 1962 – 1965 and Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, 1966 – 1967
• Augustine N. Njoku-Obi, Professor of Virology; Developer of Cholera vaccine during the Nigerian-Biafran War
• Ben O. Nwabueze, Professor of Law
• Michael A. Nwachuku, renowned Professor of Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; First Dean, Faculty of Engineering and First Head, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria
• Osita D.I. Nwokah, Professor of Control Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States and former Chairman of the School of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
• Thomas C. Nwodo, Professor of Electrical Engineering, former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (1998), co-founder and first President, Internet Society (ISOC), Nigeria Chapter; visiting Professor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Chukuedu Nwokolo, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, first Head, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and co-founder, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu
• Humphrey Nwosu, Professor of Political Science and Chairman, National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), 1989 – 1993
• Ikenna Nzimiro, Distinguished Social Anthropologist
• Chuka O.G. Obah, former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Chukuka Okonjo, Professor of Economics and first Nigerian Head of Economics Department; former Director, United Nations Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana; former Director, Centre for Population Studies, University of Ibadan
• Samuel Okoye, renowned Professor of Astrophysics
• Gilbert O. Onuaguluchi, Professor of Pharmacology and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos (1975–1978)
• Cyril A. Onwumechili, Professor of Physics and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ife and Anambra State University of Technology; first indigenous Head, Department of Physics, University of Nigeria
• Bernard Maruwa Amalaha, Department of education,(1966-1974), former Dean school of education, Alvan Ikoku college of education (1974-1979)

Vice-Chancellors

The Vice-Chancellor is supported by two deputy vice-chancellors. Former and current persons who have fulfilled the position are:

• Professor Barth Okolo: 2009 - date
• Professor Chinedu O. Nebo: June 2004 - June 2009
• Professor Ginigeme Francis Mbanefoh: 1999 - 2004
• Professor Umaru Gomwalk: May 1994 - (appointed as the Sole Administrator)
• Professor Oleka K. Udeala:
• Professor Chimere Ikoku: 1985 -
• Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili: 1980 - Oct. 1985
• Professor Umaru Shehu: 1978 - 1979
• Professor James O.C. Ezeilo: 1975 - 1978
• Professor Herbert C. Kodilinye: 1971 - 1975
• Professor Eni Njoku: July 1966 - 1967; 1967 - 1970
• Professor Glen L. Taggart: 1964 - 1966
• Dr. George Marion Johnson: 1960 - 1964