By Ovat Abeng
In a move that has been hailed as unprecedented and commendable, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, paid an unscheduled visit to the university’s hostels on Friday, August 2, 2024.
The visit, which took students by surprise, was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the conditions of the university-owned hostels and engaging directly with the students.
During her tour of the hostels, which included Chief Stella Okoli and Prof. Dora Akunyili Hostel, Basil Oli Hostel, Boys Hostel, Oby Ezekwesili Hostel, and Elmada Hostel, Prof Arinze-Umobi interacted with students, listening attentively to their concerns and grievances.
The students, visibly elated by the visit, expressed their appreciation for her proactive approach in personally assessing their living conditions.
The students raised several issues, including inconsistent water supply, insufficient mattresses, poor sanitary conditions, plumbing problems, unreliable power connectivity, and the need for internet services (WiFi) to enhance their academic progress.
They also called for timely fumigation of the hostels.
In response, the VC praised the students for their discipline and assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
She instructed the hostel leaders to compile the issues in a letter and submit it to her office by Monday for swift consideration.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor reminded the students of the recent restoration of electricity, which had been disrupted for two days, and reaffirmed her commitment to addressing such issues decisively.
She encouraged the students to continue being law-abiding and assured them that her office operates an open-door policy, welcoming any concerns they might have.
The students hailed VC’s visit as a demonstration of her commitment to their welfare, describing her actions as “motherly” and reflective of genuine concern.