Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, the institution’s Director of Information and Public Relations, who made the announcement on behalf of the Governing Council of the university, said Esiomone beat 37 other contestants to emerge as UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor.
Ojukwu said, “Out of the 38 that applied for the position, seven were shortlisted for interview, wherein Esimone came tops.
“The selection process was so competitive and transparent. In the end, the contestants had to hug themselves. You can see the joy of the exercise pervading all over on the campus.”
A copy of Esimone’s appointment letter sighted by DAILY POST read that the appointment would be for a single term of five years.
The letter signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the university read in part,” Please refer to your application for the above post, dated 1st February, 2019, and your interactive session with the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board, held on Tuesday, 14th May, 2019, at the University Council Chamber.
“In accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2007 Act No 1, I have the pleasure to convey the approval of the Governing Council of your appointment as the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
“The Appointment which shall be for a single term of five years is with effect from Tuesday, 4th June, 2019.
“A copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitor to the University.”
Esimone, a graduate of St. Joseph’s College Sasse, Cameroon holds a B.Pham, M. Pharm and PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was born on December 31, 1970 in Tiko, Cameroon.
Before his appointment, he was a Professor of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the pioneer Dean of the Faculty.