UNIZIK first alumnus elected as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

The Current Nnamdi Azikiwe University Orator, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor of the Department of Political Science has been elected Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences.

It was reported from Awka on Wednesday that Okafor polled 119 votes while his opponent, Prof. Allen Adum of the department of Mass Communication polled 26 votes.

The election which recorded 145 accredited voters was conducted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

Our correspondent reports that the Deputy Registrar and Council member, Pastor Sam Ufoh, represented the University registrar at the election.

Okafor, in his acceptance speech, expressed thanks to God and members of the Faculty for his victory after previous attempts.

“I thank God who made it possible for me to actualise this dream. Whenever you have ideas, you should seek opportunity to express it.

“I appreciate members of the Faculty for the confidence reposed in me. You have just made a bold statement by electing me as the first alumnus of the Faculty to serve as Dean.

“I also thank the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esimone, for ensuring a level-playing ground in the election, and described his opponent, Prof Adum, as a brother,” he said.

The new Dean-elect assured members of the Faculty that he will build on the achievements of his predecessors.

It was reported that the outgoing Dean, Prof. Uche Nwogwugwu, called on the faculty members to rally round the Dean-elect and described the process of the election as transparent and credible.

Our correspondent reports that Okafor graduated from the University, in the Department political Science, in 1994. He is a distinguished Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

He is also the First Alumnus of the Department of Political Science to serve as a two-term Head of Department of Political science. He is a Senate Representative, Budget Monitoring Committee, and Chairman, University Welfare.

Okafor is an Ambassador, Africa Agenda 2063, Legislative Fellow of TISSA, Council Member, Peter University and Past Assistant Governor of Rotary International, amongst others