The Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University, Distinguished Professor E. Uche Ikonne, has been honoured with the National Outstanding Leadership Award 2018, as Icon of Societal Transformation and Leader of Northern and Nigeria Youths, in recognition of his meritorious services to humanity, invaluable contribution to the development of the youths and pragmatic leadership.
Conferring the award on the Vice-Chancellor, Leader of the Northern Youth Initiative for Peace and Good Governance, Hon. Umar Faruq Lawal, described Professor Ikonne as a detribalized Nigerian, a role model for Nigerian youths, a bridge builder and an epitome of peace and good governance. He urged other Heads of Institutions in the country to emulate the humane, transparent and exemplary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his monumental achievements as Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University.
They congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on the recent improved ranking of Abia State University to 3rd Best State University and 45th out of 200 Universities in Nigeria, from 93rd on his assumption of office in December 2015.
Receiving the award, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Uche Ikonne thanked the youths for honouring him and promised to continue to emulate the exemplary leadership of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD, whom he described as youth-friendly.
He thanked the youths for acknowledging his modest achievements in the University and challenged them to partner with the Students’ Union Government of Abia State University to organize programmes that will further unite youths from the North and South East, which will be sponsored by the University.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Plague, Medal and Certificate to the Vice-Chancellor and was witnessed by Principal Officers of the University.
