By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has inaugurated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe as Chairman of the Governing Council for Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.
Governor Soludo swore in Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, alongside others at the Government House, Awka.
Prof. Cele Aguruo, Chief Fidelis Nweke, Rev. Sis. Prof. Uju Dibua, and Ven. Dr. Rex Kanu were also sworn in as a member.
Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu is the Provost, while Mrs Edith Nwoye serves as the Acting Registrar, and Mr. Anthony Aniebo, who is the Acting Bursar.
Others are Dr. Chioma Azubike, Acting Librarian, Engr. Nnamdi Onyili, Director of Works, Dr. Urewuchi Udolisa, Staff representative and Mr. Benny Egbunonu, the Public Relations Officer.
Governor Soludo said the appointment of Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was based on her impeccable credentials and experience as a seasoned banker and corporate leader.
Governor Soludo highlighted that her appointment was in line with the government’s efforts to reposition the college as a leading institution for teacher education and professional development in Nigeria and beyond.
He asked them to introduce some disruptive ideas that would bring about sustainable change in the institution.
The Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe earlier enumerated the terms of reference of the Council, which basically borders on infrastructure and staff welfare.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and holds a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
With over 30 years of experience in the banking sector, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has distinguished herself as a visionary leader with a track record of delivering sustainable growth and driving innovation in the industry. Prior to her appointment as the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank in 2021, she had served in various management positions in the bank since 2015.
Reacting to her appointment, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe expressed her appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in her and members of the Council and pledged to work to transform the college and position it for global competitiveness.
She also noted that her appointment was a testament to the fact that women can contribute significantly to nation-building and urge other women to aspire to leadership roles in society.
The appointment of Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe as the Chairman of the Governing Council for Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe has been welcomed by various stakeholders and education experts who believe that her wealth of experience in corporate leadership will be invaluable in transforming the college and developing its capacity to produce competent and skilled teachers for the country.
The event, which featured the official swearing of oath of office and oath of allegiance, was attended by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal matters, Barr. Tochukwu Nweke.
