After several months of tension, conspiracy, protests, and criss-crossing petitions to Abuja, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, former Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has emerged as the successor to Prof. Charles Igwe. 

Prof. Igwe was the 15th VC of the University.

Prof. Ezeokonkwo, after an election by the Senate of the University, polled 200 votes to beat two other DVCs, Prof Johnson Urama, DVC, Academics, 180 votes and Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, DVC, Enugu Campus, who polled 25 votes.

Ezeokonkwo, 59, hails from Aguata LGA in Anambra State. 

He is of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where he rose through the ranks as Head, Department of Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology up to Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. 

He has been Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research (CEDR), Dean and later Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, and up to June 7, Deputy VC (Admin) at the University. 

He was also a member of the UNN Governing Council. 

He has at least 20 academic attainments, positions, laurels, and administrative experiences in the UNN and beyond.

His election took place during the valedictory Senate meeting of Prof. Charles Igwe, also the 422 (Special) meeting of the UNN Senate. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, which defined the economies and politics in many societies, as well as the eight-months ASUU strike almost marred Prof. Igwe’s tenure. 

Having completed his tenure of appointment, Prof. Igwe had a lot to rejoice about and speeches made during the senate meeting, made it far more than a valedictory for him.

Prof. Igwe was full of emotions as he read a brief, but loaded speech.