By Ovat Abeng
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, commissioned the Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR) building at the University. Describing the project as a remarkable achievement, he commended Professor Ngozi Egbuna for her vision, dedication and perseverance in bringing the Centre to fruition, expressing confidence that it would serve as a hub for regional integration, research and collaboration, while making significant contributions to Africa’s economic development.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement that reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research and regional cooperation. He noted that the Centre represents more than a physical structure, but a strategic investment designed to position Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a leading institution in trade policy, regional integration, industrial development and digital trade research in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prof. Anyaehie stated that the Centre would serve as an intellectual hub where academia, government and the private sector would collaborate to generate research-driven solutions for Africa’s economic transformation. He emphasized that while buildings alone do not transform societies, the people who occupy them and the ideas they generate have the power to drive meaningful development.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to Afreximbank for providing the financial support that made the project possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of former Vice-Chancellors, Professors Charles Esimone, Joseph Ikechebelu and Carol Arinze-Umobi, for sustaining the project through successive administrations. He further commended Professor Ngozi Egbuna for her vision and relentless commitment, as well as the Project Committee, Physical Planning Unit and contractors for successfully delivering the facility. He urged governments, development agencies and corporate organisations to partner with the University in expanding the Centre’s impact through research collaborations, talent development and sustainable funding before inviting the Pro-Chancellor to formally commission the building.
Delivering her welcome address, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful completion of a project she described as the fulfilment of a long-held vision. She noted that the Centre represents far more than a building, explaining that it embodies a commitment to advancing scholarship, influencing public policy, promoting regional integration and driving Africa’s economic development through research and innovation. Reflecting on the journey, she recounted the numerous challenges, sacrifices and moments of uncertainty encountered during the construction process, describing the commissioning as a testament to resilience, perseverance and divine faithfulness.
Professor Egbuna expressed appreciation to the successive Vice-Chancellors who sustained the project at different stages, Afreximbank for its generous financial support, the contractors, Building Project Committee, Physical Planning Unit, Works Department, colleagues and well-wishers whose contributions made the project a reality. She expressed confidence that the Centre would emerge as a globally recognised hub for excellence in regional integration and trade research, producing innovative ideas, shaping policies, developing future leaders and contributing practical solutions to Africa’s development challenges.
Presenting the goodwill message of Afreximbank, Mrs. Obioma Iweka, Manager, Client Relations, Anglophone West African Region, congratulated Nnamdi Azikiwe University on the successful commissioning of the Centre, describing it as a strategic investment in knowledge creation, policy dialogue and capacity building for Africa’s economic transformation. She reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to promoting intra-African trade through strengthened institutions capable of producing the research, innovation and skilled manpower required to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She noted that Afreximbank looks forward to deepening its partnership with the University through collaborative research, capacity-building initiatives, internship opportunities, faculty sabbatical programmes and the annual Afreximbank-sponsored lecture series. According to her, these initiatives will strengthen the connection between academia, policy and industry while positioning the Centre as a leading platform for research, thought leadership and sustainable economic development across Africa.
Also present at the commissioning were Governing Council members: Mr. Nujeeb Agunbiade, Dame Yakuwa Amina, Mr. Lani Amoo, Mr. Charles Ofoke, Prof. P. V. C. Okoye, Prof. Tracy Utoh-Ezeajughi, Engr. I. K. Onwuemwne, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ikenga Oraegbunam, Engr. Prof. Paul Okolie, Chief Dr. Ndubusi Nwobi and Prof. Igwebuike Onyiorah. Others present included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alex Asigbo; Director, College of Health Sciences, Prof. J. K. C. Emejulu; HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi) who was represented by Chief Chuka Oboli (Osuma Affa); Chief Osita Anionwu (Ike Akhata); pioneer students of the Centre, including Dr. Sulaiman Audu, Mr. Emeka O. Oboli and Mr. Dan Anazonwu, among other distinguished guests.
