The Group Managing Director of Eunisell Limited, Chika Ikenga, has said that improved collaboration between the academia and business sector is necessary, desirable and relevant to assure tangible growth and development for the nation and its people.
Ikenga, who was conferred with the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, stated that improved collaboration would help in the sharing of solutions to societal problems.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in his address said the conferment was in recognition of contributions to humanity and economic development.
The VC added that, “It’s an honour we expect should stimulate the recipients to partner more closely with our University and cause their success stories to rub on the development of Agriculture, Science and Technology in our University.”
During his acceptance speech, Ikenga said: “I believe in sustainable collaboration between the university and business circle. The synergy holds the key to unlocking relevant discoveries and solutions that will enhance the quality of life in diverse ways, aid the economy and boost national growth and development.
The Eunisell boss also pledged to continue his support for education by donating significantly towards boosting the school infrastructure, establishing an endowment fund and partnering the Chemistry Department for joint research with Eunisell.
Ikenga added that having applied the knowledge of chemistry in the larger society, Eunisell will partner the Chemistry department of MOUAU and facilitate joint research programs to benefit the nation.
In 2018, Ikenga introduced the Eunisell Boot, an award that pays a premium of N200,000 per goal to football players with the highest score in the Nigerian topflight every season as a way to revitalise goal scoring by strikers in the NPFL.
Nasarawa United’s Silas Nwankwo and Akwa United’s Charles Atshimene were joint winners of the Eunisell Boot award for the 2020/21 season, with a cash prize of N7.6M for scoring 19 goals.
Over the years, the company has also helped in growing the Nigerian professional football league by sponsoring the Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt.
The Eunisell Founder was honoured alongside Dr Cosmas Maduka, President/CEO, Coscharis Group, HRH King Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha community, Osun; and Alhaji Usman Yahaya Kansila, Founder, UYK Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar at the occasion, challenged universities of agriculture in the country to bridge the gap of food insecurity and address the nation’s dependence on imported foods.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Udo Okochukwu commended the Federal Government for the establishment of the university in the state; and the school for its giant strides under the new leadership and urged the administration to forge ahead as the government will continue to offer support.
He noted that the specialised universities must play their crucial role in catalysing the development of the agricultural sector, to help the Federal Government achieve its goal of sustainable green economy.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Udo Okochukwu commended the Federal Government for the establishment of the university in the state; and the school for its giant strides under the new leadership and urged the administration to forge ahead as the government will continue to offer support.
