Canada-based Doctor Donates N5m For UNIZIK Medical Centre Walkway Reconstruction

 Canada-Based Doctor Donates N5m For UNIZIK Medical Centre Walkway Reconstruction

The Charles Kene Ojukwu Initiative (CKOi) Okunenyeife Foundation has donated N5 million to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for the reconstruction of the walkway pavilion linking the old Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Medical Centre with the newly constructed University Medical Centre building.

The strategic donation was facilitated by the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on New Media, Mr Ekene Prosper Ezeumeanya, ahead of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) accreditation exercise. Ezeumeanya had earlier officially introduced the UNIZIK alumnus and Canada-based medical doctor and philanthropist, Dr Charles Kenechukwu Ojukwu, to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, following Dr Ojukwu's earlier support for UNIZIK TV. Speaking during the presentation at the Vice-Chancellor's Office, the Manager of the CKOi Okunenyeife Foundation, Mr Sylvester Ojiugo, and Dr Chibuike Abunike, a lecturer at the University and confidant of Dr Ojukwu, presented the N5 million donation on behalf of the Foundation's founder.

The Foundation had, during Dr Ojukwu's visit to the University in June 2026, pledged to support the institution, particularly the development and upgrading of the University Medical Centre. The latest donation represents the fulfilment of part of that pledge.

Dr Abunike stated that the donation was one of several interventions Dr Ojukwu intends to make in support of his alma mater, noting that the philanthropist had remained accessible and interested in initiatives capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of the University.

Dr Ojukwu is a British-trained Consultant Family Physician based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He has expressed his desire to deploy his professional expertise and philanthropic resources towards supporting institutional development and healthcare infrastructure.

The CKOi Okunenyeife Foundation is an NGO focused on community health insurance, scholarships, youth empowerment and other development initiatives across Anambra State, while also supporting strategic institutional projects.

In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, expressed the University's appreciation to the Foundation for redeeming its pledge and supporting the development of the Medical Centre.

The Director of Medical Services, Dr Jane Ezeonu, also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for partnerships and collaborations, while expressing gratitude to Dr Ojukwu for his generosity and support towards the University Medical Centre.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, joined the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in expressing the University's appreciation to the donor. He stated that UNIZIK remained on a progressive path under his administration and would continue to welcome development partners, alumni and friends of the University who are willing to contribute to its growth and advancement.

The reconstruction of the walkway pavilion is expected to improve connectivity and ease of movement between the old and new Medical Centre buildings, providing greater convenience for staff, students, patients and visitors to the facilities.

The intervention further underscores the growing role of UNIZIK alumni and development partners in supporting the University's infrastructure and institutional development agenda.