Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe - NOCEN

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

Dr Amaka Chiakwelu Emerges Dean-Elect of NOCEN School of Sciences

Mathematics Chief Lecturer defeats Dr Nkechi Ibeagha by 20–14 votes in keenly contested deanship election

Dr Amaka Benedine Chiakwelu, Chief Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, has emerged Dean-Elect of the School of Sciences, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), after securing 20 votes in a keenly contested deanship election held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Dr Chiakwelu defeated her fellow contestant, Dr Nkechi E. Ibeagha, Principal Lecturer, who polled 14 votes in the election conducted at the Integrated Science Classroom.

The election attracted accredited tutorial staff across the School of Sciences. Of the 56 tutorial staff in the School, 34 were accredited to vote, while 22 were absent. Accreditation commenced at 11:30 a.m., with voting beginning at 12:00 noon.

Three academic staff members had initially indicated interest in the position. They were Dr Nkechi E. Ibeagha, Principal Lecturer; Dr Amaka B. Chiakwelu, Chief Lecturer; and Dr Ikemelu Chinelo R., Principal Lecturer.

Dr Ikemelu, however, subsequently withdrew from the contest, leaving Dr Ibeagha and Dr Chiakwelu to battle for the position.

At the end of the voting exercise, Dr Chiakwelu secured 20 votes against Dr Ibeagha's 14 votes. She was subsequently declared the winner and Dean-Elect by the School of Sciences Deanship Election Committee.

Dr Chiakwelu brings to the position a strong academic background in Mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics, M.Sc.Ed. in Mathematics, B.Sc.Ed. in Mathematics, and NCE in Mathematics/Integrated Science. She is a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics.

The election was chaired by Dr Michael E. Meze, Chairman of the School of Sciences Deanship Election Committee. Dr Meze expressed appreciation to the Provost for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to lead the electoral committee.

The emergence of Dr Chiakwelu ushers in a new phase of leadership for the School of Sciences as she prepares to take over as Dean.

Her election adds another dimension to the College's continuing commitment to participatory academic leadership and orderly succession within its Schools and academic structures.

25/09/2026

NOCEN Strengthens Non-Teaching Workforce Through Capacity-Building Workshop

Provost Emphasises Continuous Training, Digital Transformation and Efficient Service Delivery

Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), has reinforced its commitment to developing a skilled, professional and efficient workforce with the successful organisation of a one-day capacity-building workshop for its non-teaching staff on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

The programme brought together members of the College’s non-teaching workforce and featured the Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, as the resource person.

Speaking during the opening session, the Provost of NOCEN, Engr. Prof. Victor Ifeanyi Obiora Ndirika, FNIAE, described the workshop as timely and necessary, particularly as the College undergoes significant institutional transformation.

He emphasised that institutional transformation goes beyond infrastructure and physical development, stressing that the development of the people responsible for driving and sustaining institutional growth is equally important.

The Provost noted that the transition from analogue to digital systems has created new demands for workers in education and administration, making continuous training and retraining essential for effective service delivery.

He urged the non-teaching staff to take full advantage of the workshop and apply the knowledge acquired to improve their skills, expertise, professionalism and productivity.

Prof. Ndirika also commended the Organising Committee, led by Dr. J.N. Achufusi, for putting the programme together.

The Provost further acknowledged the development strides of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, particularly in advancing the transformation of NOCEN and the state.

Delivering her presentation, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke addressed critical issues relating to effective leadership, professionalism, work ethics and efficiency in higher education administration.

She explained that effective administration plays a vital role in supporting teaching, research and community service, while also sustaining the standards expected of Colleges of Education.

A major focus of her presentation was the 5Cs of College Leadership — Character, Competence, Communication, Collaboration and Commitment.

Dr. Okeke challenged staff to uphold high standards of professionalism through knowledge of institutional rules and regulations, appropriate workplace conduct, respect, accountability and confidentiality.

On work ethics, she highlighted punctuality, diligence, honesty, loyalty and teamwork, while drawing attention to practices capable of undermining institutional credibility and effective service delivery.

The resource person also encouraged staff to embrace technology, proper planning, delegation, effective time management and continuous professional development as essential tools for improving workplace efficiency.

She identified bureaucratic delays, poor record-keeping, unclear guidelines, inadequate interdepartmental communication and resistance to technological change among the barriers that institutions must address to achieve greater efficiency.

The workshop further underscored the importance of effective communication, teamwork, professional development and continuous learning in achieving improved administrative outcomes.

A central framework of the presentation was the NOCEN Service Standard Triangle, which linked:
- Professionalism with skill and competence;
- Work ethics with trust and integrity; and
- Work efficiency with results and timeliness.

In her concluding message, Dr. Okeke urged staff to lead with integrity, work with professionalism, uphold strong ethical standards and deliver services efficiently.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. J.N. Achufusi, marking the conclusion of the capacity-building programme.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for reflection, learning and professional development, reinforcing the importance of a competent, ethical and efficient non-teaching workforce in supporting NOCEN’s institutional objectives and advancing its transformation agenda.

**NOCENNEWS**

25/09/2026

DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, IGBO AND OTHER NIGERIAN LANGUAGES (N.O.C.E.N.)
PROJECT DEFENCE - 2026: A SUCCESSFUL OUTING.

To the glory of God, the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages has successfully concluded the Project Defence for her final year students, for the 2025/2026 session on September 23, 2026.

The exercise provided an opportunity for academic mentoring, constructive and professional guidance enabling the students to fine-tune their project work ahead of submission.

The defence was indeed impressive. The students presented well-researched and culturally rich project topics in the Igbo Language and Linguistics, Literature, and Culture. It was a clear demonstration of hard work, discipline, and quality supervision. The students demonstrated confidence and responded to questions during the exercise.

The Head of the Department of Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages, Dr. Princess Ndibe, acknowledged the contributions of all the hardworking and dedicated Lecturers who tirelessly mentored the students from the beginning to this glorious end.
She further encouraged the students to be proud ambassadors of the Igbo Language and Culture, to use what they have learnt to create opportunities for themselves and inspire younger generations.

The exercise was successful , and to the glory of God. We are proud of our students.

Dr. P. N. Ndibe
Head, Department of Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages.
N.O.C.E.N.

23/09/2026

A SIGNIFICANT ACADEMIC MILESTONE FOR OUR FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS

The Department of Primary Education, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, witnessed an engaging and intellectually rewarding project defense by its final-year students on 1st September, 2026, under the headship of Dr. Ijeoma Martha Obibuba.

The students demonstrated commendable knowledge of their research areas, confidence in presentation and the ability to engage meaningfully with questions from the panel.

Beyond assessment, the exercise provided an opportunity for academic mentoring, constructive corrections, and professional guidance, enabling the students to strengthen their projects ahead of final submission.

It was a successful exercise, and we are proud of our students for reaching this important stage of their academic journey.

Congratulations to our students, and appreciation to all our lecturers for their dedication, guidance, and commitment to academic excellence.

Mr. Stan Chizaram Okeke
Departmental Project Coordinator
Department of Primary Education.

23/09/2026

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING STUDENTS DEFENDED THEIR PROJECTS BEFORE THE DEPARTMENTAL PANEL.

Today, 21st September, 2026 will remain memorable for final year students in the Department of Educational Psychology/
Guidance and Counseling, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.

Under the leadership of the HOD, Dr. Adaobi Iloakasia, the defense was chaired by the Departmental Project Coordinator, Dr. Chinyere A. Muokwue, alongside other lecturers of the department.

The students presented and defended their works very well, showing good knowledge of their research topics and responding satisfactorily to questions raised.

What made today's defense special was the level of interaction. It was not just questions and answers - it was a real learning session. Lecturers took time to correct, guide and advise the students on how to improve their works before final submission. Students also freely asked questions where they were confused.

On the whole, performance was impressive and the exercise was very successful. We are proud of our students.

We appreciate all lecturers for their commitment.

Dr. Chinyere A. Muokwue
Departmental Project Coordinator,
Dept. of Educational Psychology/Guidance and Counseling,
NOCE, Nsugbe

22/09/2026

🎓 *Celebrating Academic Excellence!*🎓

The Department of English and Literary Studies, NOCEN, proudly celebrates the successful final year project defense held on 21st September, 2026!

Our graduating students showcased months of dedication, critical thinking, and scholarly rigor as they defended their projects before panels of esteemed lecturers. The event was marked by insightful presentations, thought-provoking questions, and impressive displays of academic competence — a true testament to the quality of training within the department.

This milestone would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership and support of:

👏 Dr. Ngozi Adunchezor, Head of Department, whose vision and dedication continue to shape the academic excellence of the English and Literary Studies department.

👏 Dr. Nonye Osuchukwu, Departmental Project Coordinator, whose tireless efforts, guidance, and commitment ensured the smooth planning and successful ex*****on of the defense exercise.

To our graduating students: congratulations on reaching this important milestone! Your hard work has paid off, and this achievement marks the beginning of even greater things ahead. Aspire for greater heights!

Kudos to everyone who contributed to making this defense a success — lecturers, Course Rep, Oge Omah and Favour, thank you so much!

NOCEN English and Literary Studies Project Defense Academic Excellence
Class of 2026

18/09/2026

NOCEN Business Education Final-Year Students Defend Research Projects

2025/2026 Graduands Demonstrate Confidence, Research Skills and Mastery of Business Education Concepts

Final-year students of the Department of Business Education, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), on Friday, September 18, 2026, successfully defended their research projects, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.

The project defence provided the students with an opportunity to present their research findings before examiners, where they demonstrated confidence, analytical reasoning, critical thinking and a commendable understanding of key concepts acquired throughout their programme.

During the exercise, the students responded to questions, observations and scholarly enquiries from the examiners, showcasing their ability to apply business education knowledge, research methodologies and practical competencies to identified academic and real-world challenges.

The Head of the Department of Business Education, Dr. Chinwe S. Okeke, commended the students for their impressive performance, noting their commitment, diligence and dedication throughout the research process.

Dr. Okeke also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the department's lecturers and project supervisors, whose mentorship, guidance and academic support played a significant role in the successful completion of the students' research projects.

The defence session was characterised by intellectual engagement, academic enthusiasm and a palpable sense of accomplishment as the students brought a crucial phase of their academic programme to a successful conclusion.

The successful exercise further underscores the Department of Business Education's commitment to academic excellence, research development and the preparation of graduates equipped with relevant knowledge, professional competencies and practical skills to contribute meaningfully to the world of work and society.

AT NOCEN, EXCELLENCE IS OUR WATCHWORD.