The new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Prof Charles Esimone, on Monday assumed office.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the university’s auditorium, Esimone warned staff of the university to take their jobs more seriously saying that his administration would not condone untoward practices.

He said that he was coming in as the VC with a vision to promote the highest standard of academic excellence, productive community service, administrative reforms, discipline and advances in matrix of human capacity building, infrastructural development and students/staff welfare.

The new VC stressed that his administration will not tolerate sexual harassment on the part of the lecturers, inducement and plagiarism.

He explained that a mechanism will be put in place to identify and punish culprits accordingly.

He said: “Productivity would be required of every staff, non-performing staff will be declared redundant and could be shown the way out if they do not turn a new leaf.

“Productivity bonus will not be mandatory, it will have to be earned.

On his plans for the institution, the new VC said the university will enter into a public private partnership with individuals and organisations to build hostels and improve the institution.

According to him, his administration will pursue complimentary collaborations with foreign universities to enable her researchers carry out procedures where they lack capacity.

Esimone further called on the academic staff of the university to see students as their clients and shun all manner of oppressive actions against noting that such would not be tolerated.

Earlier in his speech, the outgoing VC of the institution, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, said that his five year leadership of the institution has engraved the name of the institution in the world map.

He enjoined all to give his successor the same level of cooperation and support they accorded him to enable him excel in his set out programmes.