By Obianuju Azukaego
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, has directed the university’s Research Centre for Ageing and Psychological Health to develop proposals for new academic programmes and community outreach initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of older persons.
Prof. Anyaehie gave the directive on October 15, when the Centre’s Director, Prof. Rita N. Ugokwe-Joseph, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office. He urged the centre to develop certificate courses and contribute to the design of undergraduate programmes in speech therapy, occupational therapy, autism, gerontology, medical social work and clinical psychology.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university’s diaspora engagement platforms had attracted prospective international partners willing to support the proposed programmes. He also requested the submission of a community outreach plan for the university’s consideration and possible support.
Earlier, Prof. Ugokwe-Joseph explained that the centre was established in 2020 through her initiative, with financial support from His Royal Highness, Eze Chidubem Iweka III of Obosi, who sponsored the initial construction of its building. She noted that the centre currently operates from the first floor of the CBN Building while awaiting the completion of its permanent site.
According to her, the centre focuses on research and interventions addressing the cognitive, behavioural and psychological health needs of middle-aged and older adults. She disclosed that it had completed three years of a five-year longitudinal study investigating affordable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in Nigeria.
The Director also announced that the university had received a $154,000 research grant through the Alzheimer’s Association Clinical Scientists Fellowship in the United States. Prof. Valentine Ucheagwu of the Department of Psychology, a former Deputy Director of the centre, was identified as the principal investigator associated with the grant.
Prof. Ugokwe-Joseph further stated that the centre had commemorated World Alzheimer’s Day and the International Day of Older Persons, including an event held on the university campus on October 10, 2025. She added that its journal, African Journal of Ageing, Longevity and Psychological Health, had published its maiden edition and was preparing its second edition.
The Director disclosed plans to organise a one-day workshop on ageing, longevity and psychological health, alongside certificate programmes in gerontology, caregiving and rehabilitation services. She said the initiatives would further strengthen the centre’s contribution to research, training and the provision of support for older persons.
Contributing to the discussion, Rev. Fr. Prof. C. C. Ajaelo, a clinical psychologist and member of the delegation, advocated practical, people-centred programmes that respond to societal needs. He also highlighted opportunities for international collaboration in autism and clinical psychology, noting that Duke University in Atlanta was willing to partner with UNIZIK.
Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Director I, Dr. Chris Okwuchukwu Obialor; Dr. Justina N. Okoli; Mr. Chukwuma Elijah; Mrs. Anazonwu Ngozi; Nnakianya Deborah; and Dr. Cynthia Users.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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