Nnamdi Azikiwe University Inaugurates Chisco Institute Board, Uplifts Drivers

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Tuesday witnessed a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Board of the Chisco Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the flag-off of a proficiency training programme for the University’s drivers.

The colourful ceremony, held on campus, drew eminent personalities including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze Umobi; the endower of the Institute and Chairman/CEO of Chisco Group, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; the Anambra Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Joyce Alexander; Honourable Commissioners; members of the University management; and other distinguished guests.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Institute, Engr. Tochukwu Onyeyili, described the occasion as “historic,” noting that the establishment of the Chisco Institute marks a major leap forward not only for the University but also for the logistics and supply chain sector in Nigeria.

He lauded the Vice Chancellor for her visionary leadership, and paid glowing tribute to Chief Anyaegbu, whose generosity and foresight, he said, had created “a beacon of inspiration for human capital development.”

Onyeyili also commended the FRSC for its partnership in ensuring road safety and improved driver proficiency, and acknowledged the Honourable Commissioners for strengthening collaboration between government, society, and the University.

The Director disclosed that the Institute had received full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), was recognized under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and certified as a Skills Training Centre (STC) by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“These accreditations position the Chisco Institute as a leading hub for skills development and professional certification in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that postgraduate programmes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management had already commenced.

“The inauguration of our Board today signifies the dawn of a new era—an era of impact, excellence, and sustainability,” Onyeyili declared.

The event also featured the commissioning of a solar power project to promote sustainability and energy efficiency, and the commencement of a specialized training programme for the University’s drivers aimed at enhancing road safety standards.

In his address, Chief Anyaegbu said his life story should inspire the younger generation, recalling that he began life as a truck pusher before building the Chisco Group into a conglomerate with interests in transport, oil and gas, hospitality, courier services, and real estate.

He emphasized that success was not tied to family wealth but to focus, determination, and the commitment to adding value to human lives. “Today is my happiest day. This is the fulfilment of a 15-year dream,” he said.

The Chisco boss, who founded Chisco Transport Nigeria Ltd in 1981, is a distinguished fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (International), London, and an honorary fellow of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria.

He holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Penn State University, USA. He has also attended management and entrepreneurial programmes across France, USA, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In her remarks, Prof. Umobi, the Vice Chancellor, expressed gratitude to Chief Anyaegbu and pledged that the University would maximize the opportunities provided by the Institute.

She announced that, with the new training programme, University drivers could now rise beyond Grade Level 11 to Level 13, thereby attaining greater professional and career growth.