Charles Egbu appointed vice-chancellor of top university in the UK

Charles Egbu appointed vice-chancellor of top university in the UK

- Professor Charles Egbu has been appointed as vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University in the United Kingdom

- The Nigerian professor studied and taught in the same university for years

- He will be taking over from Margaret A House, who held the office for seven years

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!

A Nigerian professor, Charles Egbu, has been appointed as vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University in the United Kingdom.

The disclosure was made by the university, which said Egbu will take over from Margaret A House.

In a statement on the website of the institution, the outgoing VC held the office for seven years, The Cable reports.

Egbu studied and taught at Leeds for years, will assume office on November 1, 2020.

The Anambra-born professor expressed excitement over the appointment while promising to consolidate on the institution’s long history.

READ ALSO: Local man spoils mother with dinner and dessert, inspires Mzansi

Charles Egbu, Nigerian professor, appointed VC of UK varsity
Professor Charles Egbu. Photo credit: The Cable
Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Flame mourns loss of mother: "Rest in peace mama, I love you"

He said:

“I am honoured to be joining Leeds Trinity; a University who’s values and ethos around widening participation, offering a personalised approach and encouraging all students to achieve their best, align with my own.
“The University has an impressive track record in learning, teaching and employability, and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations established under the leadership of Professor House."

Meanwhile, starting from 1 January 2021, the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) will get a new vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.

The top nuclear physicist will succeed Professor Adam Habib who leaves Wits at the end of the year to lead the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, Briefly.co.za learned.

According to the university, Professor Vilakazi is the current Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies at Wits.

Under his current leadership, Wits’ research output has more than doubled, with the University increasingly producing more research with impact.

READ ALSO: Technical experts flown in from Germany to help businesses and Eskom

Mr Isaac Shongwe, Chairperson of the Wits Council, the highest decision-making body of the University, said:

“Professor Zeblon Vilakazi is the epitome of a world-class researcher who is globally recognised for his scientific work, and for his contribution towards developing higher education in Africa. He is a truly talented individual who is an inspiring exemplar for all Africans."

Shongwe added:

"We are confident that Professor Vilakazi will ably lead Wits to its centenary in 2022 and beyond, steward a new vision for the academy, and reinvigorate the academic project in a higher education context that is rapidly changing.”

Professor Vilakazi also has experience in the world of technology. He chairs the country’s National Quantum Computing Working Committee.

The committee seeks to develop a framework for Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology driven research and innovation in South Africa.

The professor also works hard to ensure Wits and other African universities have access to quantum computing networks.

Vilakazi, who has been recognised internationally for his work in physics and nuclear research, has opened up about the new opportunity.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News

Tags:
Online view pixel