THE MAESTRO'S LEADERSHIP LEGACY : Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara's Revolutionary Tenure as Dean of Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka - A Testament to Excellence, Innovation, and Transformational Leadership

Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara, fondly known as "De Music Oracle," is a Nigerian academic and musicologist of unparalleled distinction. Born on July 30, 1975, in Nwamara Village, Umumba-Nsirimo, Umuahia-South L.G.A., Abia State, Professor Nwamara has risen to become one of the most respected authorities in African Musical Arts Composition, Theory, and Performance.

Professor Nwamara's academic credentials are a testament to his dedication and passion for music education. He holds a Ph.D. in Theory and Composition from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he graduated as the overall best student in 2008. He also earned two Master's degrees in African Music and Theory and Composition from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, respectively. His undergraduate degree in Music was obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated as the best graduating student with a Second-Class Upper Division in 2001.

Professor Nwamara is an active member of several professional associations, including being a Fellow of Association of Nigerian Musicologists ( FANIM) , Pan-African Society for Musical Art Education (PASMAE), Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN), and the Society of Nigerian Composers (SNC). He has held various leadership positions, including National Public Relations Officer of ANIM, West African Regional Secretary of PASMAE, and National Secretary-General of SOMEN.

Professor Nwamara is a prolific composer, with over 350 compositions to his credit. He has also authored over 120 academic writings, demonstrating his commitment to music scholarship. As a renowned choral and orchestral conductor, he has led various musical ensembles, including the UNIZIK Band and Orchestra. His contributions to university and society are evident in his role as composer of the University Welcome Song, leader of the Music Department Team to BOBTV 2007 University Challenge, and member of the National Management Committee and Point of Service (POS) Person for the Annual Festival of Nigerian Choirs (AFNC), Abuja.

In addition, he also composed the ANIM Anthem in 2019 and his two compositions Nwanyi Akiti (2014) and Nukwu Ajuju (2017) won best composition respectively in All Nigerian University Campus Classicals competition in Lagos and Anambra (Awka). 

In the last edition of Africa Sings in Asaba Nigeria 2024, one of Prof. Nwamara's students won the best soloists with Prof Nwamara's folk arrangement "Enenebe Ejeghi Olu"

Professor Nwamara's outstanding contributions to music education and scholarship have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2014 Outstanding Vocational Service Award of the Rotary Club of Nsukka, 2014 Award of Excellence in Recognition of his Contributions towards Achieving Universal Education of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the 2021 Special Award as "THE LIVING MUSIC ORACLE" by St Peters Church Parish Nkpor-Agu.

 The Tenure of Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara as Dean of Faculty of Arts
As Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara brings his tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to a close on March 14, 2025, it is fitting to reflect on his remarkable achievements during his two-year term. Professor Nwamara's leadership has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, leaving an indelible mark on the faculty.

Professor Nwamara's tenure was characterized by an open-door policy, fostering a culture of accessibility and transparency. He encouraged division of labor, team spirit, and good working relationships among faculty members, ensuring a peaceful and rancor-free environment.

Under Professor Nwamara's leadership, the faculty witnessed significant infrastructural development, including:

• Construction of a 750-foot borehole and reticulation of water throughout the faculty building.

• Repair and landscaping of the main faculty parking lot.
• Installation of a modern faculty signboard and numbering of staff offices.
• Restoration of internet facilities and coverage within the faculty building.
• Installation of solar power sources in the Dean's and support staff offices.
• Restoration and multiplication of CCTV cameras in major sections of the faculty.
• Beautification and maintenance of flower lawns and general cleanliness of the environment.

• Professor Nwamara's tenure saw a surge in academic activities, including:
• Hosting of the Faculty International Conference on October 19, 2023.
• Organization of Faculty Lecture Series on July 13, 2023, and August 1, 2024.
• Creation of two additional programs in the faculty: Film Studies (in Theatre) and Folklore Studies (in Music).
• Initiation of the creation of a new Faculty of Creative Arts (in progress).

Professor Nwamara also prioritized leisure and sports activities, including:

• Construction of a relaxation/rehearsal Love Quadrangle with solar lights and phone/laptop charging ports.
• Re-activation and encouragement of sports for staff and students, with the faculty winning the Best Overall in the 2023 staff sports.
• Hosting of the UNIZIK Walk for Life program on August 24, 2023.

Professor Nwamara's administrative style was marked by:

• Prompt treatment of mails and results moderation.
• Successful accreditation exercises for eight programs.
• Empowerment and support of faculty and departmental students' associations.
• Increment in the number of casual workers with improved take-home pay.

As Professor Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara concludes his tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, his legacy will be remembered for years to come. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity has raised the bar for future leaders, and his contributions to the faculty will continue to inspire and motivate students, staff, and faculty members alike.