The Nation Newspaper

Tag: VC

  • VC chairs board

    The AAUA Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has been inaugurated chairman, Board of Trustees of the Business Development Centre, BDC, Federal Science and Technical College, Ikare Akoko.

    Other members of the board are Assistant Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Bayo Ajileye; Member, House of Assembly, Ganny Dauda; Federal Commissioner, Federal Civil Service Commission, Victor Olabimtan; Dean, Faculty of Law, AAUA, Prof. Olubayo Olududro; Chief Segun Adagunodo; and Mrs. Comfort Chukwurah.

    Inaugurating the board, Acting Director, Technology and Science Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja, Mrs. Tina Eyaru, expressed confidence that the board would deliver on its mandate.

    Mrs. Eyaru, who was represented by Mr M. Udu, thanked the college authorities for selecting credible people to make up the board.

    She said the BDC, an initiative of the FME, would provide a practicum centre for students to relate theory to practice in trade and entrepreneurial subjects; and serve as a business incubation centre to help local entrepreneurs, workers and students.

     

     

  • VC counsels freshers

    The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Oyewole, has told new students to consider themselves fortunate to have been admitted.

    Oyewole told the 2,997 students at the university’s matriculation for the 2014/2015 academic session that among the 6,337 candidates that sat for Post-UTME in the university only 3,631 were offered provisional admission – 82.54 per cent of whom were lucky to be registered.

    He admonished the students to strive for academic excellence and be good ambassadors of the university.

    “By virtue of your admission, you have become a vital stakeholder in the history of the University”, he said.

    Oyewole, who is also the President of the Association of African Universities (AAU), said the university had zero tolerance for academic indiscipline, disrespect for constituted authorities, rascality, irresponsible unionism, cultism, laziness, truancy and vandalism.

    In the third lecture that featured as part of the matriculation, the lecturer, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, spoke on “Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship in Nigerian University: Students’ Choices, Nigeria’s Legacy”.

    She enjoined the students to display their solving problems skills and show passion in anything they do in order to bring about positive change in the society.

  • How to be a good student, by VC

    How to be a good student, by VC

    I solemnly and publicly declare that I will, to the best of my ability, pursue my course of instruction in Nnamdi Azikiwe University and abide by the rules and regulations of the university. I hereby resolve to uphold the principles for which this university stands and hold myself in honour bound to serve the university always and to work for the enthronement of truth and excellence. So help me God.”

    With the above oath of loyalty, freshers admitted into the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital, were formally welcomed into the institution amidst pomp and ceremony.

    The matriculating students took the oath last Friday at a field in front of the School of Postgraduate Studies. They beamed with smiles as they turned out in their sparkling matriculation gowns.

    It was the first matriculation to be conducted by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, since he assumed office last June.

    The VC led a procession of Deans of faculties, Heads of departments and other administrative officers to the arena. At exactly 12:10pm, the ceremony began, with the rendition of the university song. The Registrar, Mr Christian Okeke, presented the freshers to the management.

    Prof Ahaneku congratulated the students for scaling the admission hurdle among over 40,000 applicants.

    He said his administration had a mission to transform the university and make it one of the best 500 universities in the world and the best  in Africa at the end of his five-year tenure.

    Ahaneku said his vision could only be realised if he harnessed human and material resources within the university. He urged the students to work hard and pursue excellence, noting that the indolent would not be rewarded.

    He said various schemes, such as Work-Aid to assist indigent and physically challenged students, and Group Personal Insurance Schemes and conducive hostels had been provided to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students.

    The VC hinted that the university had increased its faculties to 14 from nine, adding that it has  97 departments and 94 academic programmes, which are all accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

    He warned the freshers against joining unlawful associations and engaging in malpractice, stressing that the institution has zero-tolerance for vices. Any student caught would be expelled, the VC said.

    Prof Ahaneku said: “On our  part, we will do our best to give our students the best exposure we can and provide the facilities that they need both in their studies and accommodation. Even the university Senate has resolved to give the students the shortest turnaround time for their results and academic work.

     

  • Campaign, vote, don’t fight, UI VC urges

    As the general elections draws near, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole has urged Nigerians to focus on issue-based campaigns, shun violence and vote for credible leaders who would move Nigeria forward.

    In a release signed by the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, Adewole said with the near-daily reports of political violence in various parts of the country he was worried that the election could be marred by violence.

    “In 2011, no fewer than 800 Nigerians lost their lives in that year’s post-election violence.  Electoral violence remains a major concern in the lead up to the 2015 general elections. There are early indications that there may be violence during the 2015 electoral process” he said.

    Adewole explained that it was to avert violence that the university recently collaborated with the United States embassy in Nigeria to organise a public lecture entitled: “Electoral Security in Nigeria” recently.

    At the lecture, which held at the Trenchard Hall of the university, Adewole said: “We owe the society at large a huge responsibility in electoral process. We also owe them the truth. Of course, electoral problems and electoral development are inter-related. But we believe that when there is undiluted accountable process, we will get whatever we want from the election, and the judgment of the electorates would be decided upon.”

    The Guest Speaker, Dr Patrick Quirk, a Senior Conflict and Stabilization Advisor at the United States’ Department of States, said Nigeria needs to design a legal framework to make electoral procedures go smoothly, with a view to avoiding conflict and destabilization during the forthcoming elections.

    Quirk is electoral security expert with more than 10 years of experience performing conflict prevention assessment as well as designing and implementing democracy and governance, conflict management, and stabilization programmes for the U.S. government and European foreign aid agencies.

    He urged politicians and others to stand for peace.

    “It has come to a time when politicians, civil societies, among other stakeholders, have to come together to make peaceful process of election in Nigeria, and make maximum impact on it.  I encourage every Nigerian, including the aspirants, in these challenging times, to take a pledge against violence during election period, and exercise their franchise dutifully as expected,” he said.

     

  • EKITI monarchs praise VC

    The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has praised the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Aina, and his team for the progress the university has made in the last three years.

    The Monarchs made the commendation during a fact-finding mission to the institution by its committee on Education. The leader of the Education Committee, the Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti, Oba Noah Adejuwon Omonigbehin said they were impressed by the structures they saw in the university during their visit.

    Oba Omonigehin said: “Things have changed dramatically in this university; words may not be enough to describe our happiness that our University can now rank among notable Universities in Nigeria.

    could We are highly impressed from what we have seen.”

    Responding, the Vice-Chancellor said that he was happy that the traditional rulers had noticed the positive development in the university. He explained that 99 per cent of the programmes in the university were accredited.  He added that the university was ready for the accreditation of its medical programme.

    The Provost, College of Medicine, Prof Mathew Araoye said he was confident the accreditation would be granted and appealed to the monarchs to pressurize the government to adequately fund the college.

    Some of the traditional rulers that visited included: The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu, the Olojido of Ido-Ile Ekiti, Oba Aderemi Obaleye, the Alaworoko of Iworoko- Ekiti Oba M. O. Aladejana.

  • AAUA welcomes new VC

    AAUA welcomes new VC

    The newly-appointed Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, was welcomed with fanfare and prayers to the campus last Thursday.

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Francis Oyabade, led other Principal Officers, top personnel and students of the university to receive him from the eastern campus gate to the Senate Chamber where prayers were offered for him and the university.

    The new VC, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ajibefun and all the Principal Officers, top members of staff and some students of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, thanked God for giving him the grace to be appointed Vice Chancellor of AAUA.

    Prof. Igbekele appreciated the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led government for appointing him to serve the state on another level after completing his tenure as Rector of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, and promised to justify the confidence reposed by continuing race to achieve the university’s vision.

    “We are going to consolidate on the achievements that have been recorded, particularly, in the past five years. Already, the university is known for excellence in terms of teaching, research, services, academic discipline, and ethics. And we are going to pursue all these objectives.  We will also make people happier,” he said.

    Born on July 28, 1964, Ajibefun, a First Class graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, began his academic career in 1993 as an Assistant Lecturer, and became an Associate Professor in October, 2006. He studied for his M.Sc and PhD at the University of Ibadan and FUTA.

    A registered member of the European Society for Soil Conservation, Ajibefun is also a member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, the African Economic Research Consortium the Asian Society of Agricultural Economists, the Nigerian Economic Society and the Nigerian Participatory Rural Appraisal Network.

    Igbekele succeeded Prof Femi Mimiko, whose five-year tenure ended on January 4, 2015.

     

  • VC gets Rotary award

    For improving quality of education and facilities, the Rotary Club of Nigeria has honoured the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali.

    Presenting the award, the District 9125 Representative, Phillip Ojo, said Prof Ambali was shortlisted for the award because of his leadership qualities, which, he said, should be emulated by members of the university.

    Ojo said: “The Rotary District 9125 has today recognised the efforts of our amiable leader par excellence, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, for his giant strides in the university and for being a mentor to our generation. He is a leader worthy of emulation. His uprightness, intellectualism and brilliance in administration and academics were qualities that make him stand out of many.”

    A successful leader, Ojo said, builds successful leaders, who will continue the chain of success in leadership. He said Ambali was a rare gem, having achieved uncommon feat within the university and the outside world.

    Responding, Prof Ambali appreciated the club for finding him worthy of the honour, describing the award as encouragement to do more. He said the club remained on of dependable partners of the school.

    Members of the club present at the ceremony included the District Secretary, Mr Michael Oyewole, Zonal Secretary, Miss Itunnuoluwa Oshinmosu, and Miss Tolulope Akinwunmi, a zonal governor.

    The District 9125 is said to be the largest, comprising 24 states, including the FCT; it has over 190 clubs and 6,000 membership strength.

  • Community honours VC

    Community honours VC

    It was a great day for the professor. The expansive palace of the Emir of Kaltungo in Gombe State was filled with a motley crowd. In it were his family members, friends, associates and colleagues. Thrilling them were sundry cultural dancers. It was all for the Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi as he was honoured with the traditional title of Dan Rimin Kaltungo by His Royal Highness the Mai Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Muhammad Umar.

    To those who know Njodi said his recognition by the traditional institution was well-deserved considering his contribution to the development of his community.

    Former Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri Prof Mala Dauara and some of his associates like Prof Saliba James, and Hajiya Saadatu Saad, Commissioner for Women Affairs all praised Prof. Njodi.

    Even though it was not a speechmaking event, the Mai Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Muhammad Umar made his remarks, noting the service of the new Dan Rimin.

    The monarch said Prof Njodi was a worth holder of the title which means Ambassador Plenipotentiary. His contributions to the development and growth of education both within and outside Kaltungo chiefdom were enormous, Alhaji Muhammad said, adding that the Vice-Chancellor was an embodiment of excellence.

    He said: “The Dan Rimin has remained a beacon for the younger generations of this emirate and the outside world that he has come in contact with. Everything he sets his eyes on, he makes sure he achieves it. He has remained an epitome of excellence. For many that know him, his appointment as the vice chancellor of university did not come as a surprise at all because he has earned himself this exalted academic feat through  his hard-work and determination. This is a lesson for the upcoming generation to imbibe,” the Emir said. He charged the new title holder to continue to use his influence and wealth of experience in bringing about meaningful development to the people of the Chiefdom, the University of Maiduguri and the country at large.

    Speaker after speaker who spoke at the occasion extolled his qualities. The speeches over, Prof. Njodi submitted himself to the traditional kingmakers who transformed him from a university don to a traditional title holder with a red cap and a colourful headgear and a beautiful long dress confirming his status as the new Dan Rimin of Kaltungo.

    He expressed appreciation to the Mai Kaltungo,  people of the Chiefdom and the community for finding him worthy to be bestowed with the traditional title of Dan Rimin Kaltungo, while assuring of his commitment to discharge the responsibilities the title demands of him.mHe also pledged to work towards the development of the Chiefdom, State and the Nation at large. He also promised to work hand in hand with members of the Chiefdom and other traditional title holders in the state and other members of the community with a view to moving the Chiefdom and the state in general forward. He asked the people of the Chiefdom to unite and shy away from tribal, religious and political bickering that brings about differences among people. He announced the establishment and launching of an Educational Endowment Fund for the Chiefdom. Over five million naira was realised as donations and cash towards the Fund. He explained that  money raised would be used for the educational development of less privilege sons and daughters of the Chiefdom.  The Mai Kaltungo is the chairman of the Endowment Fund while members will be drawn from different segments of the Chiefdom.

    The occasion was witnessed by an unprecedented crowd including members of the University of Maiduguri community, traditional rulers, illustrious sons and daughters of Kaltungo Chiefdom as well as friends and well-wishers from within and outside Gombe State.

    It was a beautiful sight to behold as the new Dan Rimin mounted his royal horse to receive cheers and pleasantries from his admirers. Like the stars dim away at the break of dawn, so were the swam of Traditional dancers from various communities of Kaltungo Chiefdom treated the celebrant with assorted dignified dance steps as he retired to his house to receive friends and well-wishers.

    Born fifty years ago at Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi  attended L.E.A Primary school Kaltungo from 1967-1973 and later ECWA Primary school Kaltungo from 1973-1975. He later proceeded to the Government Teachers College Jama’are in Bauchi State from 1975-1980. From 1981-1985 he was at the University of Maiduguri from where he obtained his B. Sc degree in Physical  & Health Education . He served in the National Youth Service Corps from 1985-1986.

    Prof Njodi joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as Graduate Assistant in 1987 and enrolled and completed his Masters degree from 1988-1991 at the University of Maiduguri and later proceeded to the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka for his PhD in Public Health Education from 2000-2003. Prof Ibrahim Njodi has held various academic and administrative positions within and outside the country. As an erudite scholar he has published books, chapters in books and also contributed by publishing over fifty articles in academic journals. He is widely respected by his colleagues, students and members of the society.

     

  • EKSU VC unveils strategic plan document

    EKSU VC unveils strategic plan document

    The Document containing the strategic plan for development at Ekiti State University (EKSU) for the next five years was unveiled on Tuesday during prayers to usher-in the New Year at the university.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina said the 267-page publication would serve as the university’s main roadmap towards meeting its goal of achieving world-class status.

    Aina who presented the book before the congregation for blessing noted that the strategic plan would enhance the university’s growth in all spheres.

    Prof. J. O. Oloyede, who is a Pastor, led the congregation in prayers to bless the document.

    In the past year, the Vice-Chancellor said God was his strength and a pillar for the university community as well.

    In 2014, he promised that there would be more buildings projects, one of which would be a Senate building.

    He appreciated the support of members of Staff for the positive development recorded in the university.

    During the prayer session, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, gave the exhortation with the theme: “God is our hope and righteousness.”

    Quoting relevant Bible passages, he counseled members of staff to obey God’s words always and uphold the truth. Prayers were said for the nation, the state, the university, management, members of staff and students.

    The occasion attracted all the principal officers, deans, directors and others.

    Meanwhile the university management has given January 16 and 23 as deadline for payment of fees and registration for both fresh and returning students. While returning students have up to January 16 to pay up, fresh students have been given until 23 as deadline.

    Aina said after the deadline, students would get a late registration window of one-week and be charged N5,000 as penalty. After the expiration of the late registration period, the vice chancellor said any student who fails to meet all registration requirements, risks forfeiture of his or her studentship and would not be allowed to participate in any academic activity, including the continuous assessment tests scheduled for January 19.

     

  • VC urges support of alumni association

    The Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof Femi Mimiko, has urged the national executive officers of the institution’s alumni association to focus on mobilising members for unity and progress of the school.

    The VC enjoined members of the executive to complement the efforts of his administration in making the institution a world-class ivory tower, saying he would welcome any idea from members of the alumni body towards uplifting the school.

    Prof Mimiko spoke last Saturday while inaugurating the national officers recently elected during a two-day delegates’ conference of the alumni association.

    The VC said: “As members of a functional alumni association, you are expected to continuously mobilise graduates of the university into your fold, foster bonding, unity and cooperation among every member. Your action and activities should support the university administration at all times, not just with finances and resources, but also contacts. Your action must project the school in good light.”

    The VC recalled that the alumni body was disorganised a few years ago, saying: “We quickly disbanded the rickety platform that was in place and started to constitute a functional body.”

    In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director of the University Advancement Office (UAO), Prof Francis Oyebade, noted that alumni relation was part of the mandate given to the UAO, praising the VC for ensuring stabilisation of the alumni association.

    Oyebade hailed members of the association for their commitment, while thanking the keynote speaker at the conference, Mr Olusegun Esho, for honouring the invitation.

    The conference, which has its delegates drawn from the five existing chapters of the association, was held in the university’s Multipurpose Hall.

    The elected officers are Patrick Oluyide, President, Denis Akinbobola, Vice-President 1, Oluwumi Ajayi, Vice President II, Sunday Ogunode, General Secretary, Gbenga Olukayode, Assistant General Secretary, Issa Adebayo, Treasurer, Mr Afolabi Jayeola, Financial Secretary and Oluwaseyi Oluwalade, Event and Publicity Officer.

    Others are Abimbola Oladunmiye, Legal Adviser, Mrs. Olubukola Aduwo, Director of Women Services, Mrs Bisola Ogunsakin, Ex-officio and Kazeem Yusav, Ex-officio.

    Oluyide, in his acceptance speech, praised Prof Mimiko for showing interest and commitment to the alumni association. He promised the association would work with the management to enhance change and development of school.