BY ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Nkem Adun, FNES JP, has noted that the very important Annual Lecture Series of UIAA was an initiative, drive and dedication to building an association committed to best practices and robust articulation of ideas to move our dear State and country to greater enviable heights.
Dr. Adun stated this in her welcome address at the 2022 University of Ibadan Alumni Association Annual Public Service Lecture with the theme REVITALIZING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: The Leadership Question, delivered by Prof Paul O Omaji, Vice Chancellor, Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), at The Press Center, Government House, Asaba, on Thursday, 23 June, 2023.
According to Dr. Mrs Felicia Adun, “It has become a focal point for elevated discourse and has remained a main driver of thought, ideas and policy reforms. It aims at proferring solutions to topical issues affecting our body polity”.
She revealed that the lecture series has spanned over three (3) decades and has been delivered by very eminent Nigerians.
“Today’s lecture topic, “Revitalizing University Education: The Leadership Question” is apt, it is riveting especially in the face of incessant ASUU Strikes. The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Paul Omaji, is a two-time Vice Chancellor of universities in Nigeria with an outstanding track record of accomplishment in university teaching, administration, public policy and management”. She added.
In her address, Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, President, UIAA, Worldwide, disclosed that the Annual Public Service Lecture was one of the ways the association provide platform for scholars annually to lead discussion on topical issues that affect our country and the world at large.
Prof. Adewoye, who was represented by the First Vice President, UIAA Worldwide, Prof. Uche Uzokwe, noted that the Asaba chapter of UIAA has produced two Worldwide presidents and other worldwide Officers who have showed great commitment to duty.
Declaring the program open, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor, Delta State and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that the University of Ibadan (UI) has contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria’s human resources. That it should also be supported in every facet of its development plans and sustainable growth.
While saying he was delighted to be at the 2022 Annual Public Service Lecture of the alumni of Nigeria’s premier university, Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (PS), Office Of The Secretary to the State Government Comrade Samuel Dieatake, noted that “the University of Ibadan has continued to produce very productive, capable and dependable work force both within the country and beyond”.
The 2023 PDP Vice Presidential Candidate disclosed that he was impressed by the choice of this year’s lecture, titled, REVITALIZING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: The Leadership Question, especially as the guest speaker was Prof. Paul O. Omaji, who himself, was a veteran educationist, two times Vice Chancellor and current Vice-Chancellor of The Admiralty University of Nigeria, lgbuzor, Delta State.
“Prof. Paul Omaji is in the best position to give us, not only an intellectual angle but from the standpoint of a participant observer. The lingering ASUU strike has almost become an albatross on every successive government’s neck and therefore calls for incisive introspection into the causes and possible solutions. I hope this lecture and the attendant discussion therefrom, will ignite a workable foundation to formulate and implement relevant policies to bring the needed enduring solutions to the incessant strikes in our universities that have threatened and continue to question the integrity and sustainability of our educational Sector”. Okowa stated.
He said the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Asaba chapter, has a rich history and proud heritage, especially with an assemblage of eminent Nigerians who have continued to live up to the high expectations of both Nigerians and the world at large.
“I have followed with keen interest, the activities of the Asaba Chapter over the years, and I am sincerely impressed that it has, in all ramifications, remained unwavering in fostering scholarship, national unity and good family values. This is certainly a source of inspiration. More importantly, this event is a clear testimony that we still cherish the memory of both our stay and study at the great UI.
“I wish to underscore the impact of alumni associations in the development of university education the world over. Such associations play key roles in the development of key infrastructure and facilities, which have made significant contributions to the growth of some of the world-famous universities and other educational institutions. They also provide a forum for alumni interaction with both current staff and students”. Governor Okowa added.
According to the University of Ibadan trained medical doctor turned politician, “any university aspiring to the status of being world-class must cultivate a robust relationship with its alumni. I, therefore, call for concerned efforts among UI alumni to leverage on the university’s goodwill in attracting more development projects for its sustainable growth”.
Governor Okowa, who revealed that the Delta State Government has anchored its vision with a strong emphasis on human capital development, said “It is our belief that education built around skil!s acquisition, holds the key to the future of the State and indeed, of any society. This explains why we take education in all its ramifications very seriously. Special attention is yearly accorded to the sector in infrastructural development and re-equipping of the entire spectrum.
“I commend the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Asaba chapter, for putting together this 2022 Annual lecture. I wish to assure you that I will always support the university in any way I can and I expect every alumnus to do the same”.