The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, has commended the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), for spearheading the struggle for the continuous improvements in university education in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor gave the commendation on Wednesday when representatives of the union paid him a courtesy call in his office.
Prof Egwunyenga, who was one-time ASUU Chairman in the university, pointed out that university education is important to drive human capital development and technological innovation in any society through teaching, research and community service. He promised that Delta State University will continue to partner with ASUU to promote and sustain improvements in standards of education, staff welfare and community service which are among the cardinal objectives of the union.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the achievements of Delta State University, especially in the area of continuous upward mobility in rankings by credible university ranking agencies are largely the efforts of lecturers in the university who operate on ASUU principles of quality and selfless service, diligence and honesty. He promised that the university will continue to provide conducive environments for lecturers to continue to excel.
Earlier in his address to the Vice Chancellor, the leader of the national delegation to the university, Prof Prof Monday Igbafen, informed him that their visit was to oversee the election process, inauguration, and the complete handover of union management to the newly elected officials of the Delta State University Chapter of ASUU, in accordance with the unions constitution. Prof Igbafen noted that they chose to pay the Vice Chancellor a courtesy call in recognition of his status as a comrade, given his previous service as a one-time Chairman of ASUU at the university.
In the election that followed afterwards, under the supervision of the ASUU Delsu Electoral Committee, chaired by Prof Emman Mordi, and closely monitored by the national officials of the union, Comrade Paul Opone emerged as Chairperson while Comrade Emmanuel Emama emerged as Vice Chairperson. Other elected officials include Comrade Festus Omosor, Secretary; Comrade Albert Ofuokwu, Treasurer; Comrade Norah Ekoko, Welfare Officer; Comrade Nicholas Alumona, Financial Secretary and Comrade Friday Okwonu, Investment Secretary. Prof Mordi pointed out that the positions of Internal Auditor and Assistant Secretary, which remained vacant after the election will be filed in a bye-election scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, as provided for by the union constitution.
Patrick Ijeh (08033549955)
Deputy Director, Ceremonials, Information, and Public Relations
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria