You Are An Experienced Administrator, Adiaas Tells Iruo

 

By  Ebido Lucky

The Vice Chancellor of  Federal University Otuoke, Professor Teddy Charles Adias  has described the outgone Registrar  of the university, Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo as a selfless, humble and very experienced administrator. 

He said the University is proud to be associated with him as  is evident in the calibre of dignitaries that came from far and near to celebrate with him particularly his kinsmen from Nembe Kingdom.

Speaking recently  at the university as Chairman of  the occasion during a Sendforth  ceremony organised by the management of FUO to bid him farewell, the Vice Chancellor who is a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science  described as a jolly good fellow.

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In his presentation on the topic titled"Town And Gown: The Challenge.Of University Governance In Nigeria" the Guest Lecturer, Sir D∆avid Suowari who is the pioneer Registrar of FUO described University as the structures and the enabling laws that set up the institution for staff to deliver the mandate while  town and gown revolves around how to manage strange bedfellows.

The Guest Lecturer identified mega and micro town and gown relationship which he explained that mega is government and micro the host communities where the University is sited.

Speaking further the seasoned University Administrator said University management in Nigerian has brought to fore Government and host communities interference in employment, appointment of principal officers, contract award and JAMB selection in admission.

He hinted that government at the federal and state levels are becoming progressively  insensitive  to funding of Universities and staff welfare as manifested in the IPPIS payment platform that have failed to recognize the peculiarities of Universities which he added has devalued University autonomy.

On how to manage town and gown, the Guest Lecturer said Management should find a way to explain the laws  not known to the host communities who are  very aggressive and stick to laid down guidelines for admission, employment and contract award.

He recommended that members of the host communities should be drafted into PRO Unit who can easily interface with the locals and open up  advertisement of  contract, grant scholarships and admission slots to the people of the host communities and avoid invited the police at will in crises situations but explore other avenues to douse tension.

Sir David Suowari advised those privileged to serve as principal officers to leave indelible footprints while in office and commended the Vice Chancellor and his management team for transforming the landscape of FUO.

The Guest Lecturer expressed concern over the declining  knowledge  base of Registry staff and urged them to upgrade in order to enhance duty performance.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Onyema stated that the outgone Registrar removed the imaginary boundary between teaching and non teaching staff, and described him as a mountain of honour and prestige who worked harmoniously with the Vice Chancellor.

In their separate valeditory speeches, Mrs. Tariere Dapibi, Deputy Registrar, Establishment Unit, the SA VC, Mrs. Andabi Edomo Amange, SSANU Chairman FUO Branch, Comrade Kalizibe Joseph described the outgoing Registrar as humble, unassuming, resourceful, dependable.and always supported the workers struggle for improved conditions of service.

They prayed God to lift him to higher level of leadership in his future endeavors.

Also speaking Professor Cletus Akenbor said all the encomiums poured on the going Registrar by the various speakers  are attributes he possess in good measure, describing him as a man of proven integrity and honour, always willing to listen when approached.

Expressing his appreciation with an emotion laden voice, Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo, outgone Registrar placed on record that he is one of the major beneficiaries of the kind gesture of Professor Teddy Charles Adias having worked with him at College of Health Technology, Otuogidi Bayelsa  as  Registrar and  considered himself lucky to have same experience with the VC in FUO.

Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo said he considers his five years tenure as Registrar of the University very fulfilling to server under two Vice Chancellors, stressing that he is part of the  process that have increased the carrying capacity of the University from three faculties with 28 programmes  to 9 faculties with over 66 programmes and equally had the privilege to sign contract papers as secretary to council that have witnessed massive infrastructural development in FUO.

He thanked the pioneer Registrar, Sir David Suowari for laying a solid foundation for the Registry department and commended Mr. Kenneth Sonrandein for handling over the administration of the Registry to him when he assumed office.

He also thanked all the academic, registry staff, other non teaching staff and students for their support during his service that enabled him to succeed.

The Chairman of the Sentforth Organisating Committe, Mr. Kenneth Sonrandein in his vote of thanks on behalf of Management, Staff and Students described the Sendforth as.two dimensional which he stated provided opportunity to celebrate the tenure and life of Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo.

He commended the outgone Registrar for his meritorious service to the University and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The SA VC, Mrs. Andaibi Edomo Amange  supervised the cutting of the valedictory cake and also proposed the toast.

The Chief Security Officer of the University, Barr. Biobaragha Makalabh Rosalyn,  popularly known as Mama Rose in entertainment circuit led a team of dancers to entertain guests reminiscent of the Zulu tribe cultural performance.

The Nembe Council  of Chiefs, led by its Vice Chairman, Chief Clark Obiakpa, the member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Awudulu Douglas, Deans, Professors, HODs, Head of Units, staff and students graced the occasion.