By Raphael Okhiria
Former Acting Registrar, University of Benin and Executive Director, Independent Television and Radio and member of the Governing Council of Igbenedion University Okada, Lady Celerina Mercy Ojomo, has described Edo State University Uzairue, as one in which other universities should go and learn how to practice and manage diversity and inclusion for the overall productivity and performance of an organization.
Lady Ojomo who was the guest lecturer at the 8th founder’s day ceremony of the Edo State University Uzairue was represented by Dr. Osa Oghator, Director, Institute of Public Administration, UNIBEN, said good leadership diversity and inclusion can be achieved in every institutions in Nigeria.
The guest lecturer whose lecture titled “A Clarion Call For Diversity and Inclusion In University Administration” stated that the overall diversity and inclusion in university administration are imperative for creating an environment where all members of the community feel valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.
She highlighted some of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion to include, reflecting students’ Diversity; enhancing decision making; promoting equity and access, setting a positive example; preparing students for a diverse world and impact on employee.
In conclusion, she said enhancing diversity and inclusion in university administration is essential for creating a welcoming and equitable campus towards a more diversity and inclusive administrative team.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja who was represented by Prof. Michael Ozavehe Ogirima, said university administration needs to be guided by the concept of Diversity and Inclusion In the management of the system as it captures one of the major criteria of ranking universities.
He said Edo State University Uzairue just as others universities, the core objectives are anchored on teaching, research and community development, adding that these objectives must first achieve in a conducive academic environment where diversity and inclusion are the watchdog.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who is the visitor of the university commended the management of the University for providing quality educational standard in the institution.
The governor who was represented at the ceremony by Prof. Theophilus Agweda, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Ambrose Alli university Ekpoma, said the institution had not only maintained standard in delivery quality education, but also maintained a steady calenders throughout its operations.
Gov. Obaseki however thanked the management under the leadership of Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor for their sacrifice in keeping the institution flag flying. He admonished and implored the management to ensure peaceful atmosphere for learning.
“I want to thank the management under the leadership of Prof Emmanuel Aluyor for the great work he is doing to this university
“Under my watch as the governor of Edo State, education at all level in the state will continue to receive greater attention and will continue to ensure that the university is fully supported to play a vital role in the educational transformation of the state and Nigeria at large,” Obaseki said
In his remarks, the pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the university, Emeritus professor Thomas O.K Audu said that, the “Founders’ Day is a moment to remind ourselves the institutional culture and principles that emphasized our mission. It is a time to celebrate those who had the vision to sow a seed of knowledge that benefits others and to say we are grateful for contributing to the society.
He went further to state that the celebration is an opportunity to remind us to always sow a good seed because every seeds sowed has the potential to affect people either positively or negatively but in our own case, it is affecting people positively.
According to him, Edo State University Uzairue is a definition of good seed that stimulates growth in Nigerian universities system.
He stated further that in the last eight years, the university has made a lot of giant strides which include; Introduction of new courses, completion of students’ entrepreneur eatery building to complement their recreational centre, construction of additional male and female hostels for suitable accomodations for students, expansion of postgraduate school, construction of table water company for the university, transformation and elevation of the central hospital in Auchi to a full fledged Teaching Hospital.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university Engr Prof Emmanuel Aluyor appreciated the management of the university and highlighted the various notable achievements the university has witnessed over the years.
He said the university began with two faculties and eight programmes, but with the expansion of nine Faculties offerings over thirty undergraduate programs.
He added that, the Edo State University, Uzairue was honoured as the 10th best University in Nigeria, 2nd best State university in Nigeria, and the best University in the south-south geopolitical zone by the National University Commission (NUC) and Times Higher Education Impact Ranking.
According to him, the first of graduate from the faculty of law has accomplished a welcome feat in the Bar final examination
The College of Post graduate studies in the university has distinguished itself through its highly successful programs offering PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, MPhil and PhD degrees across various faculties.
The VC further revealed that the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Uzairue teaching hospital Auchi with the aid of teaching its own medical students.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the commissioning of male and female hostel as well as the inauguration of an eatery built by the Entrepreneurship Unit of the Edo State University Uzairue.
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