ALIYU, Ibrahim Jidda
The Chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Olu Obafemi has vowed to consolidate on the gains of the University and nurture it to the attainment of the dreams of its founding fathers.
The Chairman made this commitment on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 during separate interactive sessions with the Congregation and Senate of the University, held at the University Auditorium, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano, Minna.
Prof. Obafemi expressed delight on the solid background of the University which has led to its designation as “Centre of Excellence” in different areas of specialisation.
The Pro-Chancellor, who is a Professsor of English and Dramatic Literature, former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and Chairman, National Museum and Monuments, said members of the Governing Council were carefully selected due to their proven integrity and appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing them into the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
He went further to challenge the Congregation and Senate to do their best in all aspects, just as he enjoined his fellow Council members to equally work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them throughout their tenure.
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, fsssn, remarked that the University has been historically lucky by the calibre of Chairmen of Council appointed to it.
The Vice-Chancellor added that given the composition of the Council, he was optimistic that the institution is going to have a working Council.
Prof. Bala said the essence of the interaction was for the Chairman to unravel his mission and policies to the Congregation and Senate while in the University.
The interactions featured question and answer sessions as well as comments and suggestions by members of Congregation and Senate.
Particularly, the Vice-Chancellor ensured that representatives of all the staff unions in the institution: Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities,SSANU; National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT and the National Association of Staff of Universities and allied Institutions, NASU spoke during the interaction with Congregation and Senate.
The Union assurances of cooperation with the new Council, while the Pro-Chancellor in response promised to meet with them at an appointed time for more interactions.
Recall that Federal Government had in July 15, 2021 inaugurated Councils of Federal Universities in the country, with membership comprising academics, technocrats and politicians at a ceremony held at the National Universities Commission, Abuja.
Photos: Elijah Yisa