The first is for finding me worthy of appointment as Vice-Chancellor and supporting me robustly throughout his tenure.
Professor Nlerum Okogbule, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for transcending political biases and permitting him to fulfil his term.
During a special end-of-tenure lecture entitled ‘Starting Strong and Finishing Well,’ held in his honor at the university’s Senate Chamber. The VC expressed his appreciation for the governing councils and chairpersons who collaborated with him throughout his five-year tenure, while also emphasizing several accomplishments achieved during that time.
The VC said, “Let me specially acknowledge and appreciate the former and present visitors of our great university, former governor, Nyesom Wike and the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The first is for finding me worthy of appointment as Vice-Chancellor and supporting me robustly throughout his tenure.
“The second for keeping faith with me upon his assumption of office as governor and continuing to support me in the course of my assignment as Vice Chancellor and not allowing political sentiments to influence him to act differently.
“I therefore owe him a debt of gratitude for this action that is uncommon in the Nigerian political landscape.
“By the grace of God and with the support of the Rivers State government, we have been able to graduate and induct the first set of medical doctors in this university. We have also been able to graduate and induct the first set of nurses from this great university.
He said, “We have also been able to establish and solidify the functioning of the satellite campuses of our university and the demolition of the security village that became a den of criminals on the campus.”
Prof. Abdulwahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, praised Prof. Okogbule for “performing creditably in one of the most challenging jobs in the world.” He regarded his tenure as successful. Prof. Okogbule was the guest lecturer at the event.
During his presentation on the subject, Professor Egbewole emphasized the importance of individuals in Nigeria demonstrating a higher level of work ethics.
“Nigeria’s poor work ethic is a major bane of our development that is often ignored. While major national re-orientation programmes have been launched, but with insignificant success, it is perhaps apposite to advocate ethical reforms at institutional level for leadership success.
“The responsibility for generating an inspiring ecosystem in the workplace falls squarely on institutional leaders. Leaders must instill values that promote excellence, integrity, accountability, and productivity.”
It was stated by Justice Odili, who was also the chairman of the occasion, that the event served as a platform for the departing Vice-Chancellor to share his successes and failures with the institution, and vice versa. Professor Okogbule was praised for his intense concentration and unwavering commitment to the cause.
The chairman said, “He is patient and focused. He has contributed tremendously to making the Faculty of Law of this university one of the best in the country. Through his services as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty of Law, Dean of the Post-Graduate school, and Vice-Chancellor, he has made this university a stronger contender to the claim of being one of the best universities in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the 13th and now the 14th governing council, I want to thank Prof. Okogbule for his cordial relationship and works with the governing councils to realize the dreams of the founding fathers of the university and in the present, the current visitor, the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, whose desire for this university is that it will be the best in the country.”