From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Niger Delta youths under the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria (NDYCN) at the weekend urged the Federal Government and all authorities concerned to make Professor Okechukwu Onuchukwu the substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This is just as the group conferred a distinguished award of excellence on Prof Onuchukwu in acknowledging his numerous landmark achievements, including infrastructural development, commitment to the welfare of staff and students, security, and upgrade of academic standards in the institution.
President of NDYCN (an umbrella body for oil-producing states) Comrade Ufuoma Victor Erharhine in a statement eulogised the leadership qualities of Onuchukwu whom he described as a detribalised public servant with a passion for academic excellence and high moral standard.
Ufuoma listed the introduction of installment payments of school fees for struggling students, accreditation of six departments by the National Universities Commission (NUC), annual welfare packages to staff, upgrade of infrastructures on campus, and introduction of dress code among others as achievements of the acting VC since assumption of duty.
Ufuoma further commended the acting VC for restoring a good and warm relationship between lecturers and students which was hitherto cold and poor.
“We the youth of Niger Delta wish to applaud a man of exemplary leadership, unequaled patriotism for country, and love for students.
“Professor Okechukwwu Onuchukwu has distinguished self in excellent service, selfless commitment to academic excellence, and high moral standard as acting VC of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
“A visit to the campus will convince any doubting Thomas as the general view of the institution of higher learning is wearing a new and improved look worthy of commendation by all.
“It is in the light of this rare feat achieved by the head of this ivory tower within a short period, the youth of Niger Delta felt we should acknowledge and recognize good work by conferring an award of excellence on Professor Onuchukwu.
“We are equally advocating that he should be made the substantive Vice Chancellor of the school in the interest of continuity so that he can consolidate on achievements made so far,” the statement read in part.