It was carnival of sorts, in an atmosphere of conviviality, as the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, welcomed the pioneer Governing Council of the newly upgraded but first generation citadel of learning, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Sen. Dr. Joy Emodi, CON.
The council members touched down on the campus at about 10am on the morning of Wednesday, 24th July, 2024, to a warm reception by the University community headed by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi.
The Council proceeded to the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office where formal introductions and familiarisation took place before they moved to the new Senate building of the University, where they met with the University Senate.
The Pro-Chancellor, Distinguished Senator Dr. Emodi, while addressing the University Senate expressed her desire to work with all and sundry to make the dream of the young University come true.
The next port of call was the Jubilee Hall at the University where the Council met with Congregation. The Pro-Chancellor informed the University community that not only is she an educationist, having been a former teacher in a Teacher Training College, she is also a seasoned legal practitioner and while in the Senate, she was the Chairman of the Committee on Education. Distinguished Sen. Dr Emodi added that she is highly equipped to confront the challenges of the institution and ensure that the dreams of the University community were not derailed.
Speaking to Congregation, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi said that she could not hide her elation at the composition of the Governing Council which had a seasoned educationist and lawmaker as Chairman, a Professor, a unionist and other professionals of repute as members. She asserted that it was obvious that the Almighty had willed that the University will thrive and excel.
The meeting with Congregation gave way to a courtesy call on the traditional rulers of the University’s host communities.
Prior to meeting with Congregation, the Pro-Chancellor held meetings with the labour unions in the University, the various arms of the Students’ Union, a delegation of staff members from Anambra State and some special interest groups.
The Governing Council will continue its activities with meetings, facility visits and a call on the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON.