Unizik VC, Others Draw Roadmap For University New Staff

GABRIEL CHY ALONTA

Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone FAS, the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Tuesday, reeled out measures expected of the newly employed academic staff of the university to improve productivity, as well as achieve the ‘Project 200’ of the university.

Esimone spoke to the new staff at the orientation seminar organised by the university in collaboration with Career and Counselling Development Centre (CCDC) of the university. The event was themed, “In Pursuit of a Rewarding Career in the University System”, and held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the university.

It was gathered that newly employed non-teaching staff of the university would also receive orientation seminars to align the labour force towards attaining the ‘Vision 200’ of the current administration.

While declaring the event open, Esimone, reminded the staff that it was uncommon privilege to be among those employed, and urged them to make wise use of the opportunity in contributing to the development of the institution. He said the employment was informed by the need to tackle the work overload previously complained by staff, as well as to give succour to teeming jobless but qualified youths in Nigeria.

The vice-chancellor told his audience to imbibe the spirit of hard work and dedication in the discharge of their duties, and urged them to take the welfare of students as sacrosanct. He warned the academic staff against engaging in any form of vices that could mar their career in the institution.

Esimone, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences, implored the lecturers to be good shepherds to their students and worthy ambassadors of the university. He also tasked the new lecturers on professional development.

According to him, you must see this new role as an opportunity to provide service to God first, and to man. Teach the students with all your hearts and avoid quest for immediate gain, so you will reap your reward.

“Be a role model to your students and model worthwhile virtues to them; Be an ambassador of the vice-chancellor and a good image of the university. “Also, be a good shepherd and seek the welfare of your students, make yourself available to them. Do not exploit your students but invest in them so you can reap the benefit”, the vice-chancellor advised.

In an address, the director, Career and Counselling Development Centre, Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu said the occasion would further assist new intakes to understand the university environment and the techniques needed to function optimally to ensure survival and development. While admonishing participants to always play by the rules guiding the university, Obi-Nwosu, a university council member-elect, reminded the new lecturers of their roles in advancing the ‘Vision 200’ of the institution.

In a presentation on ‘Discipline and Career Progression in Project 200’, Prof. Chinyelu Nwokolo from Department of Guidance and Counselling, who doubles as the deputy director, (CCDC), enjoined participants to be of high moral conduct, while warning them against fighting, lateness to work, insubordination, improper dressing, plagiarism, bickering, among other ills.

Earlier in a remark, the chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Chapter (ASUU-NAU), Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, said it was needful to induct new staff to acclimatise them with the university system. He disclosed that the event was first of its kind, and commended the university management for such gesture. He said the occasion would help the new lecturers to know what is expected of them, even as he assured that the union would continue to see to their welfare.

Prof. Richard Uwakwe, Head, Department of Mental Health, who spoke on ‘Ethics and Work Harmony’, had, in a presentation, encouraged the new lecturers to be professional in all their conducts, and warned that the university disciplinary committee would not hesitate to mete punitive measures on any person found wanting.

Distribution of General and Academic Regulations, as well as questions and answers formed the high points of the one-day orientation seminar.