Workers from their Ikwerre ethnic nationality at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education have been advised not to use their tribal relationship with the headship of the university to do things that would discredit the present administration.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku advised after he was invested as a patron of Ogbakor Ikwerre, a socio-cultural organization of the Ikwerre nationality at the institution, on Friday, April 14, 2023, on the senior staff club.
The event was also used to appreciate members that have contributed to the growth of the body, honor professors from the nationality at the university that have presented their inaugural lectures, send forth retirees, and receive newly employed Ikwerre sons and daughters at the place.
Onuchuku reminded his kinsmen and women that other ethnic groups are watching their activities, and warned that he would not hesitate to invoke relevant sanctions on those who break the institution’s rules and regulations.
“Don’t do wrong things because your brother is the head, others are watching you. I will not fail to sanction those that flout the university rules and regulations”, he warned.
The vice-chancellor commended the retirees for their commitment to the development of the institution, while also informing them that they could be called from time to time for useful advice.
He also applauded the professors that have presented their inaugural lectures, describing it as the height of achievement for every academic, as he guided the new workers to respect authorities, be committed to their duties, as well as plan towards growth in their different fields.
Onuchuku extolled the leadership of the body, cautioned them to be mindful of public funds, and assured them that he would continue to maintain a strong identity with the body throughout his headship of the institution.
In the same vein, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre worldwide, Professor Emenike Wami, who applauded the unity of the Ikwerre nationality at the university, warned that they should not abuse their positions because their brother is in-charge.
Wami equally praised the leadership for holding the occasion, describing it as encouraging, as he reminded the new staff of the need to improve themselves through higher studies, and lauded the vice-chancellor for the transformations he has brought to the place.
Earlier, the chairperson of Ogbakor Ikwerre at the university, Associate Professor Stanley Mandah, disclosed that the formation of the body has encouraged unity and trust among members.
Mandah said the event was organized to appreciatelateeIkwerrethesthe ons and daughters that have positively projected the identity of the body and to also advise the newly employed on work ethics in the university.
Some of the achievements of the body, he said, include strong identification with any member who invites the body to any event, investiture of a patron and a matron, commencement of the presentation of awards to every Ikwerre professor that has presented inaugural lecture, as well as send forth party for all retirees.
He equally listed the need for a bus to attend events hosted by members and the lack of funds to sustain the activities of the body as some of the challenges confronting it.
Responding on behalf of the retirees and award recipients, Mr . Solomon Okechukwu, expressed happiness that the body honored them while they are still alive and assured their readiness to uplift Ogbakor Ikwerre at the university.
The oath of office on the new executive was administered by Barrister Chris Didia, a Deputy Registrar and head of the university legal unit.
