By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The newly inaugurated VC of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi on Monday at the University Main hall promised an investment in technology solutions for teaching, learning, infrastructure development and introduction of new academic programmes; establishment of linkages with local and global bodies.
Prof. Akinwumi who made the promise in his inaugural speech at the University permanent site on Monday noted that Utmost on the agenda of his administration is to also pursue the generation of funds to augment the Federal Government support and agency to aggregate contribution to the university’s annual budget.
Prof Akinwumi also promised to share his vision plan with an expanded management committee and set up a 120-day agender of the implementation plan.
“At the interview that gave me this job, I submitted a vision plan that outlined what I will do if I got the job. Now that I have the job, I have reviewed the plan alongside the university’s strategic plan.” He added.
Other development agenda according to him is to improve funding, institutionalization of university culture, meeting the needs of faculties, departments and units; promoting quality applied research; ensuring students and staff welfare; addressing labour matters respectively.
“We will transfer our campus to a beautiful green one. All new undergraduate and postgraduate students must plant and nurture and economic tree from entry to graduation adding by the time I complete my term in 1825 days we should have a minimum of 10,000 economic trees on our campus.” he assured.
“My primary goal is to add value to the university stated mission which is to be the best among the nine newly-established Federal universities and one of the 10-top ranking universities in Africa.”
“In this category, the top three universities are Dutse, Oye-Ekiti and Tashere. We are number 78 in Nigeria, 255 in Africa and 10,600 in the world.”
“Our efforts to improve on our ranking commences today as I possess varied local and global experience, I know these hills and determination the Goodwill of employers vide the governing and that of the host community”.
“Most importantly, I know how passionate the students and staff of this university are. With all this, I am determined to raise the bar in the standard and fortune of the Federal University Lokoja.”
The university has a unique mission to train employable graduates through competency-based teaching, applied research and practical community service to the catchment area, Africa and the world.
Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones said the ministry of education under his leadership has had a wonderful working relationship with FUL as he is looking forward to more synergy with Education on prime position in the New Direction Agenda of the state government.
“I am not convinced that with what you have accomplished, I am optimistic that the Federal University, Lokoja is in the best hands towards development.”
The new VC subsequently undertook a facility tour of the infrastructures on ground at the Permanent Site in Felele area of Lokoja.
Before his new appointment, Prof. Akinwumi, a professor of history served as Head of Department of History, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Director, Institute of Governance and Security Studies; Dean, Postgraduate School and Deputy Vice-chancellor Academics at Nasarawa State University, Keffi 35 years ago.
