The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Prof. Mrs C.U Njoku has pledged her commitment to foster growth and development within the institution during her tenure.
She made this statement during her 1st General Assembly with the University Community, which she described as a vital forum for meaningful interaction between the management, staff and students of the university.
Outlining her vision for the University, Prof. Mrs C.U Njoku stated that she shall run an open, decentralized and humane administration, where all members of the university community would participate actively. The administration, she emphasized will be transparent and accountable to all major stakeholders while collaborating with the various organs of the University to maintain and enhance existing harmonious working relationships.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted several key priorities of her administration, including academic development, staff and student welfare and revenue generation.
On academic development, she promised intensified efforts towards achieving full accreditation status for all programmes and the establishment of linkage arrangements with local and foreign universities for staff and student exchange programmes and exposure as well as the enhancement of campus infrastructures.
Addressing staff and student welfare, Prof. Njoku assured that existing backlogs of promotions and upgrading of staff shall be cleared and expressed her commitment to refocusing the Student Union Government (SUG) to engage in more meaningful activities for the achievement of academic and social goals.
Furthermore, she announced her intent to establish a peace and conflict resolution committee that will ensure justice, fairness and equity within the university.
A core focus of the Vice Chancellor’s address was the need to generate revenue internally for the university. She outlined several projects aimed at achieving this, including endowment funds, gifts, alumni contributions, the establishment of business enterprises and commercial ventures and a refocused entrepreneurship centre.
Prof. Njoku also hinted at the need for the establishment of an Office for University Development, a parent-management forum and an effective security system, stating that security is a collective responsibility of all.
Concluding her address, she highlighted critical areas for positive change of attitude and suitable values and principles for adoption while urging the University community to join her in lifting the University to an enviable height.
Following the address by the Vice-Chancellor, an interactive session ensued, during which members of the university community raised questions and offered suggestions for growth.
The assembly ended with a vote of thanks from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Uwaoma Kalu Uche, while members of the University extended their best wishes to the Vice-Chancellor and the new administration for a successful tenure.
