EZE BOWS OUT AS FUTO VC, ROLLS OUT HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze 5 years tenure as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO ends this Friday (19th June)as he rolls out his administration’s litany of achievements within the period, despite national and global challenges.

Eze disclosed these heart cheering news during what he described as a valedictory press briefing, which was part of the programs heralding his exit, held within the week at the Conference Hall of the University Senate Building Complex in which his successor Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti and other senior council members were in attendance.

According to the outgoing Vice Chancellor “5 years ago, I addressed you, the gentlemen of the press as the newly elected 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of this foremost University of technology, today I stand bold to tell the world that we have whethered the storms and challenges, inspite of the national and global socioeconomic woes. The good news is that we are ending on a happy note to the glory of God and humanity” he assured.

To what seems to have been accepted with intermittent but spontaneous applauses from the stakeholders around, obviously, it took Prof. Eze about one hour thirty eight minutes to finish reading out his administration’s comprehensive legacy achievements.

From the mien, applauses and standing ovations of the University chieftains, it’s an endorsement of the confirmation that his administration left giant strides in areas of projects rehabilitation, massive infrastructural transformation and development, attraction and accreditation of more Faculties, Schools, Departments and Courses.

Eze pointed out that his administration also received thumbs up for an improved welfare of the workers, students,host communities and mutual relationship with the Students Union Government,SUG.

He boldly informed that his administration was prudent in the management of her lean resources even as he made transparency and accountability their watch word.

The outing going Vice Chancellor lamented on the massive encroachment of the University land by her host communities and other interest groups which he said he doggedly tried to resolve through dialogue and documented evidences, yet no avail.

Eze regretted that all his efforts to fence the boundaries with perimeter walls were vehemently resisted by “misinformed” youths of the areas who he accused of pulling down the walls despite hundreds of millions of Naira spent.

He gave a sign of relief reporting that the state government have shown boldness, courage and determination in handling the matter and pledged of unflinching support and cooperation even outside the office.

One of his other regrets he said include the collapse of Ota Mmiri bridge that linked Obinze to Ihiagwa and other communities during his era. He noted the importance of the road to the university and her host communities, and the collapse of the bridge made the road users to create an emergency thorough fares using the university internal routes. This he decried as having some nuisance effects as a citadel of learning .

He re- appealed to Imo State government to consider as a priority the reconstruction of the bridge and rehabilitation of the road while insisting on its socioeconomic importance to the university and her host communities.

Despite his achievements, Prof Eze still believe that the University is a product of under funding and inadequate educational facilities, he canvassed on the need for private sectors and corporate organizations participation in assisting government in the funding of tertiary institutions as being done world over.

He applauded President Muhammad Buhari for finding him worthy of the appointment and services rendered, Prof Eze also expressed gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, the Ministers of Education and the Executive Secretary of TETFUND for their tremendous support and assistance, assuring them of God’s blessings for their labour of love.

Meanwhile, to confirm Prof Eze’s claims in education, welfare, projects rehabilitations and infrastructural transformation and advancement, Miss Scholar Onyenze, a level four student of ICT majoring in Software Engineering told The Authority that the students and the entire University community are not pleased as the Vice Chancellor’s tenure expires.
Onyenze described the outgoing VC as a father who understands the problems of the students and with a listening ear.

According to her” I joined the University four years ago. I met Prof. Eze as the university Vice Chancellor. Most of the students talks good of him because he understands their problems and treat it with military despatch. We nick named him Mr. Project because from Monday to Sunday he is supervising one on going project or the other. Honestly, we all will dearly missed him and his administrative acumen. Infact,he is a good Vice Chancellor” she attested.