Jubilation as ASUU Commissions new Ultramodern Secretariat in Unizik, holds NDC
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
Former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi flanked by the Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone FAS at the weekend commissioned the newly completed ultra modern Secretariat complex of ASUU Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
Commissioning the ultra modern ASUU secretariat, Prof. Ogunyemi stated that it is his privilege to be part of the commissioning of the ASUU NAU edifice.
He stated that the take off of the branch will enhance the movement of Nigerian University system and as well increase the contributions of ASUU in nation building, growth and development.
The ASUU President prayed God for a successful 21st National Delegate Conference, wishing that the conference will experience a fruitful deliberation where participants will be renewed, elongated, rejuvenated and renewed.
The scholar also prayed that the building will pass from generation to another, all geared towards raising the visibility of ASUU and in furtherance to the betterment of Nigerian Educational system.
www.odogwublog.com reports that the ASUU NAU Secretariat complex foundation was laid on June 13th 2018 under the tenure of current UNIZIK SIWES Director, Prof. Dennis Aribidor with Prof. Joseph Ahaneku then as the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK.
Meanwhile, www.odogwublog.com reports further that this is coming as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Engr. Dr. Steve Ufoaroh has said his leadership has successfully completed the first phase of its ultramodern ASUU Secretariat Complex.
Comrade Ufoaroh stated this during his address at the 21st Edition of the National Delegates Conference (NDC) held at the new ASUU-UNIZIK secretariat.
Comrade Dr. Ufoaroh stated that the Secretariat complex which was commissioned on Friday by the outgoing President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi has experienced the first phase of completion, emphasizing that the second phase will see the construction of the NUPEMCO and Cooperative building while the third phase will be the construction of the ASUU NAU Guest House.
Comrade Ufoaroh highlighted the content of the completed first phase as Auditorium, Digital Library, Gymnasium, Restaurant, Rest room and Mini-Conference hall for executive meetings. Ufoaroh eulogized the immense effort and sacrifice of members of the union within his three years at the helm as ASUU NAU chair while stating that he is poised to ensure the completion of the remaining project.
Ufoaroh thanked the leadership of ASUU and the National Executive Council (NEC) for honouring the institution with the hosting right of the conference.
Dignitaries at the occasion were members of the University Management and Principal officers led by UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, UNIZIK ASUU Chair, Comrade Dr. Steve Ufoaroh; Presidents of NUC, TUC, NASU, NAAT, SSANU, ASUP, Executive Secretaries of NUC and TETFund; and Registrar of TRCN.
As well, the Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS has described the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-NAU) and the ASUU National body as a critical factor in the quest for the actualization of the Project 200 of his administration.
Prof Esimone stated this in his address at the 21st National Delegates Conference (NDC) of ASUU holding at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat complex UNIZIK.
Prof. Esimone while commending the Comrade Steve Ufoaroh led Exco of ASUU NAU chapter, stated that ASUU-NAU has given his administration a reassuring cooperation in his two years in office as the Vice Chancellor, emphasizing that the relationship between University administration and the staff union need not to be adversarial, although feathers may be occasionally ruffled.
The Vice Chancellor of Unizik pointed out that the present administration in the institution and ASUU have a mutual stake in the survival and thriving of the University on which continued employment is predicated.
The Professor of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology described ASUU as the soul and conscience of the Nigerian University system as it has fought and continues to fight many battles, sometimes getting bruised in the process in order to better the welfare of its members and more importantly for the provision of a more congenial University ambience in teaching, learning and research.
Prof. Esimone thanked the leadership of ASUU and the National Executive Council (NEC) for honouring the institution with the hosting right of the important and memorable conference.
