Paul University inaugurates 25-man governing council
Ibezim made the plea during the inauguration of the 25-member council of the university in Awka on Saturday.
He tasked the council members to work hard to rebrand and reposition the university, saying they should ensure there is no interruption to the school’s academic programme.
“The university should be first among equals, a point of reference and a towering influence in Nigeria’s educational system.
Ibezim said that the primary strategic audit of the situation on ground today at the university may disclose dire statistics.
“The student population is less than 1,000, but the debt profile is in hundreds of millions,” he said, urging members
that the huge debt overhang is speedily resolved.
“The campus should be given a face-lift, with good landscaping, paved walkways and drive ways.
“We picked egg heads available to us to ensure that their wealth of knowledge would be put to greater use for quality outputs,” he said.
Members of the council included Dr. Emeka Eze, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof Stella Okunna, Prof Benjamin Osisioma, Prof Oby Orogbu, Mr Herbert Dike, Joy Andy-Agbai, Ms Uchenna Okafor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, Dr Ekene Dibua, Mrs Grace Uloego Ofeoshi (Representing the national universities commission).
In his acceptance speech, Eze said that the University is a citadel of knowledge that would distinguish itself from others in its category.
He assured that council members would work with sincerity and honesty to build an iconic university.
“We have gathered to ensure that the University stands the test of time where the younger generations would wish to be to gain quality education.
“The Paul University, Awka, will be the hub where all sorts of creativity and educational development and growths will be achieved,” he said.
Eze said that members of the governing council are responsible individuals who will promote and propagate the affairs of the university for the benefit of the people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration ceremony was witnessed by over 30 clergy men and Awka community leaders.
Paul University was established in 2009 by Bishops of the five Ecclesiastical Provinces of the Anglican Church, East of the Niger.
But in 2023, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the most Revd Henry Ndukuba, directed the transfer, ownership and management of the university to the Anglican Diocese of Awka.
NAN report that the formal handover took place on December 21, 2023, with the Execution of the Deed of Transfer.
The transfer was based on lack of fund and commitment by the dioceses so it was agreed to transfer the ownership to a viable diocese to sustain the vision of the founding fathers.
