By Oscar Kambona
Students from the Niger Delta region on Thursday, singled out the Provost of Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu, Dr Phillips Nto, over his patriotic role that led to the emergence of Prof M. O . Iwe as the new vice chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
The students, who visited Nto, also a former Finance Commissioner, in Umuahia, expressed gratitude to him for mobilising wide support for Prof Iwe before and during the selection process.
According to the students, who were led to the visit by Comrade Cyril Samuel Ekpe, Vice president (East) of Niger Delta students Union, Otuonye Famous , president Students Union, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike and Comrade Frank Eme Orji, NANS zonal representative, Nto’s principled, consistent and support for the out going and incoming vice Chancellor helped on the victory.
Comrade Orji told the Provost that they were aware that he stood firm for Iwe even at the risk of his life and described him as a born leader with a lot of prospects.
The union leader noted further that it would have been a great injustice if Abia State had been denied the opportunity to produce the next vice chancellor of MOUAU.
“We are here to commend you for fighting for Abia State and the entire MOUAU students because Prof Iwe was simply the best among the pack”, Orji said.
He urged the provost to continue to support Iwe, when he assumes office so that the collective vision of taking MOUAU to new heights would be realised.
Responding, Nto, also a former World Bank consultant, told the students that only God can take the glory for the appointment of Iwe as the new vice chancellor.
He said that himself, the incumbent vice Chancellor and the council among others were only instruments in the hands of God. He further thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his moral and support that made it possible for Iwe to emerge victorious.
He said that although he vigorously campaigned for the emergence of Iwe because of his sterling qualities, God heard the prayers of millions of Abians who clamoured for one of their own.
The Provost expressed confidence that although Iwe is from Abia State, he would be just in the exercise of power and run an inclusive administration.
According to the provost, Iwe is a highly experienced and cerebral academic who will lead thej institution to a new dawn.
He therefore urged the students and staff to give their support to the new administration, assuring them of better days ahead.
