Vice chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, Abia State, Professor Hilary Edeoga has told students of the university who overwhelmed by the VC’s achievements have called for his reappointment as the University’s VC for another five years, that it is against the rules of the federal university for a sitting Vice Chancellor to seek a second term in any university even as he appreciated their show of solidarity for his modest achievements in the University.
Professor Hilary EdeogaAddressing the students who had converged at the academic block of the university campus in a rare show of solidarity Professor Edeoga said his joy is derived from the fact that the students and posterity would reckon with his achievements in the university, adding that it was not to seek a second term that he committed himself to the transformation of the university.
Prof Edeoga said, “Today I am a fulfilled man and this is the first time since I came to this university in 1999 to see this kind of support as I have been head of department, dean, deputy vice chancellor twice and now VC, I have never seen this type of support”.
The VC said he was also happy that the reason he sought to be the VC of the institution, the students, were appreciating his achievements in the university and promised to do more before leaving office in the next one year and eight months.
He told the students that the rule governing federal universities which gives the VC a single term of 5 years, has no room for second term, “Therefore what you are asking will not be possible, but I am not leaving today or tomorrow, as I still have almost two years to stay with you people”.
Presenting their address to the VC earlier, the senate president of National Association of Abia State Students [NAASS], Chris Nkuma said that they decided to celebrate a man whose administrative savvy had brought peace and unprecedented transformation in the university.
Nkuma said that the day is a great day in the history of the university as the students of the host state for the first time in the history of Nigeria is celebrating their VC for his good works and described Prof Edeoga as an icon of development.
He further noted that the students from the state are celebrating the VC and asking him to run for another term of 5 years because of his achievements in the university, having turned the fortunes of the institution around for the benefit of the students, staff and the host community.
The NAASS senate president said, “This is the first VC to have given admission to students of the host state, introduced many new academic programmes including the medical and surgery college, which will help to improve the health sector of the state.
Nkuma said that the good works of Prof Edeoga are there for all to see and that, “We believe that because of his good works that his state and the country will one day remember him for higher position”.
Responding, Prof Edeoga said, “Today I am a fulfilled man and this is the first time since I came to this university in 1999 to see this kind of support as I have been head of department, dean, deputy vice chancellor twice and now VC, I have never seen this type of support”.
Prof Edeoga said that he is also happy that the reason he sort to be the VC of the institution which are the students are appreciating his achievements in the university and promised to do more before leaving office in the next one year and eight months remaining.